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

Ask ChatGPT

In this episode of My First Commission from the Unlocking Real Estate podcast by Colibri Real Estate, we talk with Marc Cannella, a former Las Vegas doorman who reinvented his life at 60—jumping full-time into real estate and selling over $4.1 million in his very first year.

Marc spent nearly four decades welcoming guests at Vegas hotels, but when the hospitality world shifted, he took his people skills and local knowledge and applied them to real estate. Now a Rookie of the Year with Coldwell Banker Premier Realty, Marc is thriving—bringing unmatched energy, commitment, and humor to every transaction.

In this high-energy and inspiring episode, Marc shares:

• How he went from “opening doors” to closing deals at 60 years old
• Why hospitality skills were the perfect foundation for client success
• How consistency, hustle, and a genuine love for people helped him win trust
• What it means to serve clients with purpose, no matter your age or background
• The emotional story behind his very first commission—and why it still sticks with him

If you’re thinking it’s too late to switch careers or wondering how to stand out in real estate without a flashy online presence, Marc’s journey will change your mind.

🗂️ Episode Chapters

• 00:00 – Meet Marc Cannella: 40 Years in Hospitality
• 03:00 – Making the Leap: From Doorman to Realtor
• 06:30 – Rookie of the Year: How He Sold $4.1M
• 10:45 – Winning Clients Through Personality & Purpose
• 15:00 – First Deal Stories & Emotional Moments
• 20:00 – Advice for Late-Career Starters in Real Estate
• 24:15 – Mindset, Gratitude & The Long Game

🔗 Connect with Marc Cannella

• Instagram: @marccannellasellslasvegas
• Facebook: Cannella Fitness (also home to real estate updates)
• Zillow Profile: Marc Cannella – Coldwell Banker Premier Realty

🚀 Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a new agent with a unique first commission journey? Apply now to be featured on My First Commission and inspire the next generation of real estate pros!

#MarcCannella #MyFirstCommission #LasVegasRealEstate #RookieOfTheYear #CareerChangeSuccess #ColibriRealEstate #UnlockingRealEstate #ColdwellBankerPremier #RealEstatePodcast

In this episode of *My First Commission* on *Unlocking Real Estate* by Colibri Real Estate, we sit down with Carol Koutsourais, a lifelong Mahoning Valley resident and marketing-savvy Realtor® with **CENTURY 21 Lakeside Realty** in Youngstown, Ohio. With a background in interior design and marketing, Carol successfully transitioned into real estate, leveraging her creative strengths to stage homes, showcase listings effectively, and build deep-rooted client relationships.

Carol shares:

* How her marketing and design experience helped her navigate the industry and guide sellers to stand out in a competitive market
* The ways she uses staging insights and visual storytelling to create emotional connections that lead to faster sales and happier clients
* How local knowledge and a commitment to long-term relationships became her client retention edge in the Mahoning Valley

Whether you’re an agent—or an aspiring one—looking to elevate your launch with thoughtful presentation and personal connections, Carol’s journey offers a beautiful example of using professional background to amplify real estate results.

🎧 Episode Chapters

* **00:00 – Meet Carol Koutsourais**
* **02:45 – From Marketing & Design to Real Estate**
* **06:10 – How Staging Sets Listings Apart**
* **09:35 – Building Trust Through Visual Storytelling**
* **13:20 – Navigating the Youngstown Market**
* **16:45 – Connecting Clients Beyond the Sale**
* **20:00 – Advice for Agents with Creative Backgrounds**

🔗 Connect with Carol Koutsourais

* **LinkedIn** – Realtor at Century 21 Lakeside Realty in Youngstown, OH (500+ connections) https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-koutsourais-515b0881
* **Century 21 Profile** – Marketing‑minded agent providing staging advice and long-term client care in the Mahoning Valley https://www.century21.com/real-estate-agent/profile/carol-koutsourais-P80184052
* **Facebook (“Homes by Carol”)** – Local updates, listings, and community-focused real estate content https://www.facebook.com/p/Homes-by-Carol-at-Century-21-Lakeside-61560129238708/

🚀 Want to Share Your Story?

Do you have a first-deal journey worth sharing on *My First Commission*? Apply now to share your experience, inspire others, and be featured in the next episode! https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

\#MyFirstCommission #CarolKoutsourais #MahoningValleyRealEstate #Century21Lakeside #StagingStrategy #YoungstownRealtor #CreativeAgentLaunch #UnlockingRealEstate

In this episode of My First Commission on Unlocking Real Estate, meet Kyle Russell, a former factory worker turned real estate powerhouse with RE/MAX Preferred in Toledo, Ohio. Tired of feeling stuck, Kyle made the bold leap into real estate—and quickly discovered that success in this industry starts with relationships, resilience, and relentless follow-up.

Kyle walks us through his first year, where he:

• Left his factory job to pursue real estate full-time
• Built credibility in a brand-new industry by attending trainings, shadowing mentors, and staying humble
• Used open houses and face-to-face networking to generate his first serious leads
• Learned the importance of financial planning, work-life balance, and staying proactive
• Harnessed social media as a tool for education and visibility—not just self-promotion

Whether you’re thinking about making a career shift or you're a brand-new agent looking for traction, Kyle’s story will inspire you to go all-in—and stay focused on the long game.

