Abby Fishel
In this weekly column, real estate agents across the nation share stories of the lessons they’ve learned during their time in the industry.
As a former educator, Abby Fishel approaches the real estate transaction as a teachable moment, guiding her clients to the resources and information they need to make the best decisions.
But what is the biggest lesson she has learned in her young career? The best agent is the one who gets real and comes from a place of authenticity.
How long have you been in the business?
I have been in the real estate business for less than a year. I spent my first six years in the “working world” as a high school teacher and realized that to grow as a professional and individual, I was going to leave public education.
When considering a new career, I knew I wanted a career where I would still be able to work with the community and build meaningful relationships with those I am working with, all while being able to still uphold my values while in that venture.
After meeting and speaking with Dolly Bailey at Berkshire Hathaway – West York, I knew that this was the environment I wanted and needed to be in as I started my small business journey.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I see myself being a mother, wife and friend who is always present. Thankfully, being a real estate agent brings a balance to my personal well-being. Career wise, in five years I will be successful enough that I will need an employed assistant (who isn’t my husband), and I will be the bread-winner of my family.
What’s one big lesson you’ve learned in real estate?
In my short time in real estate, I have learned that you have to stay true to who you are. Clients will work with you because they value you and what you bring to this important step in their lives.
If you continue putting their best interests first, genuinely caring about them and work your tail off — your business will build.
How did you learn it?
As a new agent, I am in competition with hundreds of successful agents who have extensive track records and many reviews online.
I had a client go around to each brokerage and interview an agent, then they came back to me because they felt like I valued them the most and was transparent with them. That was within my first few months, so it meant a lot that what I was building my business on mattered.
What advice would you give to new agents?
Well, I’m still a new agent, but along the way I have been telling myself and others with me to “trust the process.” I know it will pay off!
Christy Murdock Edgar is a Realtor, freelance writer, coach and consultant with Writing Real Estate in Alexandria, Virginia. Follow Writing Real Estate on Facebook or Twitter.
