Women Leaders Of Real Estate: Brittany Zalkin of MZB Properties On The 5 Things You Need To Succeed In The Real Estate Industry
An Interview With Jason Hartman
Energy is everything. The energy we put out in the world is the energy we get back. Say “hi” to your neighbor, you never know what they are going through and how your one simple gesture can change their day!
As a part of my series about the ‘Five Things You Need To Know To Succeed In The Real Estate Industry’, I had the pleasure of interviewing Brittany Zalkin.
Brittany Zalkin is a trailblazing professional dominating the South Florida real estate market. With over a decade of experience in the house buying industry, Brittany has become an expert in all things of real estate. Her expertise ranges from flipping homes, interior design, and sales to handling listing of multi-million-dollar properties along the South Florida coast.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the “backstory” about what brought you to the Real Estate industry?
My Father still laughs at all the moves I have made in my life! From a young age, I was fascinated when I would travel to see how other people lived. The architecture, the culture and even price differences. Having lived in many places throughout the U.S & Canada, has given me a unique perspective on real estate and most importantly- integrating into new communities.
I started my career by founding a recruitment firm that I owned and operated successfully for 11 yrs. There are many parallels between recruiting C suite executives and being a real estate agent. In both cases I’m heavily involved in my clients making life changing decisions that have a lasting impact on them personally as well as their families.
This easily has translated into how I work in real estate. Genuinely caring about my clients and aiming to provide them with the best possible experience.
Real estate and design have always been a passion of mine. I have bought and sold many properties in my personal life as an investor and decided now was the right time for a career change. I went and finally got my license this past year and have started building my business with the same passion and focus I’ve used in the past.
As a full-service agent, I provide comprehensive assistance to my clients beyond just buying and selling properties. Sharing local knowledge and insights, such as information about schools, doctors, shopping, workout facilities, and dining options, makes the transition for my clients smoother and more enjoyable. Each client I choose to work with, I genuinely care about and aim to provide them with the best possible experience.
Overall, I have personal experience and understanding of the challenges families face during relocation. I believe this is something that sets me apart and makes me unique from most agents.
Can you share with our readers the most interesting or amusing story that occurred to you in your career so far? Can you share the lesson or takeaway you took out of that story?
The real estate industry has always been known to be tough and cutthroat. After touring homes all day with an out-of-town client, I found a home they just had to see. I called the listing agent and asked if we could come by. I arrived first, and my clients had taken their time and were about 25 minutes behind me. I of course apologized — but while waiting inside the home, the agent started calling me a “Liar” multiple times that my clients didn’t show up when I did! This was a test of patience which you must have to be successful in this business.
Do you have a favorite “life lesson quote”? Can you share a story or example of how that was relevant to you in your life?
Very simply and some say a cliché, but I feel very strongly that “Do onto others as you wish done to you”? Seems rare these days to find people that live that way- but it’s how I operate!
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?
You never know what your day will bring, which is exciting in itself! I’m currently helping two people get their first investment properties. One is flipping, and the other to be used as a VRBO. I love being a partner watching them succeed.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
My husband. While we are two very different people, he has always been my biggest fan and supporter. He has helped me to see the big picture, to not sweat the small stuff, and that timing is everything. I’ll never forget while I was in real estate school, my kids making me the most adorable bento box lunches leaving me notes on how proud they all were of me. I’ll never forget that feeling, it motivates me every day to keep going!
Ok. Thank you for all that. Let’s now jump to the main core of our interview. Can you share 3 things that most excite you about the Real Estate industry? If you can please share a story or example.
I’ll never forget meeting a fellow real estate agent one afternoon for a coffee. She was completely put together, dressed nicely and makeup done. I asked her if she had a client meeting today to be dressed so nicely, and she responded, “No I don’t, but you never know if I will today, so I’m dressed for it!” That really resonated with me.
What excites me most is the schedule flexibility being a mom to two young girls my schedule flexibility allows me to mage my work and personal time that fits where I’m at in life in life today, the income potential is limitless and there is no shortage of investment opportunities.
Can you share 3 things that most concern you about the industry? If you had the ability to implement 3 ways to reform or improve the industry, what would you suggest? Please share stories or examples if possible.
My biggest concern is people who are the industry, with the wrong intentions, who take advantage of others, and who do not work ethically and with integrity. These were a part of the reason I transitioned from personal real estate to others. There are a lot of agents out there just for the money, who don’t really care about their clients none the less other agents.
What advice would you give to other real estate leaders to help their teams to thrive and to create a really fantastic work culture?
