Meet the real estate agent who is taking the Ohio realtor business by storm: the talented Tammy Mazzocco.
The Edwards Realty Company s arguably one of the most famous real estate agencies in the state of Ohio, they are responsible for grooming some of the most talented realtors in the area. One of them is Tammy Mazzocco, a successful real estate agent who started her career as a secretary and then moved up the ladder to become a property manager back in the 90’s. She worked with a team of 9 agents led by Mike Zelnik; then she moved to Scotland Yard Condominiums where she excelled at her job as a manager.
Her big break as a licensed real estate agent came in 1995 thanks to the recommendation of Scotland Yard’s General Manager Ken Cook. Ken became a key figure in Tammy’s development as a real estate agent; her fast growing career took Tammy to work in T&R Properties as a manager of many sites in the state of Ohio. Then she became a personal assistant to a major RE/MAX producer named Joe Armeni in the posh area of Columbus, Ohio.
During her time with Joe, Tammy soaked in all the information and tips to becoming the best real estate agent she could be. Then in 1999, Tammy began her full-on career as a real estate agent and developer where she has been at the top of the real estate business for the better part of the last 18 years. Today, Tammy is one of the top agents and sells in the residential real estate in Franklin, Licking, Delaware, and Fairfield counties in Central Ohio. She was also kind enough to grant us an interview in which she responded all out questions.
How did you get started in the business? What inspired you to start this business?
This idea to become a real estate agent came to me; I didn’t pursue it in a way. It was a manager and real estate broker I used to work with the person who motivated me to get my license back in 1995. In few words, I can firmly tell you that real estate is already my lifestyle, it describes me as a person, and it has become my passion in life.
How do you make money from it?
It’s not just about making money, to succeed in this business, you need to lead a healthy and productive life. I love to start my day with a little meditation and a little bit of movement that gets my day started with energy. Then, I get to work. If it’s a possibility, I like to get the most important chores done right before I check my email and get on the phone to start discussing shop with my clients. What I do is sell beautiful homes to interested customers who make bids for them on the market, the best bids are the ones that get to buy a new home, and I get a small percentage of that profit.
How long did it take you to become profitable?
Thanks to the mentors I’ve had throughout my life it didn’t take me long after I started working as a full-time real estate agent in 1999. In many cases it’s difficult becoming profitable, I did have to work hard for a couple of years, but after that, the clients calls started increasing.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
There is always doubt in this kind of business especially when you are first starting, the key here is to keep a positive philosophy and whatever you do never think about giving up. The best way to manage a negative situation is to confront it through hard work and keep a positive attitude. Even today I have some bad days, but meditating every day helps me out when I’m in trouble.
How did you get your first customer?
That happened after 1999; I remember I was very excited to have landed my first real payday. It was so long ago.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works well to generate new business?
Having online content about the real estate world in my website works very well, it keeps the clients engaged in the overall conversation of the business, and it keeps them interested. A professional social media management is essential too because the clients tend to look for the best real estate deals online through there. Also, creating a good reputation through my hard work is the best marketing you can get.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
I still catch myself worrying about things I have no control over, that’s something I still need to correct. There is always room for improvement in the real estate business, if you ever settle with the way you go about things, chances are you will stay behind inside a market that is constantly evolving.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I believe that hard work and always looking out for my client’s best interest is what has given me more work throughout the years. I always try to worry about my clients’ finances as if I was dealing with my own. That type of trust has to be earned; it’s something clients greatly appreciate.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
It has to be every single time I close a deal, that feeling is something I love. Watching clients happy faces when they get the news of an accepted bid is very rewarding as a realtor.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
During 2017, the Ohio state had a spike in real estate sales which we expect to maintain for the rest of the year. The market dropped a little bit with the new administration, but the numbers have been steadily increasing since January. But we hope the business is booming by June, that’s an excellent time for companies because many clients make bids for homes during this period of the year.
What business books have inspired you?
It may not be a business book per se, but Dr. Phil’s ‘Life Strategies’ has been of great help throughout my career. Especially the ten life points he describes and the way he illustrates with examples are great.
What is a recent purchase you’ve made that’s helped you with your business?
I had the chance to buy a Swiss Army brand rolling briefcase which has helped me stay as organized as I like.