How does a former nurse and stay-at-home mom go from zero experience to 10 transactions in her very first year—and become a finalist for the 2025 RISMedia Rookie of the Year award?

Meet Julie Peteritas, a Berkshire Hathaway Realtor® from Lancaster, PA, whose inspiring leap into real estate shows what’s possible with hard work, creativity, and perseverance. In this episode of Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission, Julie shares how she turned her family’s investment background into a thriving career while balancing motherhood, time management, and building her client base.

You’ll hear:

Why she left nursing to pursue real estate

How she passed her license exams in just two weeks (while juggling mom life!)

The creative ways she found her first clients—handwritten notes, social media, and neighborhood farming

The challenges she faced with time, money, and “looky-loo” buyers (and how she solved them)

A heartwarming story of helping a VA buyer family that six other agents turned away

How quirky “animal encounters” became part of her real estate adventures 🦌🦇🦨

Her top tips for new agents: boundaries, authenticity, and perseverance

Julie’s journey proves you don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need grit, strategy, and the drive to keep going.

⏱️ Video Chapters:

00:00 – Meet Julie Peteritas, Rookie of the Year finalist
02:00 – From nurse & mom to real estate career
03:30 – Family investing background & first projects
05:00 – Getting licensed through CE Shop (in just 2 weeks!)
07:30 – Passing the exam & mom-life curveballs
09:00 – First year expectations & first settlement story
12:00 – How she found her first clients (handwritten notes, social media, farming)
16:00 – Why Instagram worked best for her business
18:00 – Open houses: more marketing than clients
20:30 – Biggest challenges: time & money management
24:00 – Handling “looky-loos” & Zillow leads
26:00 – Mentors, support system & office culture
28:00 – Funny stories: skunks, bats & surprise animal encounters
29:30 – Most memorable client: helping a VA buyer family
31:30 – Building lasting client relationships & referrals
34:00 – Community involvement & long-term goals
36:00 – Advice for new agents: keep going, be yourself
38:00 – Lightning round: books, advice, & dream dinner guest
44:00 – Where to connect with Julie

🔗 Connect with Julie Peteritas:

📲 Instagram: @juliepeteritas

💡 Want to Be Featured?

Are you a rookie real estate agent with an incredible first commission story? Apply to be featured on Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission by reaching out to UnlockingRealEstate@ColibriRealEstate.com or filling out this form: https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

What does it take to bounce back from five failed real estate exams, reinvent your career during the pandemic, and grow into a thriving Michigan agent?

In this episode of *Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission*, we meet **Amber Boone**, a social media marketing pro turned full-time Realtor® with Thrive Realty in Troy, Michigan. Amber’s story is all about resilience, authenticity, and building a business rooted in helping people—not chasing transactions.

She shares:

* How losing her marketing job during COVID pushed her toward real estate
* Why it took her **five tries** to pass the licensing exam—and why that didn’t stop her
* How she landed her first clients through her sphere and Instagram (no paid ads!)
* Why being “real” with clients became her brand and biggest differentiator
* How she manages multiple businesses, family, and real estate without burning out
* Why perseverance, self-awareness, and authenticity are the keys to long-term success

Amber’s journey proves that setbacks don’t define you—perseverance does.

00:00 – Meet Amber Boone (Thrive Realty, Michigan)
02:30 – From social media marketing to real estate
04:30 – Inspired by a bad buying experience
05:30 – Licensing school during COVID (Groupon course!)
07:00 – Failing the exam 4 times before passing
09:30 – Adjusting expectations in her first year
11:20 – Landing first clients via sphere & Instagram
13:00 – Building a brand on authenticity (“Get Real with AB”)
15:00 – Marketing experiments beyond social media
15:50 – Why she loves open houses
16:45 – Serving all clients, from first-time buyers to luxury
19:15 – Imposter syndrome & early challenges
21:00 – Support system & learning from peers
22:30 – Advice for new agents: stay true to yourself
24:50 – Running 3 businesses & community involvement
27:00 – Organic networking & referrals
29:40 – A day in the life & time management
33:00 – Growth, mindset, and future goals
35:50 – Lightning round: books, mentors & advice
40:30 – Final tips: perseverance & authenticity
41:10 – Where to connect with Amber

📲 Instagram & TikTok: [@GetRealWithAB](https://instagram.com/getrealwithab)
📘 Facebook: [Amber Boone Real Estate](https://facebook.com/GetRealWithAB)

Are you a rookie real estate agent with an incredible first commission story? Apply to be featured on *Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission* by reaching out to ** https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish
[UnlockingRealEstate@ColibriRealEstate.com](mailto:UnlockingRealEstate@ColibriRealEstate.com)**.