My advice to other real estate leaders is to value and embody the principles of effective leadership. Leading by example is one of the most powerful ways to inspire and motivate your team members. When they see you setting the standard through your actions, it encourages them to follow suit and strive for excellence.
Creating a positive work environment is essential for fostering a collaborative and supportive team. When employees feel comfortable and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and productive. Encouraging open communication and showing genuine care for your team members’ well-being can contribute to a positive atmosphere.
Investing in your team’s development demonstrates your commitment to their growth and success.
Continuous training and sales workshops can help them enhance their skills, stay up to date with industry trends, and ultimately become better agents. This investment not only benefits the individual team members but also strengthens the overall capabilities of your team.
Being able to alanine personal and professional goals with integrity and compassion reflects strong ethical values. It shows that you prioritize honesty and treat both clients and team members with respect and empathy. This fosters trust and long-lasting relationships, which are crucial in the real estate industry.
Ok, here is the main question of our interview. You are a “Real Estate Insider”. If you had to advise someone about 5 non-intuitive things one should know to succeed in the Real Estate industry, what would you say? Can you please give a story or an example for each?
Integrity
Anticipation of client’s needs
Patients
Insane work ethic
Art of the deal
Because of your position, you are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
We have all heard sayings like “luck of the Irish.” Maybe, your parents may have encouraged you as a child to pick up a four-leaf clover, or you have a ritual to help your sports team win like wearing a certain color of Sox to bring on some luck and wishes.
I came across the term “Lucky Girl Syndrome,” which simply refers to the idea that if you work hard and smart you begin to create situations and therefore will create your own luck, I like to also visualize positive things happening in my life. For instance, if I know I have a showing in the morning I will visualize what the clients look like, how the conversations will go, how and where I want to start my home tours with them, what I’ll be wearing, the more detailed the better. This is what’s called call- manifesting. Many successful athletes and business titans use this technique for their successes.
It’s medically proven that manifesting helps to boost people’s confidence, their self-esteem, reduces stress levels and helps motivation.
Our brain tends to lean towards the negative, Lucky Girl Syndrome is simply about the mindset to turn negatives into positives.
When you tell yourself “I’m lucky or happy”, the brain starts to look for examples to confirm that belief. Because our brain likes to be right, if we tell ourselves that we’re lucky, that part of the brain is going to start filtering in the information that backs that up.
Often, our fear of failing can cause stress and anxiety. This is why taking care of yourself by practicing self-care are good things to pair with positive affirmations.
Energy is everything. The energy we put out in the world is the energy we get back. Say “hi” to your neighbor, you never know what they are going through and how your one simple gesture can change their day!
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can find me on Instagram at JustListWithBritt. Looking forward to our real estate journey together
Thank you for your time, and your excellent insights! We wish you continued success.
About The Interviewer: Jason Hartman is the Founder and CEO of Empowered Investor. Jason has been involved in several thousand real estate transactions and has owned income properties in 11 states and 17 cities. Empowered Investor helps people achieve The American Dream of financial freedom by purchasing income property in prudent markets nationwide. Jason’s Complete Solution for Real Estate Investors™ is a comprehensive system providing real estate investors with education, research, resources and technology to deal with all areas of their income property investment needs. Through Jason’s podcasts, educational events, referrals, mentoring and software to track your investments, investors can easily locate, finance and purchase properties in these exceptional markets with confidence and peace of mind.
Starting with very little, Jason, while still in college at the age of 19, embarked on a career in real estate. While brokering properties for clients, he was investing in his own portfolio along the way. Through creativity, persistence and hard work, he earned a number of prestigious industry awards and became a young multi-millionaire. Jason purchased a California real estate brokerage firm that was later acquired by Coldwell Banker. He combined his dedication and business talents to become a successful entrepreneur, public speaker, author, and media personality. Over the years he developed his Complete Solution for Real Estate Investors™ where his innovative firm educates and assists investors in acquiring prudent investments nationwide for their portfolio. Jason’s sought after educational events, speaking engagements, and his popular “Creating Wealth Podcast” inspire and empower hundreds of thousands of people in 189 countries worldwide.
While running his successful real estate and media businesses, Jason also believes that giving back to the community plays an important role in building strong personal relationships. He established The Jason Hartman Foundation in 2005 to provide financial literacy education to young adults providing the all-important real world skills not taught in school which are the key to the financial stability and success of future generations. We’re in a global monetary crisis caused by decades of misguided policies and the cycle of financial dependence has to be broken, literacy and self-reliance are a good start. Visit JasonHartman.com for free materials and resources.
