Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Mackey.
Hi Jennifer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I moved from Atlanta, GA, to Dallas, TX, in March 2023. I wanted to be closer to my family in San Antonio, TX, but I did not like the feel of San Antonio. I decided to look at two other thriving cities nearby, Dallas and Houston and decided to settle in Dallas after visiting several times because of the city’s infrastructure and diversity. I’m a newcomer to Dallas, and I’m thoroughly enjoying my new surroundings. I love the city and what it has to offer, such as meeting amazing people and joining different groups. I’m definitely looking forward to joining groups to participate in and surrounding myself with like-minded professionals. I had to learn to venture out on my own when I first moved to Dallas to learn about the city. The one thing that I learned about Texas is that everything is big, and that’s not a saying. I have never seen so much land in my entire life. I admit that it’s a slower pace than Atlanta, but the city infrastructure is better and easier to navigate, which I love. As I drive down the highway sometimes, I laugh because I can’t believe how easy it is to drive here and all the interstates you can take to get somewhere. The only thing that bothers me the most is how crazy the drivers are on the highway, which I had to get used to, lol. I have one beautiful daughter and grandson who remains in Atlanta with her husband.
In 2003, I worked with a Class A Commercial Property Management Firm in Atlanta, GA. I felt the salary compensation was not enough for my hard work, so I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue a career in real estate with no money and a little girl. I started working with a new construction builder and received proper training to sell new houses. It was a great opportunity for me to start my career as a successful real estate agent, and I couldn’t be happier. I think if I had to start over and become a new agent now, it would be more difficult because everything is harder and more expensive.
Over time, I gained experience by taking classes and working with several national builders in the industry. Later, I decided to switch gears and pursue general real estate. This was a learning curve because I became self-employed instead of employed. As a result, I had to set up my own business and run everything like a true business owner, which was very new for me. I had to learn all the steps to being compliant, including setting up my business name, tax ID, payroll, etc. Running your own business is hard as a small business owner, especially when it comes to finding buyers and seller leads. Although most of the people who looked like me would not help, I had to rely on other people who were willing to share information. Luckily, they were happy to give me some expert tips on generating leads and creating long-lasting relationships. I’m so grateful God led me to the right people in this business because a lot of realtors do not like sharing information and their success in the business. Everything is hush-hush and very competitive.
Despite my challenges and rough times, I was willing to fight through the difficulties until I had created enough business to be sustainable. This business is about building relationships and treating people how you want to be treated. It’s a small world out here, and you have to treat people right. I can happily say I have sold well over 200 million in sales in my career, and it feels good that I could help so many families become homeowners. I even took it a step further to eventually become certified as a Luxury Home Specialist, allowing me the credentials to sell luxury homes to the elite, and I felt that it was important to attain that certification if I wanted to level up.
I have been in the real estate industry for 20 years and can honestly say I have seen and heard it all. You literally learn something every day. Real estate is a relationship business; you must be willing to dig in the trenches and smile even when you don’t want to. I can tell anyone who wants to be a Realtor to be sure to have at least six months of savings in the bank and to be ready and dedicated to work seven days a week in the beginning because it’s not easy. There are so many fees you have to pay out of pocket and marketing expenses. I have gone completely broke and sometimes had to borrow money from my family until my next closing. I learned very quickly that you cannot count on a closing until you actually close because anything can go wrong before closing or at the closing table. Let’s not mention that when the market slows down, you must be able to sustain yourself, so be ready and prepare for that.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Yes, once you gain experience as a Realtor, your life becomes much easier. Nothing is perfect, but my journey has taught me a lesson. Always read your contracts and know them like the back of your hand. If it’s a builder’s contract, I ensure that my buyers understand it before giving their earnest money to the builder. If you do these few things, everything else will be smoother. I’m not saying you won’t run into obstacles because you will, but having experience has improved my life. You learn something new every single day.
Real estate can be financially rewarding, affording you things you never thought you could do on a regular job. It allows you to spend quality time with your family, take luxury vacations, shop for things you would not ordinarily spend money on “ha ha,” and have a nest egg for those rainy days, etc.
The most rewarding thing I have learned about real estate is helping people achieve their dreams even when they thought it was impossible. That’s what brings me true joy and a memorable experience for all my buyers and sellers.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
To be honest, I make dreams come true, help people, and love every minute of it. I work for a new construction builder as a new home sales consultant at Impression Homes in the Heartland Community, which is priced at $ 280. I have a consultation with every buyer to find out what their needs are in a home, which requires great listening skills; then, I take them on a tour of our sales model so they can see what options we have to offer and for them to select a plan that they love that’s already built or help them build a home from our large selection of home plans. Most of the time, the buyer has not been preapproved for financing, so my job is to help them get preapproved by our preferred lender. The main goal is to make the process as seamless as possible and to answer any questions the buyer has during the buying process.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Yes, these are my go-to podcasts, especially when I’m driving:
Podcast
HousingWire Daily
Balanced Black Girl
Just Glow With It
These are my favorite books that I think you will love:
Books
No One Succeeds Alone
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind
House Rules
Thanks!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennifermackeysells
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennifermackeysells
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermackey
Image Credits
Matool Pictures