How do you go from graduating college during COVID, working in mortgages, and feeling “too young” for real estate—to becoming one of the **Top 25 Rookies of the Year**?

In this episode of *Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission*, we sit down with **Caroline Coladonato** of RE/MAX Ready in Pennsylvania. Caroline opens up about her journey from the mortgage world to real estate, how she built confidence as a young agent, and why authentic networking and staying true to herself fueled her success.

She shares:

* How her entrepreneurial family inspired her to bet on herself
* The challenges of starting in real estate without buying a home of her own yet
* Why it took over a year to close her first deal—and how she stayed motivated
* How she turned rentals and referrals into a six-figure client pipeline
* Her million-dollar client success story that started with a simple apartment search
* Tips for staying confident, building relationships, and avoiding rookie burnout

Caroline proves that being young in real estate isn’t a disadvantage—it’s an opportunity to bring fresh energy, authenticity, and resilience to the business.

Video Chapters:

00:00 – Meet Caroline Coladonato (RE/MAX Ready)
00:40 – From Villanova grad to mortgage desk job
02:00 – Inspiration to switch into real estate
03:30 – Getting licensed while working full time
06:00 – Classroom lessons vs. real-life real estate
07:30 – Expectations for her first year
09:50 – How athletics shaped her work ethic
10:30 – Why her first transaction took over a year
11:30 – Staying motivated through the grind
12:30 – Hitting her stride in 2023
13:20 – Networking, referrals & renters who became buyers
14:40 – Social media & staying authentic
15:30 – Coaching field hockey & community involvement
16:50 – Challenges of being a young agent
18:30 – Staying connected with clients (handwritten notes & personal touches)
19:30 – Advice for new agents: realistic expectations & confidence
20:40 – Why she loves real estate: people & variety
22:10 – The million-dollar client story that started with no commission
24:00 – What’s next: growing with RE/MAX Ready
25:00 – Caroline’s biggest success tips
26:30 – Lightning round: books, advice & mentors
31:10 – Where to follow Caroline online

Connect with Caroline Coladonato:

📸 Instagram: [@closingwithcola](https://instagram.com/closingwithcola)


Want to Be Featured?

Are you a rookie real estate agent with an incredible first commission story? Apply to be featured on *Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission* by reaching out to **[UnlockingRealEstate@ColibriRealEstate.com](mailto:UnlockingRealEstate@ColibriRealEstate.com)** https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

What does it take to go from running a sewing business to building a thriving career in real estate? In this episode of *Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission*, we sit down with **Tayissa Gabreski**, a former artist and business owner who completely reinvented her career in her 40s—and quickly found success as a Keller Williams agent in the Seattle-Tacoma area.

Tayissa shares:

* How she balanced running her own business, raising a toddler, and earning her real estate license
* Why telling *everyone* she was getting licensed landed her a client right away
* The biggest challenges of proving herself as a professional in a brand-new industry
* How she turned her first client’s home into a \$200K profit story with the right strategy
* The keys to building long-term client relationships and avoiding being a “secret agent”
* Why coaching and mentoring the next generation of real estate agents has become her passion

If you’re considering a career change, or you’re a new agent looking for inspiration and a roadmap to success, Tayissa’s story proves it’s never too late to start—and thrive—in real estate.

Video Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: From artist to agent
02:00 – Balancing business, school & family life
07:00 – Landing her first client before licensing
08:30 – Building credibility as a new agent
10:00 – Marketing with authenticity & social media
12:00 – The leap to full-time real estate
14:00 – Overcoming early career challenges
15:30 – Learning through mentorship & assistantship
16:40 – Lead generation & “no secret agents”
20:00 – Staying connected with clients long-term
23:00 – The \$200K remodel success story
26:00 – Coaching, leadership & future goals
27:00 – Tips for aspiring real estate agents
28:30 – Lightning round: books, advice & mentors
32:00 – Community involvement & giving back
33:00 – Where to find Tayissa online

Connect with Tayissa Gabreski:

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tayissablue

Want to Be Featured?

Are you a rookie real estate agent with a great first commission story? Apply to be featured on *Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission* by reaching out to us at **[UnlockingRealEstate@ColibriRealEstate.com] or fill out this form: https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

In this episode of My First Commission on the Unlocking Real Estate podcast by Colibri Real Estate, we talk to Christina Goodpaster, a Richmond-area REALTOR® and team lead at Providence Hill Real Estate. Drawing from her background in fashion and product development, Christina shares how she transformed her creative know-how and community connections into a thriving real estate career—closing deals consistently and earning her spot in the top 2% of Richmond Metro agents.

