Learn how this New York City agent and classic car enthusiast moved to the United States alone at age 17 and built a proud life and real estate career through hard work and determination.
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In this column, real estate agents from across the country share the lessons they’ve learned in the industry.
New York City luxury real estate agent Olga Reindlova Neulist offers a truly global perspective, providing insight and understanding to international clients as well as business leaders, public figures and entertainment industry icons. Neulist, a native of the Czech Republic who has been a broker with Sotheby’s International Realty since 1982, prides herself on her “honesty, integrity, tenacity and patience.”
Learn how Neulist built her business from the ground up, and learn why as a real estate agent she knows she’s an important part of her clients’ lives.
Name: Olga Reindlova Newlist
title: Senior Global Real Estate Consultant, Assistant Broker
experience: 42+ years old
Place: New York City
Brokerage company name: Sotheby’s International Realty
How did you get started in real estate?
At that time, my husband was engaged in the real estate industry. I realized I was interested in this field and the rest is history.
I love what I do, from meeting new and interesting people to working with loyal clients who become close friends. These friends then recommend you to their family and colleagues, and that’s how you build your business.
Plus, who doesn’t want to see a beautiful home all day long? It’s a joy to work with people and find them a home that they are equally excited about. Ultimately, you are a very important part of their lives.
What aspects of working in real estate do you wish more people knew about?
Business is not as easy as it seems. Sometimes it takes years to close a deal. You have to have patience and knowledge and know that everything you see on TV is not what it is.
While some people have unlimited budgets, sales jobs have a lot of work to do. You don’t simply turn the key and sell the house. You have to wear many hats in this industry and be prepared to educate your buyers and provide them with knowledge about everything they need to know about the homes they are viewing and potentially purchasing.
The more you know, the better off you will be. Furthermore, the transaction had not yet been completed when the contract was signed. That’s when the hard part begins.
What are some things you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
It is very important to attend social events and express yourself as much as possible. I wish I had been able to do more networking when I first started my business. You really never know who you might meet or what a chance encounter might bring.
Tell us about a high point in your career
Every time I find a home for a client, they are happy and so am I. The process, challenges, and rewards of finding a home is one that never gets old.
Tell us about an epic real estate failure you’ve experienced
When a seller doesn’t listen to your professional opinion on how to price a home, it’s never going to work out. You hire a professional for a reason; get their expert opinion and develop an implementation plan.
What is your most important piece of advice for newly licensed agents?
Listen more and speak more.
Name someone you admire
I believe I took a leap of faith when I was 17 and moved to this country from Czechoslovakia on my own. I have worked very hard throughout my life and I am proud of my career and life achievements.
What makes a good leader?
A good leader must lead by example. Be a good listener and communicator. Motivate and motivate others to spend time teaching others and be a mentor when possible.
What’s the one thing you wish every agent knew?
Treat your fellow brokers with respect; you never know when you may need them.
Also, keep a balance. When I’m not selling real estate, I’m always racing vintage cars on the weekends. This is another hobby of mine and it’s a great outlet for me to drive beautiful cars and meet interesting people along the way. Create time and space for all the things you love.
Would you like to be featured in an upcoming Lessons Learned column? Please contact us here.
Christy Murdock is a freelance writer, coach, and consultant, and write about real estate.Contact Writing Real Estate Instagram and subscribe to the weekly roundup, ketchup.
