Going for Brokerage at 23
Leann D'Ettore left the security of the health care industry, where she worked as an x-ray technician, to join the real estate field. Two years later, she was hanging her own shingle. After a shaky start, she successfully integrated REO sales into her business, reaching a little over $4 million in sales in 2008 and doubling that a year later. She earned bronze and gold sales awards from her local association in 2008 and 2009, respectively. At 27, she's giving back: She's a member of her association's Grievance and Ethics committees. Back at the office, she's working to motivate and mentor other real estate professionals.
Green Minded
D'Ettore's a proponent of paperless transactions, and she'd love to take her green bent even further, rehabbing distressed properties using environmentally friendly construction, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient systems.
Know Your Market Cold
"You have to really understand economics and supply and demand. The best thing you can do is to not get discouraged. Instead, do whatever you need to do in order to adapt to the market with the 110 percent you have to give. Do your research, learn, stay current—and read REALTOR® Magazine!"