She dives into:

How her fashion education at FIT and corporate product development sharpened her attention to client detail and presentation

Building a brand—and relationships—through "old-school" strategies like direct mail and in-person networking with local moms

Her first commission story and the systems she created to scale from there

Why consistency and proactive outreach—not flashy ads—set her apart in a competitive market

Staying relevant in changing seasons through marketing calendars and community involvement

Whether you're shifting careers or just starting out, Christina’s path shows how discipline, authenticity, and thoughtful service lay the foundation for real estate success.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & Who’s Christina Goodpaster

02:05 – Fashion & Product Development: Early Foundations

05:10 – Transition to Real Estate & First Deal Breakdown

08:20 – Relationship Marketing with Neighborhood Moms

11:45 – Consistency Through Calendars & Marketing Systems

14:30 – Building Trust, Referrals & Community Presence

17:00 – Leading The Goodpaster Group: A Team Story

19:30 – Real Estate Advice: “Do the Right Things, Often”

21:45 – What’s Next: Scaling, Legacy & Leaving Guilt Behind

Connect with Christina Goodpaster

Instagram: @christinagoodpaster_rvarealtor
— Team lead and local real estate storyteller

Facebook: The Goodpaster Group
— Local listings, updates, and team insights

Providence Hill Agent Profile: Realtor®, Team Lead at Providence Hill Real Estate (Richmond Metro, top 2%)

Want to Share Your Story?

Do you have a memorable first commission story? We'd love to feature you on My First Commission! Apply now to inspire future agents with your journey. https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

In this episode of My First Commission on the Unlocking Real Estate podcast by Colibri Real Estate, we spotlight Heavenn Perez, a rising Realtor® with Century 21 Transcendent Realty in Medina, Ohio.

Heavenn’s journey proves that discipline, mentorship, and persistence can turn a dream into a thriving career. After working full-time in manufacturing for seven years, she made the leap into real estate—balancing 120 hours of coursework, a demanding job, and long commutes. Within her first year, she closed 10 transactions, quit her 9–5, and hasn’t looked back.

In this conversation, Heavenn shares:

How her grandfather’s brokerage inspired her from childhood

The strategies she used to pass her real estate coursework while working full time

Why choosing the right brokerage was a game-changer for her success

How she landed her first commission in just four months through disciplined lead generation

Why open houses, referrals, and social media video marketing became her biggest growth tools

The importance of mentorship, team culture, and constant follow-up in real estate

Whether you’re considering a career change or already starting out in real estate, Heavenn’s story will motivate you to stay consistent, invest in the right training, and build relationships that last.

⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Intro to My First Commission

01:16 – Meet Heavenn Perez: From Manufacturing to Real Estate

02:08 – Inspiration from Her Grandfather’s Brokerage

03:53 – Choosing Hondros & Balancing Online Classes with Full-Time Work

07:42 – Closing Her First Deal in Four Months

08:44 – Training, Scripts, and 18,000 Leads at Century 21

10:12 – First Client & Early Follow-Up Strategies

10:56 – Social Media Videos That Reached 50,000+ Views

12:30 – Family Deals, Referrals, and Building Her Sphere

12:51 – Why She Loves Open Houses

14:03 – Biggest First-Year Challenges While Working Two Jobs

16:55 – A Divorce Sale That Tested Her Skills

19:20 – Building Trust & Long-Term Client Relationships

20:46 – Funny First-Year Moments (Mismatched Socks at a Luxury Showing)

22:18 – Heavenn’s Top Tips for New Agents (Brokerage Choice Matters)

26:20 – Lightning Round: Books, Advice, and Future Goals

30:25 – Where to Connect with Heavenn Perez

31:07 – Final Thoughts & Inspiration for Aspiring Agents

🔗 Connect with Heavenn Perez

Facebook: Heavenn Perez

Instagram: @heavennperez_realtor

TikTok: @heavennperez_realtor

LinkedIn: Heavenn Perez

🚀 Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a new agent with a first commission story to tell? Apply to be featured on My First Commission and inspire other real estate professionals! https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

#HeavennPerez #MyFirstCommission #RealEstatePodcast #UnlockingRealEstate #ColibriRealEstate #Century21 #NewAgentSuccess #RealEstateCareer

From Pro Baseball Dreams to Carolina Luxury Homes: Eric Schultz’s Rookie Real Estate Journey

In this episode of *My First Commission* from the *Unlocking Real Estate* podcast by Colibri Real Estate, we feature **Eric Schultz**, a Luxury Home Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty serving **North & South Carolina**.

