Katy McBrayer is a Sarasota, Florida real estate professional that has had many great experiences throughout the course of her career. She was originally born in Texas, moving to the beautiful town of Sarasota Florida when she was only twelve years old.
At the end of her high school career, she received the Florida Bright Futures scholarship award, and eventually went to the University of Central Florida (UCF) where she received a degree in political science and psychology. Wanting to pursue a career as a lawyer, Katy McBrayer moved to Miami for an internship. A deterrent, however, was seeing the many struggling law students having trouble finding employment. It didn’t help that many of these students, she noticed, developed a massive amount of debt in the process.
She would then work a couple different jobs, from working in the food and beverage industry to a short stint as a television actress, before moving to Germany. She moved to Germany with a professional soccer player she had met in Miami for around a year or so, before moving back home. It was at this point she knew she had no intention on moving back to Miami, and instead ventured back to Sarasota where she would eventually become a realtor.
How did you get started? What inspired you to start this business?
Well, I have worked in a multitude of different environments, most of which were the control was really out of my hands. I wanted to work for myself, and also be able to dictate my own hours. I already knew a lot about the Sarasota area having lived there for such a long amount of time that it being a relator in Sarasota made perfect sense. Not to mention how absolutely beautiful Sarasota is and that I have the ability to work all around the area.
How do you make money?
The same way all realtors do! I help clients with the buying or selling process and make a commission once the transaction is completed!
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
Not very long at all! Once you understand the ins and outs of being a real estate agent, as long as you are truly trying to help your clients get the best possible place for them, you will find success early on.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
I have pretty much worked with people my whole life. I never doubted my ability to help people find what they are looking for, and being so knowledgeable about why people want to live in Sarasota made any doubts very far from my mind.
How did you get your first customer?
By simply getting my name out there. Sarasota is a beautiful place, but it is also very small, so it wasn’t hard to hear back from customers once my name was being advertised around the area.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
Well, as stated in the previous answer, getting your name out there and advertising yourself is the best way for people to see you. Also I found that if you treat all people you meet as a potential prospect, you will be surprised at how many people (especially young adults) are looking to buy or sell real estate.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
Real estate is a constant grind. Even though it gives you a lot of liberties as far as “being your own boss” in concerned, you have to constantly be in an entrepreneurial mindset. So, not that it is necessarily a tough decision, but just being able to wake up every morning with a positive attitude is a decision you have to make every day, even when things are difficult.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I really hope this isn’t a cliché answer, but the two things I think make myself successful are:
- Being genuinely personable and empathetic to clients, and
- A constant work ethic.
I have seen plenty of people in all different work environments only care about the check they get, and not so much about whether or not they are really providing for their clients. If you actually want to help people, and never give up on the drive to do so, you will see plenty of success, especially in real estate.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
I would have to say the day that I decided to work for myself. It has all been pretty satisfying actually, but once I landed on being a realtor in Sarasota of all places, I knew I finally found what I was looking for in a career path.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
The future is as bright as can be! Right now I just want to stay focused on helping my clients, and gathering new prospects to help along the way. I am very excited for how Sarasota is growing. I see a lot of young professionals coming down here more and more, and I think it has the potential to be an even greater city in the years to come.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how would you like to be contacted?
Sure I would love to mentor! The best place to contact me for professional advice would be my LinkedIn page. I have been able to mentor before in other scenarios and I always love the opportunity.
What is it about Sarasota that makes it such a desirable place to be right now?
Well really, what isn’t to like? The weather is always beautiful, there are beaches everywhere (some of which are voted best in the world), and the people are extremely friendly! Not to mention there are plenty of great places to eat and you even get spring training baseball every year! There are also plenty of starting businesses that are popping up all over the place so there are a growing number of employment opportunities. Overall, it is just a wonderful place to live!