Breaking Into Real Estate: Achieving Success Through Persistence and Creativity with Ifeanyi Emmanuel Ifediba
Breaking into real estate and achieving success is no easy feat. The industry is dynamic, fast-paced, and highly competitive. Whether you’re a new agent or investor, the road to success can often feel like a tough climb. But with persistence, creativity, and the right strategies, it’s absolutely possible to overcome the hurdles and make your mark.
On a recent episode of my podcast, I sat down with Ifeanyi Emmanuel Ifediba, a California-based realtor, entrepreneur, and the founder of Naijainvests LLC. Emmanuel shared his journey from Nigeria to the US and how he broke into the world of real estate. His insights on overcoming challenges and using creativity to stand out in the industry were truly inspiring.
Getting Into Real Estate
Emmanuel was born in Nigeria and moved to the US at age 2. Growing up in Los Angeles, CA, he experienced first-hand the challenges of coming from a low-income household.
But his story isn’t about the struggle—it’s about how he turned obstacles into opportunities.
Emmanuel went on to study finance at Santa Clara University, with a minor in real estate. While at university, he began to see the power of real estate, not just as a career, but as a tool to create generational wealth. He credits watching his father invest in property and slowly grow into a real estate developer as the spark that ignited his passion.
After college, Emmanuel worked at Deloitte and Accenture. He’s also currently pursuing his MBA at Berkeley Haas. But despite these accomplishments, he never lost sight of his ultimate goal: becoming a real estate developer.
Persistence: The Key to Overcoming Challenges
The road to success in real estate is not a straight line, and it requires resilience.
Emmanuel didn’t pass the real estate exam on his first try, not his second either. It took him three attempts to get that piece of paper that opened the door to the real estate world.
This experience taught him a crucial lesson: perseverance is key. It’s easy to feel discouraged, but it’s the people who keep pushing forward, even after setbacks, who ultimately succeed.
Emmanuel also found persistence to be a critical factor in choosing the right brokerage. He received countless marketing letters and emails from brokerages eager to sign him up. But it wasn’t until Century 21 wrote him a handwritten note that he took them seriously.
That persistence was exactly what he needed to see, and it paid off. He eventually joined the franchise and has been thriving ever since.
The Power of Follow-Up in Real Estate
The takeaway here is simple: real estate is a business built on follow-up.
It’s rare that a deal happens after the first or second contact. Emmanuel’s experience with Century 21 proved this. In fact, it’s often the fifth, sixth, or even tenth follow-up that leads to success.
This is something every realtor should remember. Whether you’re following up with leads or potential clients, keep showing up.
Leveraging Creativity and Humor to Stand Out
Before diving into real estate, Emmanuel dabbled in stand-up comedy. And while that might seem like an unusual background for a realtor, he believes it helped him in ways that are difficult to measure.
Stand-up comedy, he says, teaches you how to connect with people. It helps you understand humor’s power to break down barriers and build strong relationships. He took those lessons and applied them to his real estate career by using social media as a platform to showcase his personality.
Using Social Media to Build a Personal Brand
Emmanuel combines his humor and knowledge to create fast-paced, engaging home tours on Instagram. These aren’t just regular walk-throughs. They’re quick, witty, and informative. Through these creative videos, he built a following of 40,000 people.
However, it’s not just about the numbers. His followers have turned into potential clients. For him, social media has been an efficient way to connect with people and close deals.
It’s a reminder that creativity can make all the difference in a crowded market. Use social media to showcase who you are and what you bring to the table. Stand out from the crowd, and people will take notice.
The Current Real Estate Market
We all know the market is tough right now. Home prices are high, interest rates are climbing, and many buyers are hesitant to jump in. But Emmanuel offers a valuable perspective: there are still opportunities out there for those who are willing to work for them.
Emmanuel recently helped a client secure a condo for $50,000 less than the asking price. How? By understanding the market, being persistent, and knowing how to negotiate. It’s all about the strategy.
How Sellers Can Adjust to the Market Conditions
If you’re a seller, don’t be discouraged. The market is tough, but understanding seller motivations can help you close deals.
- Be patient: If your property has been sitting on the market for a while, it might be time to adjust your price or your expectations.
- Know the market: Understand the trends in your area and be willing to adapt.
- Understand buyer concerns: High interest rates can be a barrier, but if you’re open to negotiations, it could make the difference.
Advice for New Realtors: Choose the Right Brokerage and Stay Consistent
For new agents, Emmanuel’s advice is clear: find the right brokerage and stick with it. A solid brokerage offers mentorship and training that can make all the difference in your first few years.
Also, you need to stay consistent. Real estate isn’t an overnight success story. It’s about putting in the work day in and day out.
Moreover, continuous learning is key. You’ve got to keep growing. So, read books, attend seminars, seek out mentorship, and listen to real estate podcasts. The market is always changing, and the more you know, the better you can adapt and succeed.
Want to hear my whole conversation with Emmanuel? Listen to our podcast episode!
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Emmanuel’s journey is a perfect example of how persistence, creativity, and the right strategies can break down barriers in real estate.
For more stories and advice from industry icons, like Emmanuel, tune into The Whole Enchilada of Real Estate Investing. Whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned investor, there’s always something new to learn here.
And, if you’re ready to take your real estate game to the next level, connect with me. Together, we’ll build lasting wealth and navigate the opportunities in this industry!
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Marigona Gllarevaa – Jan 01, 1970