Today we’d like to introduce you to Hatim Zaki
Hi Hatim , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
There is a reason behind everything that takes place in life. Sometimes, events unfold in ways that do not align with our plans, making us question our path. But I assure you, it is all part of a bigger picture.
I spent nearly five years at California State University, Northridge, working hard to earn my B.A. in Sociology/Criminology. Upon graduating, I set out to pursue a career in law enforcement. Unfortunately, this was at the worst possible time, during the 2007-2008 recession. I took several months off from traditional 9-to-5 jobs to reassess my next steps. I applied to numerous law enforcement agencies and even received a conditional job offer from the LAPD. However, due to a hiring freeze, that opportunity never materialized.
In need of work, I applied for a front office agent position at the Renaissance LAX Hotel and was hired the same day. Initially, I worked in the back office, answering calls from current and future guests. Before long, my managers and I noticed that I had a knack for upgrading guests from standard rooms to suites, a win-win situation where guests enjoyed a larger room for a slight additional cost, and I earned a small commission in return. My success over the phone led to a promotion. I had been so successful at upgrading guests over the phone that my managers and I agreed it was time for me to move to the front desk, where I could do it in person. I quickly excelled, generating $1,000,000 in revenue for Marriott and becoming the top producer on the West Coast. Despite my contributions, I only received a small commission. I repeatedly asked my managers for a pay increase, but they declined every time. Frustrated, I shared my concerns with my parents, and they had the perfect solution. Almost in unison, they said, Hatim, you should be in real estate.
In 2014, I took my real estate courses in person and passed the state exam that December. My career in real estate, however, had a rocky start. I did not know anyone in the industry, not family, not friends and no mentors to guide me. I joined Coldwell Banker’s Venice office, but my assigned mentor was always on vacation.
Quitting was never an option. I have always had a mindset where, once I set a goal, I do whatever it takes to achieve it. Real estate was no different. I started door-knocking on my own, going from house to house, introducing myself, and letting my community know I was a realtor. I lost count of how many doors were slammed in my face, how many people tried to discourage me, and how often I was told I wouldn’t make it. But I kept going.
Then, in 2018, I did it! I secured my first listing. I’ll never forget the day I landed the listing at 4104 Madison Ave, Culver City. I sold that property for $3,400,000. That massive first sale launched my career. I went from being an unknown realtor to becoming a trusted name in my community, a lifelong resident of Culver City serving the people in and around my neighborhood.
People often ask me, what is the secret to success in real estate? The answer is simple: Be honest, be sincere, and show kindness and empathy.
Over the years, I’ve built close friendships with almost all my clients. Many have welcomed me into their homes across the United States, inviting me to visit whenever I am in their area. I am not in real estate just to make a commission. I do this to be a positive force in people’s lives, to build connections, and to bring communities together.
Since my first listing, I’ve closed over 30 transactions (close to $40,000,000 in sales volume), made countless friendships, and helped numerous families transition to the next chapter of their lives. I look forward to continuing to serve my community and making a lasting impact.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been endless obstacles on my road to success. As I mentioned earlier, I came across a lot of individuals whose words lacked encouragement. I also did not have any one to assist me in navigating the road to success in the real estate world. People who thought their word could discourage me from accomplishing my goals had quite the contrary effect on my will to succeed. It strengthened my resolve and I was adamant on not only to succeed be become one of the best in what I do.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The Covid-19 crisis was a horrifying event for mankind. Everyone was living in a time of uncertainty. A time of when the saying “tomorrow is never promised” really became that much more of a reality. I always try to find positivity even in the grimmest of situations. Covid-19 for me personally was a silver-lining event. As you recall, I obtained my real estate license in 2014 but I was hesitant for years after that to leave the Renaissance Hotel to pursue my career in real estate full-time. Covid came around and the Renaissance Hotel laid me off. I was forced to leave but this opened the door to the next and perhaps best chapter in my life. When I focused on real estate full time that was when I truly started to reap the rewards of the time I invested in real estate. When the health safety guidelines were eased during Covid-19, I went out to prospect in the community. Of course I was very mindful of people’s health. I maintained a safe distance while talking to people, wore a mask and gloves as well when speaking to individuals in the community. To my surprise, people were beyond happy to chat with me since many had been without real social contact for 1-2 years. Covid-19 taught me to face my fears and sometimes in life you have to take. a risk, a calculated risk to move up in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nelsonshelton.com/directory/agents/hatim-zaki
- Other: https://www.zillow.com/profile/hatimzaki%20realtor
