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Mark, Real Estate Advisor at Sloat Group at The Agency: Advize Career Interview
Mark's journey from internships at Fox 10 and FedEx to managing $500 million at Vanguard and ultimately a fulfilling career as a Real Estate Advisor at Sloat Group at The Agency offers a compelling narrative.
The work demands entrepreneurial spirit, strong communication, and resilience, requiring a daily balancing act between proactive business development and reactive client needs.
Market knowledge and relationship building are paramount, exceeding the simple need for a license.
Success, however, hinges on a business-minded approach, treating real estate as a true business with strategic financial decisions and effective marketing.
While entry-level roles often involve sales and prospecting, a continuous learning mindset and commitment to professionalism are crucial for long-term success in this competitive, yet rewarding, industry, offering uncapped potential and diverse income streams.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Mark Sloat
Real Estate Advisor
Sloat Group at The Agency
Arizona State University
Bachelors Degree
General Studies / Not Applicable
Real Estate
Communication and Marketing
None Applicable
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Career Path of a Real Estate Advisor at Sloat Group at The Agency
Mark's career path began with internships at Fox 10, where he "learned pretty quick that the entry level job...wasn't where [he] saw [his] salary, where [he] wanted it to be," and FedEx, which offered valuable insight into management structures. Following a 13-year tenure at Vanguard managing "$500 million under management," a move into real estate proved unexpectedly fulfilling, as Mark was "sucked into the real estate world" and found it their "highest and best use of [their] time."
Main Responsibilities of a Real Estate Advisor at Sloat Group, The Agency
Mark, a Real Estate Advisor, describes their role as a "small business owner," responsible for all aspects of the business, from "strategic CEO decisions to sweeping houses." This includes marketing, client service, advising clients, negotiating deals, and handling legal paperwork, although a social media manager and transaction coordinator assist with some tasks.
A Day in the Life of a Real Estate Advisor at Sloat Group at The Agency
A Real Estate Advisor's day is unscheduled and varied, "every day's a little bit different," balancing proactive business development ("making phone calls, touching base with clients") with reactive client needs such as showing properties or meeting with potential sellers. The job's flexibility is offset by the need for in-person interactions.
Most Important Skills For A Real Estate Advisor At The Agency's Sloat Group
Mark, a Real Estate Advisor, emphasizes strong market knowledge and technical proficiency as crucial skills, but highlights the paramount importance of "being able to connect with people and relationships," as Sloat Group at The Agency focuses on existing networks. The success of the career depends on demonstrating market expertise to clients, countering the perception that simply having a license is sufficient; prospective clients increasingly value agents who offer insight into market dynamics and negotiation strategies.
Favorite Parts of Being a Real Estate Advisor at The Agency's Sloat Group
Mark enjoys the flexibility of setting their own hours, stating that "the more you put in, the more you get out," allowing for a variable workload. The variety of daily interactions and a stronger sense of accomplishment compared to previous corporate roles are also significant aspects of their job satisfaction.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Real Estate Advisor At The Agency
Mark's biggest challenge as a Real Estate Advisor is effectively managing time and prioritizing tasks, ensuring "we stay on top of everything." The ability to maintain "an even keel" amidst the fluctuating nature of the real estate market is equally crucial for long-term success.
Favorite Parts of Working in Real Estate as a Real Estate Advisor at The Agency
Mark, a Real Estate Advisor, finds the industry rewarding because "the more you put in, the more you get out," offering diverse income avenues from flipping properties to traditional resale. This contrasts with Mark's previous corporate experience, where "smarter, not harder" approaches were often constrained by workflow limitations, highlighting real estate's meritocratic nature.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Real Estate Industry According to a Real Estate Advisor at The Agency
Success in real estate demands an "entrepreneurial spirit," resilience in the face of inevitable setbacks ("you can't be afraid of failure"), and strong communication skills, as highlighted by the high 87% attrition rate. The most effective professionals are creative problem-solvers who are also "great communicators" and "hard workers."
What a Real Estate Advisor at The Agency Wishes They Knew Before Entering Real Estate
Mark, a Real Estate Advisor, wishes someone had emphasized treating real estate as "a true business," focusing on "ROI on marketing campaigns" and strategic financial decisions based on data rather than intuition. This business-minded approach, he suggests, would have accelerated career progression.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Real Estate Advisors
Entry-level real estate roles often involve sales, requiring strong prospecting skills—"literally knocking on doors, talking to people"—and a good mentor to guide career development, as illustrated by Mark's experience with a mentor lacking a website in 2017. While sales offer "uncapped potential," other avenues exist within large firms or focusing on investor partnerships.
Significant Career Lesson From A Real Estate Advisor At The Agency
Mark's significant career lesson is to "always take the high road," maintaining professionalism even in a competitive market like Arizona real estate with its "90,000 real estate agents," as this builds a strong reputation within the industry's close-knit community. This approach, advising team members to "act like somebody's watching," ultimately benefits their career in the long run.
College Experiences That Helped a Financial Advisor at Vanguard Succeed
Mark's undergraduate degree opened doors to a career at Vanguard, instilling "discipline and professionalism," but more importantly, it fostered a continuous learning mindset—a crucial habit for success, even beyond the need for a degree; complacency, Mark warns, is "the biggest threat to a business owner."
Advizer Personal Links
www.sloatgroup.com IG: @sloatgroup
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