Discovering the path to real estate success is an adventure brimming with hurdles, personal development, and innovative possibilities.

I'm Tyler Gibson welcome to Leads & Leverage Podcast. I recently had the honor of sitting down with Lisa Ritter and what an enlightening conversation it was!

Lisa is not just a seasoned real estate professional; she's a beacon of inspiration and knowledge for anyone looking to make their mark in the industry. During our chat, she shared invaluable strategies she employs to stay ahead in this competitive field.

Let’s explore the strategies and philosophies that have propelled Lisa to the pinnacle of her profession.

invaluable strategies she employs to stay ahead in this competitive field.

Let’s explore the strategies and philosophies that have propelled Lisa to the pinnacle of her profession.

Tune in to our full conversation here:

Lisa Ritter’s Background

Lisa and her husband share a passion for homes and renovation, living temporarily in each project before moving on to the next.

This hands-on experience gave her a deep understanding of homes, their potential, and the market. However, a terrible real estate experience during a relocation inspired Lisa to enter the industry herself.

She knew she could do better by simply being a little nicer and more helpful than the agents she had encountered. This drive to improve the real estate experience for others was the catalyst for her career.

Lisa's background is a blend of passion, hands-on experience, and a desire to serve others. This foundation has been critical to her success and has shaped her approach to real estate.

Lisa’s Early Challenges

Starting in a new town with no sphere of influence was tough. Lisa moved back to Omaha and began her real estate career while still babysitting full-time for extra income.

Lisa's early challenges were numerous. Balancing a full-time job, establishing herself in a new market, and building a client base from scratch required immense dedication and resilience.

Key Strategies for Success

In our conversation, Lisa shared several key strategies that have been instrumental to her success.

Hiring the Right People

Lisa emphasizes the importance of hiring agents who don’t view real estate as only a hobby. She prefers agents who are committed to a certain level of production and can effectively balance their responsibilities.

Lisa values the inclusion of mortgage brokers on her team, recognizing that their expertise allows for comprehensive services and an enhanced customer experience. She integrates professionals to provide comprehensive support for clients' financial journeys.

By surrounding herself with dedicated and motivated individuals, Lisa has built a strong and reliable team.

Setting Expectations

Clear expectations and accountability are essential. Lisa conducts biannual performance reviews, setting high standards to align her team with company goals and maintain performance levels.

Training and Leading by Example

Lisa continues to be a producing broker, which helps her stay updated with market trends and challenges. She believes that having hands-on experience helps her provide relevant and effective training for her team.

Additionally, she acknowledges the value of getting help from a real estate coach to enhance her training sessions.

These strategies have been instrumental in Lisa's success, helping her build a high-performing team and a thriving business.

Lisa’s Advice for Aspiring Team Leaders and Brokers

If you’re interested in starting your own team or brokerage in the real estate industry, Lisa offers some valuable advice that can help you navigate this journey with a positive and realistic outlook.

Don’t Take It Personally

When you start your team or brokerage, you will quickly learn that not everyone will want to join you or stay with you. This can be disappointing, but it's important to remember that this is normal.

People have different goals and priorities, and they may not always align with yours. Instead of feeling hurt or discouraged, stay true to your values and keep doing your best.

By focusing on your path and being consistent in your efforts, you will attract the right people who share your vision.

Expect a Challenging Journey

Starting a team or brokerage demands more effort and dedication than expected, as highlighted by Lisa. Persist through challenges and obstacles to achieve your goals.

The journey will be challenging but the rewards can be fulfilling. Having a positive attitude and keep pushing forward are keys to success.

Invest in Continuous Learning

Continuous learning is what sets successful leaders apart from the rest. Lisa recommends attending workshops, seminars, and networking events to not only learn new strategies but also to build relationships with other professionals.

Make use of industry seminars, workshops, and online courses to improve skills and empower your team for success.

Build Strong Relationships

Success in real estate is highly dependent on the connections you make—whether with clients, team members, or other industry professionals.

Understand needs and aspirations, and build strong relationships with effective communication, empathy, and trust. Attend networking events, and social gatherings, and be part of community activities to establish and maintain connections.

Lead by Example

Leadership is not just about giving orders; it's about setting a standard for others to follow. Lisa emphasizes the importance of leading by example.

Demonstrate values to inspire team adoption, fostering cohesion and motivation for achieving shared goals.

Embrace Change and Innovation

In the dynamic real estate industry, adaptability is crucial. Lisa encourages aspiring leaders to embrace change and remain open to innovative ideas and approaches.

Whether it's adopting new marketing strategies, utilizing advanced technology, or exploring different business models, staying flexible and forward-thinking can set you apart from the competition.

Take Care of Yourself

As an aspiring leader, taking care of yourself should be on your top priority. You cannot care for others if you are not well cared for. The demands of starting and running a team or brokerage can be overwhelming, and it's easy to neglect your well-being.

By prioritizing physical and mental health, you will have the energy and resilience for effective leadership.

Let’s Connect and Keep the Conversation Going

My conversation with Lisa Ritter was a treasure trove of insights and inspiration. Her journey is a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and passion in real estate.

Starting a team or brokerage in the real estate industry is a significant undertaking, filled with both challenges and opportunities.

By following Lisa's advice—staying resilient, investing in continuous learning, building strong relationships, leading by example, embracing change, and taking care of yourself—you can navigate this journey successfully and create a thriving business.

Whether you're an aspiring agent, a seasoned professional, or looking to lead your team, Lisa's story offers invaluable lessons.

Stay tuned for more episodes and blog posts that continue to explore the many facets of real estate success.