Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Regla.
Andrea, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I became a licensed real estate agent in 2007 in midst of the infamous mortgage crisis. At the time,I was a young single mother of two boys, just trying to learn. I had my license, but had no previous experience whatsoever. I started as an assistant to an individual broker who mentored me through the many roles of real estate. I worked full time reading contracts, managing escrows and structuring their acquisition/rehab projects. I loved it. I remember how challenging that period of time was on me. I lived alone, with two toddlers, two car seats & two diaper bags, every day on my own. At the time my boys were both under the age of 3, and I had them full time. I was being paid hourly minimum wage and it was tough. Now looking back, I don’t know how I did it. Thankfully,I continued to work hard, pay my dues and trust everything would pay off. It did. I am forever grateful for the opportunity and experience I gained during that time.
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?
It wasn’t easy for me to find my place in a big industry like Los Angeles Real Estate. I struggled with moving from company to company trying to find the right environment and training. I would leave if the office was too big or too small.. or If the office had too many training meetings or not enough agents or too few. I kept thinking the company or broker was going to determine my success and production. Today, I am rarely ever in my office and have created my own brand. My advice to anyone starting to stand out in a new business, regardless of the industry whether real estate, retail, beauty or any product, is to be authentic. Be yourself. My social media followers and clients know what I love Mariah Carey, champagne and am a certified ceviche connoisseur. I try to be as genuine and transparent as I can. The right clientele will be drawn to you and it will be a much better experience for you and them working together. I love being myself everyday with my clients.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a Latina realtor in the San Fernando Valley. Lately, however, my business has expanded to cover areas outside of LA to Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura Counties. I work with sellers and buyers, but I specialize in first-time home buyers. First-time home buyers need a little more educating and patience to guide them through the process of buying their first home. I really enjoy helping families make their goals and dreams attainable. I feel there are many agents driven by sales numbers and closing deals. I look at my business and clients differently. I see their family, children, future, savings and investment in my hands. My business is personal. My clients see me at their doorstep with a different treat and checking in on them year-round, long after handing them their keys. I try to give what I would like to receive in an agent and honestly as a person all around.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I used to think that being a female in my industry was a barrier, especially as a young Latina. I looked around my market and noticed all the top producing agents were older American males. It was very intimidating to me. My industry is a very aggressive and competitive environment, I struggled when I tried to be like those agents and be one of them. I became successful when I was myself and didn’t focus on the competition.
I realized that being a woman in my career or any industry can actually be an asset. Women are leading in all markets these days. I would say in 75% of my transactions, the other agent or escrow officer is female. My market, following and clientele is an even higher percentage of women than men. I have been able to use being a female to my advantage.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11141 Tampa Ave
Northridge CA 91326 - Website: www.soldbydrea.net
- Phone: 8182592910
- Email: soldbydrea@gmail.com
- Instagram: @soldbydrea
- Facebook: @soldbydrea
Image Credit:
Nataly Lemus Photography
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