Today we’d like to introduce you to Neera Rajput Truong.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always wanted more for myself and my family. My entrepreneur spirit started with Bollywood Dancing. I’ve danced for many years and began teaching Bollywood dance at fitness studios and client’s houses. However, dance was more of a weekend “side hustle”. Full time, I was in a corporate position driving two hours a day and getting home very late. As a single mom with two kids, it was not working out for us as a family.
I got my license and started working part-time in real estate and continued my full-time corporate job. I was told I wouldn’t make it as a part time agent, but I succeeded and I hope I’m an inspiration to other mothers and those struggling. It wasn’t easy, I showed properties during lunch, after work (my kids would come with me), and on weekends. The clients started referring more new clients to me and three years later I left my corporate gig and became a full-time real estate agent.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As a single mother, I struggled with late nights working and not being home in time to put my kids in activities or attend school events. After obtaining my license, it was difficult to find a broker who would accept a part time agent. Several doors closed in my face saying you must be full time to be successful. Also, all training was provided during working hours. I could not attend anything because I had a full-time job.
One year after leaving my corporate job I was able to become an investor myself but not before I was shut down by almost 7 banks for the loan. I almost gave up, I felt defeated, I cried. I couldn’t see what the issue was. I thought to myself I will try ONE MORE time and the last person I called was a woman. She took the same info every other lender took but I think because she was a woman and trusted me, she gave me my first investment loan. I’ve never faced these women or male preference but when I would apply for financing all the gentlemen wanted to give me their advice, not a loan. Becoming an investor and having to do the rehab was not easy. I got plumbing quotes that ranged from $650.00 all the way up to $5.000.00 We women must heed caution, ask a lot of questions, and I go back to trust. Trust the person. I couldn’t believe I ended up paying $650 but would have been charged $5000 had I not called at a minimum 5 other people for second opinions.
At the end of the day, I am lucky my kids do understand the work and are supportive. They’ve sat through my dance classes, open houses, and ran around town with me during rehabs, I’ve never had issues actually taking care of clients or being available because they are so supportive.
I tell them things will go wrong, my son once asked: “mom is it bad luck” once when something went array, I said no it’s survival of the fittest. I can sit here and cry about it or I can see what needs to be done, so I can get to my appointment on time. and believe it or not, that was one appointment that almost laid down the foundation for where I am now.
We’d love to hear more about NRT Properties aka Neera Truong Realty.
Building trust through transparency is what sets me apart from others. One of my favorite transactions was when I sold the first brick home ever built in Dallas. It’s been renovated beautifully and sits in the historic district and there is a column from the 1800’s and a few doors that remain from the Great Depression. I was extremely humbled to represent the buyer in this transaction.
I get excited about homes, old and new. No matter how experienced a home buyer one is, it can be one of the most stressful times. I absolutely love when I can take that stress off my client’s shoulders and they know wholeheartedly they can trust me. I think my communication, around the clock availability and transparency, is a factor.
I’ve been fortunate enough to become an investor of my own. I started with single family homes and have expanded to buying single-family portfolios for my clients. I’ve been able to invest in two rental properties and continue to represent individual homeowners and portfolio owners and investors. Sometimes, you must be creative in a transaction to keep all parties happy. My artistic or creative side must be showing itself during these times. I’m usually told wow that’s an interesting way to do it. After all, I think I’m the only one who can bake cookies and mix the batter with a drill! Thinking outside the box and playing by the rules keeps my referrals coming!
I’ve just started investing myself and my goal is to stay strong in the single-family housing market while expanding my own investments. I hope to provide housing to battered women and children although I’m not sure what that will look like right now, I have opened up my two homes which are not in section 8 housing neighborhoods to two families. Many people need a break, I’ve been there myself. I’m inspired by the strength of these women who keep moving forward doing what they can and I hope I can inspire them to keep going. I think having a safe place to live with good schools will help them.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
You know here, I have to say, my mother. As a 40-year-old, I am still saying I hope to be running a business like my mom when I grow up! HA!
Princess Diana took my heart as a kid. Her compassion for others, for children, her soft and kind demeanor but ability to get things done and face head-on criticism in some of her humanitarian work has always stayed with me from childhood and even now.
My daughter: “Mom, there is no try to remember? Do it or do it.” Then, I think to shoot, why did I tell her that. LOL!
Contact Info:
- Website: nrtproperties.com
- Phone: 214-566-1908
- Email: neera@nrtproperties.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neerkie1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neera.rajputtruong
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/neerkie
- Other: https://en.yelp.be/biz/neera-truong-dallas-2
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
