Gold Coast Schools alumni Sasha Valdes was recently named a RISMedia Rookie of the Year award finalist. Valdes was a new mom living in Colorado when she visited a friend in South Florida who was ecstatic about his real estate career. Valdes was working in an industry that didn’t excite her at the time. After that visit, she decided to leave her current job, move to the East Coast, and throw all her energy into a career in real estate.
RISMedia’s Rookie of the Year Program
The Rookie of the Year program aims to recognize real estate agents who are new to the field but have already made remarkable strides. Nominees for the Real Estate Rookie of the Year award were evaluated based on their 2023 sales volume and transaction data, commitment to professional education, technological skills, and community engagement. This marks the program’s third year, and 25 regional finalists were announced.
“We are delighted to again partner with RISMedia to recognize new agents who have demonstrated they are thriving in their careers and, as such, making a difference in their communities and in their profession,” said Jennifer Dixson Hoff, Colibri Real Estate’s General Manager, Professional Portfolio and Partnerships.
Why Valdes Was Drawn to Real Estate
While living in Colorado, Valdes had a newborn and a child less than a year old. It had been a difficult time for the young mom, both financially and emotionally.
“Postpartum had hit me like a train wreck, and I was just really grasping onto any little bit of light that I could find,” Valdes said.
After seeing how happy a friend was working in the Florida real estate industry, her family decided to make a change. It was then that Valdes began researching Florida real estate schools.
Valdes’ Experience With Gold Coast Schools
Valdes was still living in Colorado when she found Gold Coast Schools’ online prelicensing program. She purchased and completed the program in Colorado while caring for two babies.
“Gold Coast Schools was awesome!” Vales said. “It was so easy. I took the exam, and I passed it on the first try. So, thank you, Gold Coast! They did a phenomenal job with training.”
Valdes moved to Florida in February, passed her real estate exam in March, and was fully licensed and placed at a real estate brokerage by April.
“I took off running,” Valdes said.
She visited her local Gold Coast campus after moving to Florida.
“Gold Coast is a phenomenal company, and they’re phenomenal in person. When I went to visit them and told them I got certified online, they greeted me with the biggest, warmest smile, as if I had been walking through their doors day in and day out,” Valdes said.
Valdes’ Life as a Real Estate Agent
Although getting started wasn’t easy, Valdes found she was well-suited for the career. “It’s great that I get to be in an industry and get paid to do what I’m naturally very good at — helping people find solutions,” she said.
Valdes was also good at finding a solution to succeed in her new career.
“Many people said to drop $1,000, $2,000, $5,000 dollars in advertising, and you’ll be fine. I didn’t have that. But what I do have is people skills. I have the time, and I have the dedication.”
Valdes is now an open house specialist. She teaches open house techniques at a regional level in South Florida, which was a great honor for the new agent.
“In a few months, you can build a very substantial business,” Valdes said. “I really look forward to being a shining star for other moms who are looking at a career change and believe that they can make something beautiful happen. I just want to be that example of perseverance, God’s grace, belief, and self-love. It takes a lot of love to come out of places, find new beginnings, and not be completely scared. Truly, just know that you are enough to start over whenever you want in life. And real estate can be a wonderful new beginning,” she said.
Valdes currently works for Keller Williams Realty in Florida.
To All the Moms Out There Considering a Real Estate Career
Valdes offers these words of encouragement to young moms considering a career switch to real estate.
“I want you all to know this – you can do it if you believe you can do it. If you are looking for a career in real estate and you believe in yourself, you are one hundred percent capable of doing it and doing it with grace,” Valdes said.
Visit the Gold Coast Schools’ website to learn more about Florida real estate prelicensing packages. Like Valdes, you can become a real estate agent in Florida in just a few months.
“If you do believe that this is something that you’re called for, I highly suggest you give it a shot and really lean in on yourself,” Valdes said. “You’ve got this.”