By: Santino Filipelli
Honestly, I’ve never had a mentor in real estate. Even though I’ve reached out to several people, I’ve had to learn almost all that I know on my own. I learned most of what I know from Youtube videos, Googling information, and just failing my way forward. When first licensed, I was at a small brokerage where there was little guidance or support. I hardly saw the principal broker, but I knew failure was not an option.
Despite this lack of mentorship, I did a lot of reading. One book, Gary Keller’s Millionaire Real Estate Agent, was helpful. Also, there was a part of me that wasn’t concerned about my lack of guidance in real estate, since I was finishing a degree in firefighting.
Looking back, I would have never thought I would make real estate a fulltime career--not because I didn't enjoy it, but because I was seeking something more stable. Instability had been an issue for most of my life.
Although I haven’t had mentors in real estate, I have had mentors outside of the real estate industry who have poured into me.
(Santino and his mom on his wedding day)
One of our youth leaders and now good friend Rocky treated my sister and I like family. He helped me work on character flaws and treated me like a brother. It was their guidance that helped shape me into the man I am today.
My biggest mentor was my mom, although she is no longer alive, she showed me how important it is to not judge people, how to truly listen, and to love unconditionally, all of which have made me a better real estate agent. She passed away 3 yrs ago at 43 a few months after my wedding.
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