Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakeil Ray.
Hi Lakeil, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Wow, where to begin? I’m from Atlanta, born and raised, and I relocated to LA with my daughter in 2019. At that time, I had been a Flight Attendant for almost six years and you couldn’t have told me that the path I was on was about to change drastically. If I’m being honest I’m in LA because of a word God gave me in 2012. I joke all the time and say that He left me on read for seven years lol because in 2019 that’s when the “time to prepare to move to LA” came. And it made perfect sense right…..I was based at LAX, it would make my life easier, etcetera, etcetera…..WRONG! I soon realized that when my family, friends and Uber drivers lol started asking me if I had ever considered a career in real estate, it was far more than a question. Those conversations were the confirmation I had been praying for. After my daughter and I moved here in August 2019, I decided to take a leap of faith and started real estate classes a month later. If I’m being honest, yes it takes hard work and commitment to take the courses, pass the exam and build your career, but for me my faith and the people placed in my life as supporters and mirrors have been crucial in who I’ve become and who I am still becoming as a Realtor and as a human being.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I don’t think the pandemic has been easy for anyone and for me that was probably the start of some of my career challenges. Due to the pandemic, I had to wait almost a year to take my exam because everything was shut down. Imagine a year later being thrown into homeschooling your daughter while also trying to brush up on everything a professional once taught you for your exam. After passing my exam on the first try (yay), I thought I was in great shape….Little did I know I was about to join the wrong brokerage (for me) and accumulate debt trying to pay monthly brokerage fees, etc. with very little to show for it. Next up was rotator cuff surgery in the middle of my first year in real estate. Picture me driving around with one arm sutured up in a sling so I could keep my promise to my clients and find them their dream home before their newest addition arrived. Lastly, my career of 8 years came to an abrupt end because of injuries suffered. I always said I wanted to put everything I had into real estate, but I didn’t think it would happen so soon. There I was faced with a choice of fear or faith. With all that being said, I think transitioning into anything that calls you to elevate will always present challenges and if it doesn’t, it could mean you’re choosing comfort over your calling. Don’t give up!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m a REALTOR® licensed in the state of California. This means that although I’m located in and primarily do business in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, I can help current and potential clients buy, sell, invest and lease all over the state of California. Should they be moving from California, I also have a vast network of amazing Real Estate Agents all over the world ready to assist. I’m on the residential side of real estate and I absolutely love it. The bulk of my experience has been with first-time homebuyers, so they have a special place in my heart, but that doesn’t take away from my expertise and ability to assist sellers, investors, and those who are relocating. I think what sets me apart from others is my heart to serve. It’s not simply a transaction to me. It’s about building trust and relationships that go beyond the closing table.
I feel like I’m placed in my clients’ lives because it’s a part of my purpose. Educating, encouraging and empowering them during a process that some have been made to feel isn’t even a possibility for them is so important. I think I’m most proud of my business being built on a solid foundation. My experience, morals, values, purpose, and passion all woven together. It’s not about what my clients can do for me; it’s about what I can do for them. How can I bless them and/or their family? How can I be a source of light and calmness in the storm? How can I show them that nothing is impossible? How can I make them feel seen, heard, and valued? How can I get them everything they desire and deserve? And lastly, I want every person reading this to know they matter. Their dreams and goals are attainable! Even if your credit, savings, etc. isn’t where you’d like them to be right now, it doesn’t mean the right Real Estate Agent (me lol) can’t start with you here. I’m here to build people and families up, so whether it takes three months or three years, I’m with you every step of the way. You deserve it!
Any big plans?
I’m looking forward to growing in my career and as a person. I’m looking forward to the unknown honestly. I know that what I’m called to do in real estate isn’t just about transactions and clients. I truly believe it’s about taking the knowledge, experience, and resources I gain over time and using it all to better the lives of people who need it most, some of which are people whose names I don’t even know yet. How beautiful is that?!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agentlakeilray/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/agentlakeilray
Image Credits:
Darius Carter/The Carter’s Touch
