How does a corporate finance professional reinvent herself to become a **multi-state Realtor®** closing over **$7 million in sales** across **Illinois, Indiana, and Georgia**?

Meet **Yolanda Jeffries**, a 2025 **RISMedia Rookie of the Year finalist** whose leap from corporate life to real estate success proves it’s never too late to chase your purpose — and win big doing it.

In this episode of *Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission*, host Tina Lapp sits down with Yolanda to discuss her powerful career pivot, how she built a thriving business in multiple states, and the mindset shifts that helped her go from employee to entrepreneur.

You’ll hear:
💡 How Yolanda’s corporate finance background gave her an edge with clients
🏘️ The strategic steps she took to get licensed in three states
📈 What it took to reach $7M in sales in her first full year
🤝 How she builds long-term trust through financial education and authenticity
💬 The client success story that reminded her *why* she started
🔥 Her advice for anyone considering a career change into real estate

Yolanda’s story is proof that discipline, faith, and a business mindset can turn bold career transitions into lasting success.

00:00 Welcome to *Unlocking Real Estate*
01:00 Meet Yolanda Jeffries — from finance to real estate
02:00 Life before real estate: 20 years in corporate finance
04:30 What inspired her to pivot into real estate
06:00 Getting licensed in Illinois, Indiana & Georgia
08:30 Finding her first client and closing her first deal
10:00 Using her financial background to guide first-time buyers
12:00 The systems and habits that helped her scale fast
14:30 How she hit $7M in volume in her first full year
17:00 Balancing multiple markets and maintaining client relationships
19:00 Building a referral-based business
21:30 Mentorship, mindset, and staying consistent
23:30 The importance of serving with integrity
25:30 Advice for corporate professionals looking to make the leap
27:00 Lightning round: books, mentors, and business tips
30:00 Where to connect with Yolanda

Connect with Yolanda Jeffries:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolandajeffries/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theyolandajeffriesteam/?hl=en
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yolanda.m.jeffries

Want to be featured on *My First Commission*?

We’re always looking for inspiring rookie agents!
📧 Email us at **[UnlockingRealEstate@ColibriRealEstate.com](mailto:UnlockingRealEstate@ColibriRealEstate.com)** or fill out this form (https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish) to apply.