Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirin Khoramian.
Shirin, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Beverly Hills, California. I always wanted to experience living somewhere outside of the Beverly Hills bubble, so for undergrad, I moved to NorCal to study Communications at the University of California, Berkeley. Immediately after graduating, I moved back to LA to work in the finance sector. After a few months of having a 9-5 behind the desk job, I knew it wasn’t for me and decided to up & quit. I began stressing on what my next move would be. I knew I wanted to get into something creative, and growing up I was always passionate about two things – design and homes.
My older sister was working at a boutique real estate firm called Teles Properties at the time. One of her coworkers who was a contractor/realtor was looking for an executive assistant. I immediately knew that the position was for me. I mean, what better mix than real estate and construction? I was able to be in an environment that I loved and work on projects that I was passionate about. My first project was working on a new construction in the Palisades. I worked directly on the job site in the trailer, and oh what an experience that was. I absolutely loved it.
After two years of working in the construction/real estate sector, I decided I wanted to primarily focus on real estate. I met another realtor, Stacy Blair Young, who was in the same brokerage at Teles Properties (now called Douglas Elliman). It has been four years since we have been working together, originally starting as her assistant and working my way up as an agent on her team. Within my first year of becoming a full-time agent, I’ve closed on eight transactions and obtained five new listings. What makes it all worthwhile is meeting all these amazing clients along the way and finding their dream home.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely was not the smoothest ride. I had many fears before I made the jump into becoming a full-time realtor. My first and biggest fear was going from a salary based position to commission only. There were so many questions running through my head: What if I have no clients? How will I support myself financially?
Additionally, I was extremely intimidated by the industry as a whole. Considering my age and experience, I grappled with how I was going to make a name for myself in this super-saturated business.
I eventually got sick of the narrative I was living and feeding. I decided to make the jump. I had a “get real moment” that acted as my catalyst to the next phase. I’d worked on over 100+ transactions, I knew the industry intimately and confidently, I’d lived and breathed the world of Real Estate for 4+ years. I had all of the pieces available to me to make the move, I just needed to minimize the fear.
I created an action plan that entailed every detail of where I wanted to be in the next year. I planted the paper directly in front of my desk, so I’d be forced to confront my goals day after day. Subsequently, my weekends were all open houses, my time spent in the office was dedicated to expanding my knowledge, marketing myself, dreaming and doing. The result eventually leading to my first closed transaction at the age of 26, that moment was surreal! It also leads me to know and believe that I could in fact be and have the career I’ve dreamed of.
“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” – George Addair
This sentiment has resonated with me so much over time. Like so many it’s so much easier to identify the reasons not to do something. I’m here to remind all who feel defeated by fear that it is just an illusion and the things you want already exist you just have to have the guts to go and get them.
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about your work?
I am currently a Realtor and work on Stacy Young’s Team at Douglas Elliman Brentwood. My area of expertise is West LA, however, I am always expanding my zones.
My previous knowledge in construction allows me to guide and negotiate for my clients in the best ways possible. Additionally, my clients are not just clients to me. It is important for me to build a level of friendship and rapport with them, and for my clients to know that I am there for them every step of the way to make the transaction as seamless as possible. The home-buying process is not just like any other transaction, it’s an emotional process for most. I genuinely care for my clients and their needs; there’s an unexplainable feeling knowing that I played a resourceful, reassuring role during that time. I mean, this is really an added bonus of being in this industry. You meet incredible people throughout the process and guide them through one of the biggest and most important purchases of their lives.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles is one of the best cities for practicing Real Estate. Whether you choose the commercial or residential sector there are endless opportunities. For Agents just starting out, I recommend joining a team. You are not only guided by an experienced realtor & mentor, but you also jump right into the action of working on transactions with buyers and sellers. What you learn and experience on a team is invaluable and I couldn’t recommend it more. LA is the place to be….especially for real estate!
Contact Info:
- Address: 11990 San Vicente Blvd. #100
Los Angeles, CA 90049 - Website: https://shirinkhoramian.elliman.com/
- Phone: 310-595-0067
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/theladreamer
- Facebook: facebook.com/theladreamer
- Other: https://www.zillow.com/profile/shirinkhoramian/
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