Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Mendoza.
Hi Ana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am Ana V. Mendoza and real estate became a passion I was lucky to bump into!
Freshly moved from Chicago at 17 years old. I was highly motivated while going to college to find a “job”. While I searched the “newspaper”, imagine that? LOL… I came across an ad looking for a receptionist position at the Coldwell Banker Greater Valley in Granada Hills. After being one of the top 2 contenders in the interview, I was told that the #1 real estate team in the office back then was also looking for a “Team Manager/Assistant”. I interviewed and got that job instead! That is where my journey started, and I was shown what REAL ESTATE is/was.
The team I worked with was highly recognized in the industry, they also became co-owners of the Keller Williams Northridge office that opened in 2003/2004. There I learned about team structures, business ownership, property management & how to run a successful Commercial/Residential Business.
With a small break in between, I worked at Daily News in the Real Estate department where I learned about sales and my unknown ability to reach goals and exceed them. This is where I realized I LOVE competition.
In 2008 (when the market crashed), I was blessed enough to join a team for almost a decade at the Keller Williams in Burbank first as the Team Manager where I re-learned about transaction coordinating, leadership, was part of negotiating over 100 short sales with a 100% success rate as the lead negotiator, office management and team building. This is where I found my passion. When I realized I was a type “A” personality and although my personality allowed for me to cope and manage, we soon realized I was sitting on the wrong seat of the bus. In 2013, I transitioned to sales full-time within the team, a 100% commission-based pay. I was a bit scared, yet ready… to say the least. No more- steady paychecks. Thankfully I had a strong support system. I became the team’s lead salesperson before I transitioned out to build my own.
When I started in the industry, I was young. Always willing, ready and excited to grow and learn. Now 36, with the same tenacity and conviction. I am married and have three beautiful children: two girls, one boy, a lot has changed.
Being a wife and mother to me is one of the biggest blessings. Working in this industry has afforded the freedom of time needed to not miss special moments. As I continued to grow not only in business yet at home as my last child Lily was born, I realized that leaving a legacy for them is something I wanted to make sure to do.
My son will look up to my husband. And of course, his mother. Yet, my daughters will look up to their mom. That puts a lot of pressure on a mom, yet that same pressure gave me the bravery to jump, have a burning fire and start what is now the “The Mendoza Real Estate Group”. Thinking of them. They are my WHY.
In 2018/2019, I moved to Keller Williams Studio City, where I am today. The BEST business decision I made for my business, health and family. This is where I was given opportunity, gained more confidence & hired a real estate coach that has helped me grow, build a brick foundation and start a strong team I am proud of which has consistently stayed in the top 1% in our office. Sky’s the limit!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an entrepreneur and owning a business is never easy, yet it’s worth it ‘only’ if you are committed. You have to have the self-will, passion, tenacity and fire in your belly to stay consistent and be relentless. I had to learn to be my own motivator even when things got hard, learn to block out the noise, be laser-focused and realize that I am my biggest competition.
Being in sales has its ups in downs, just like any industry…for me, it was no different. When I transitioned to an individual agent to start my own team and moved offices. I started from zero. It was scary. The unknown is most people’s biggest fear, that is mine too. As controlling as I am, LOL. Yet I knew I had the tools, self-will, foundation, motivation, passion to adapt and evolve from the decades of experience and a big WHY to keep moving forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am the founder + executive realtor of The Mendoza Real Estate Group with over 21 years of combined residential real estate experience serving the Los Angeles area and surrounding cities. Providing the most excellent service to sellers and buyers to earn their trust and repeat business by always offering candid advice. We are honest and direct which is the rule of our business.
I am bilingual in Spanish which is extremely helpful and lends me an edge in public dealing. The group’s wide dynamic approach and negotiation skills have enabled us to earn the ratio of placing clients in escrow within two weeks despite the shifting market. When selling, the team’s specialty is to increase the home’s exposure by creating a competitive, innovative environment. So, the client gets the absolute most for their home.
My reputation of being friendly and tenacious attracts the attention of people. Our tactics of dealing with clients are what makes us a unique and successful team. Our team makes the process educational, streamlined, and fun which helps clients have a full understanding of the process. Ensuring that the Selling and Buying decisions are a pleasant and seamless experience.
Our passion in real estate, energy & love of serving people is a perfect formula for an outstanding group. We get it done and make a difference!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
During COVID-19, Real Estate was considered an essential business. Just like a shifting market, you have to learn to reassess, adapt with the changes and roll with the punches. COVID-19 brought new opportunities for our industry and opened the door to do more business virtually which provided options for those who were afraid to meet in person yet happy to meet online.
Our business was one of the few that thrived during the pandemic and adapted. Being considered a millennial and heavily technology-driven was something we used to our advantage and gave us an edge to continue to thrive and expand by providing options to our clients and creating a safe environment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themendozaregroup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themendozagroup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMendozaRealEstateGroup
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnaMendozaReal1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE6jvZBvSCw3f0K-uGVSnxg
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ana-mendoza-keller-williams-realty-studio-city-2