• 00:00 – Meet Kyle Russell: From Factory Work to Real Estate
• 03:03 – Making the Leap: Why Kyle Left His Job
• 05:44 – Real Estate Licensing & Early Learning Curves
• 08:42 – Building Confidence and Credibility
• 11:40 – Leveraging Open Houses for Early Success
• 14:30 – Using Social Media Intentionally
• 20:36 – Navigating Mindset Shifts and Weekend Hustle
• 42:11 – Mentorship, Networking, and Client Loyalty
• 49:52 – Balancing Family and Business in Year One

🔗 Connect with Kyle Russell

• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/kdaddy19
• TikTok– https://www.tiktok.com/@kyleremax

🚀 Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a new agent with a powerful first-deal journey? We’d love to feature you on My First Commission. Apply now to inspire the next generation of real estate professionals! https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

#MyFirstCommission #KyleRussell #ToledoRealEstate #REMAXPreferred #CareerChangeSuccess #RealEstatePodcast #OpenHouseStrategy #UnlockingRealEstate #ColibriRealEstate

In this episode of My First Commission, we sit down with Paul Haley, a Scottsdale-based agent with eXp Realty, who skipped college and launched his real estate career straight out of high school. At just 20 years old, Paul has already closed $8.8 million in sales in his first year—all by focusing on open houses instead of social media.

Paul shares how he challenged himself to do 100 open houses in 100 days in North Scottsdale, mastering market knowledge and building client relationships from the ground up. That consistency paid off—his first commission came from a visitor at an open house who trusted him enough to list a $3.5M property that had sat unsold for six months. Paul rebranded the listing, repositioned it with a unique marketing approach, and sold it in just three days.

Tune in to hear:

- How Paul built trust with luxury buyers at age 20
- His approach to learning one new thing every day
- Why open houses beat cold calls for his business model
- How he structures conversations to build value without pressure
- His long-term plan to pair open houses with content creation
- Paul’s story is a masterclass in hustle, humility, and how to build a business when all you have is grit and a good attitude.

🎧 Chapters
00:00 – Introduction: Meet Paul Haley
02:30 – From High School to Real Estate Full-Time
06:00 – The 100 Open Houses in 100 Days Challenge
10:00 – His First Deal: A $3.5M Listing Win
15:00 – Lessons from Early Failures and Persistence
20:00 – Mentorship and Scaling Into Luxury
25:00 – Advice for New Agents Focused on Learning
30:00 – The Future: Branding, Video & Staying Consistent

🔗 Find Paul Haley Online
Instagram – @paul.haley (Real estate specialist in Scottsdale; faith, family, health–focused posts)

LinkedIn – Paul Haley, Real Estate Specialist at The Tackett Team / eXp Realty (5,700+ followers; sharing market updates & team achievements)

Facebook – Paul Haley, Real Estate Broker (Toronto page, but his Zillow & Tackett Team listings highlight his Scottsdale work)

Zillow Profile – Showcases 6 completed sales (transactions ranged from $436K–$2.85M) and specialty in Scottsdale & Paradise Valley

🚀 Want to Share Your Story?
Are you a motivated rookie agent with a unique tale of success? We want to feature your first commission journey on My First Commission! Apply now and inspire others.

#MyFirstCommission #PaulHaley #ScottsdaleRealEstate #RookieRealtor #eXpRealty #SocialMediaLeadGen #UnlockingRealEstate

📝 Description
In this episode of My First Commission from Unlocking Real Estate by Colibri Real Estate, we speak with Courtney Bullock, a Arizona native with a 25‑year finance career turned RE/MAX Cornerstone agent in Cave Creek/Phoenix. After transitioning into real estate in 2023, Courtney was named an RISMedia Rookie of the Year finalist and quickly turned her organization and people skills into a successful real estate practice.

She dives into:

What motivated her to leave a stable finance job and launch a new career

How she partnered with community and education to build trust during her pivot

Her first sales experiences, including land & luxury listings across Phoenix-area neighborhoods

The role follow‑through, checklists, and consistent client care have played in growing her referral base

Whether you’re shifting careers or starting fresh in real estate, Courtney’s story offers real, practical inspiration for making your first mark in the market.

🎧 Chapters
00:00 – Intro & Background

02:30 – Finance to Real Estate: The Catalyst Moment

06:00 – First Listings: Land & Luxury Homes

10:15 – Building Community Connections

13:45 – Process-Driven Follow‑Through & Marketing

17:00 – RISMedia Rookie of the Year Finalist

20:30 – Advice for New Agents & Next Goals

🔗 Connect with Courtney Bullock
Instagram (@courtneysellsarizona) – Realtor® at RE/MAX Cornerstone sharing lifestyle, listings & client highlights
Facebook (Courtney Bullock – RE/MAX Cornerstone) – Updates on local listings, client success stories & community events
LinkedIn (Courtney Bullock) – Finance-to-real estate transition, local market expertise & volunteerism

🚀 Want to Share Your Story?
Are you a new or transitioning real estate agent with a first‑commission story? We’d love to feature your journey. Apply now to be on My First Commission and inspire others!