Eric shares his unique path—from pursuing a professional baseball career to becoming a trusted Realtor® in the Carolinas—and how his competitive drive, work ethic, and relationship-building skills fueled his first big win in real estate.

You’ll hear how Eric:

* Transitioned from athletics and corporate sales into real estate
* Built trust with high-end clients in a new market
* Approached his **first deal** with persistence, strategic follow-up, and attention to detail
* Navigates the luxury space while keeping service and integrity at the forefront
* Balances family life with the demands of real estate success

Whether you’re an aspiring agent or a seasoned pro looking for inspiration, Eric’s story proves that with discipline, passion, and client focus, you can build a thriving career in any market.

* **00:00** – Meet Eric Schultz: From Pro Baseball to Real Estate
* **03:15** – The Career Shift: Why Real Estate?
* **06:50** – Breaking Into the Carolina Market
* **11:30** – First Commission: How It Happened
* **15:20** – Lessons from Luxury Transactions
* **19:00** – Balancing Business, Family & Personal Goals
* **22:40** – Advice for New Agents in Competitive Markets

* **Instagram:** [@eric\_schultz19](https://www.instagram.com/eric_schultz19/?hl=en)
* **Instagram:** [@ericschultzrealtor](https://www.instagram.com/ericschultzrealtor/)
* **Facebook:** [Eric Schultz Realtor](https://www.facebook.com/EricSchultzRealtor/)
* **BHHS Profile:** [Eric Schultz – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas](https://www.bhhs.com/carolinas-realty-nc301/charlotte/eric-schultz/cid-3053600)

Are you a new agent with a first commission story to tell? Apply now to be featured on *My First Commission* and inspire other real estate professionals! https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

#EricSchultz #MyFirstCommission #CarolinasRealEstate #LuxuryHomes #BHHS #RealEstatePodcast #UnlockingRealEstate #ColibriRealEstate

In this episode of My First Commission on Unlocking Real Estate, we speak with Dan Merrill, a retired Air Force recruiter who retired at 43 and quickly pivoted to real estate with Coldwell Banker Premier Realty in Las Vegas. With unmatched discipline and military precision, Dan closed his very first transactions in under two months while setting a powerful foundation for his new career.

Key insights you'll hear:

• How military discipline and structured routines became his real estate superpower
• Why he focused on serving fellow military members—and how he built trust on base over coffee, not cold calls
• How he used Canva-designed postcards, social media, and client referrals to grow his business—without expensive ads
• The emotional impact of placing first-time homeowners in homes, especially those who believed homeownership was out of reach
• His real talk on real estate life outside 9–5: managing closings while on vacation and leaning on family and faith for balance

If you're curious how discipline, service ethic, and strategic hustle blend to create early success in real estate, Dan’s story is compelling proof.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 – Meet Dan: From Air Force to Realtor
• 01:20 – Licensing Challenges & Persistence
• 05:40 – First Closings in Just Weeks
• 08:00 – Military Niche: Building Trust on Base
• 12:00 – Grassroots Marketing: Social and Snail Mail
• 15:00 – First Buyer Wins & Emotional Milestones
• 20:00 – Balancing Work, Family & Real Estate Hustle
• 24:00 – Words of Wisdom: “Do the Right Things Right, Often”

Connect with Dan Merrill

• Instagram: @Dan Merrill Las Vegas Realtor
• Facebook: Dan Merrill
• Email: dan.merrill@cbvegas.com
• Phone: (805) 315-1898 – “Interested in real estate mentorship or home buying? Reach out anytime.”

Why Dan’s Story Inspires

Dan’s transition from military life to real estate shows that the right skills — discipline, empathy, and communication — can translate into success in any industry. He leaned into authenticity, niche marketing, and service-first mindset to outpace expectations in his very first year. If you're ready to redefine what’s possible in real estate at any stage of life, this episode is for you.

Ready to Share Your Story?

Do you have a powerful first-commission story? Apply now to be featured on My First Commission and inspire aspiring agents everywhere.

https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

#DanMerrill #MyFirstCommission #RealEstatePodcast #LasVegasRealtor #MilitaryToRealtor #NewAgentSuccess #ColdwellBanker #UnlockingRealEstate

Sources

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