Grief, Divorce, and a New Career: Angela Vega’s Story

From Rookie to Real Estate Momentum in Arizona | Dane Miller

What does it actually take to get your first real estate commission in Arizona? In this episode of My First Commission, host Tina Lapp sits down with Arizona agent Dane Miller to break down his journey from getting licensed to generating real traction in today’s competitive market. Dane shares the real, unfiltered version of starting out — the doubts, the first deal pressure, and the strategies that actually worked. From building relationships to creating consistency in his daily routine, this episode is packed with practical advice for new and aspiring real estate agents who want to stop overthinking and start producing. If you’re trying to: - Get your first client - Close your first deal - Build momentum in your first year - Understand what actually works in today’s market - This conversation will give you clarity and confidence. ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 Why Dane got into real estate 02:10 Early struggles & mindset shifts 04:35 Landing the first real client 07:15 The first commission check moment 09:20 What he’d do differently starting over 12:40 Building consistency in a competitive market 15:05 Advice for brand-new agents 18:10 Arizona market insights 21:30 Final advice for future agents 🔑 Key Takeaways for New Agents ✔️ Your first deal comes from conversations, not luck ✔️ Consistency beats motivation ✔️ Confidence grows through action ✔️ Market knowledge builds trust fast ✔️ Momentum compounds in your first 12 months 📍 About Dane Miller (Arizona) Real Estate Agent — Arizona Focus: Residential buyers & sellers Market: Phoenix metro & surrounding areas 🔗 Connect with Dane Miller https://www.danemillerrealty.com/ https://www.facebook.com/danemillertherealtor/ https://www.instagram.com/danemillerxo/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dane-miller-92661431/ 🎙️ Want to Be Featured on My First Commission? Are you a new or rookie real estate agent with a first-deal story worth sharing? 👉 Apply to be featured on the podcast and inspire the next generation of agents here: https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

Stop Sounding Scripted: The Rookie Realtor Mindset That Built Evan Russell’s Business

From nearly two decades in construction to closing 15 transactions in his first year, Evan Russell shares what it really takes to break into real estate and build momentum fast—without the “salesy” stuff. In this episode of Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission, Evan talks about: * Why he pivoted careers (and what finally pushed him to go all-in) * How he earned credibility as a brand-new agent (hint: it’s not scripts) * His first deal—a small land transaction that turned into an early “guardrails” lesson * Why joining a team helped early on (and what changed after year one) * Marketing that works better than constant real estate posting: showing you’re human * How he stays consistent with a simple daily rhythm (high-focus mornings, lighter afternoons) * Setting boundaries with clients while still being available—and protecting family time * The advice he’d give new agents about choosing a brokerage and finding the right people If you’re a new agent (or thinking about getting licensed), this one is a straight-shooting look at the learning curve—and what “being real” can do for your business. Watch, then drop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway from Evan’s approach? Subscribe for more rookie-agent wins, lessons, and real-world first commission stories. Connect with Evan:  https://onereal.com/profile/evan-russell?backUrl=/search-agent?state_code%3DUS-VT https://www.instagram.com/realevanrussell_vt/ https://www.facebook.com/p/Evan-Russell-Real-Estate-61568220151655/

From Hospital Security to 23 Closings: Mike Paolucci’s First-Year Breakthrough

What does it really take to win in your first year in real estate? In this episode of Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission, host Tina Lapp sits down with Mike Paolucci (Columbus, Ohio)—a former hospital security officer and high school football coach who went all-in on real estate and closed ~23 transactions in his first year. Mike breaks down how he built momentum fast (including cold calling while still taking pre-licensing classes), why mentorship and office culture mattered, and how he learned to manage the emotional ups and downs that come with commission-only income—and clients making one of the biggest decisions of their lives. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How Mike balanced online licensing classes with daily prospecting * Why he focused on sellers and deal-finding first (before shifting into buyers) * How to build credibility when you’re brand new (“fake it ‘til you make it,” the right way) * The emotional side of real estate (for you and your clients) and how to stay steady * What to look for in a mentor—and why “hand-holding” can slow your growth * Practical time management: how tracking time in 15-minute blocks improved efficiency * A rookie mistake that became a major lesson in professionalism with other agents If you’re newly licensed (or thinking about getting licensed), this one is packed with real talk and actionable takeaways. Subscribe for more rookie success stories, early lessons, and strategies you can actually use. Connect with Mike:  https://www.reafcorealestate.com/team/michael-paolucci https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-paolucci-1168812aa/ https://www.instagram.com/614realtor_mike/

Grief, Divorce, and a New Career: Angela Vega’s Story

What does it look like to start real estate in the middle of major life change—and still have a breakout first year? In this episode of Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission, host Tina Lapp sits down with Angela Vega, a Realtor serving Phoenix and Scottsdale with My Home Group. Angela shares how her path into real estate began through running a family business that supported individuals with developmental disabilities—work that required buying and selling properties and sparked a real passion for the industry. Angela opens up about the personal turning point that pushed her to go all-in, how she powered through an intense in-person licensing course, and the mindset shift that helped her ignore the “the market is terrible” noise. From joining a high-expectation team (and closing fast) to building a business fueled by referrals, open houses, and genuine community connection—Angela breaks down what actually moved the needle. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Angela went from running a family business to launching a real estate career Why mindset and discipline mattered most during grief and major life transitions What a high-performance team environment taught her (and when she went independent) Her open house strategy (including door-knocking + neighborhood research) How she built a business without relying heavily on paid marketing How she found balance after an “all-in” first year Why having the right broker + lender partners is everything as a new agent How to Connect with Angela: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angela.vida.vega/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotluxhomes/reels/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidavega/

From Healthcare to Real Estate (and a New Baby): Michelle Cheng’s First-Year Success

What does it really take to break into real estate when you’re new to the area, switching careers, and navigating big life changes at the same time? In this episode of Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission, host Tina Labbe sits down with Michelle Cheng, a RE/MAX Journey agent in Rutherford County, Western North Carolina, to talk about her leap from healthcare into real estate—and what helped her start gaining momentum. Michelle shares what the licensing process looked like in North Carolina (pre-licensing + post-licensing), how she built credibility as a newer agent, and why switching brokerages was a turning point for getting the support and guidance she needed. She also breaks down practical lead-gen that worked early on—sphere of influence, community involvement, open houses, and consistent social media—plus how she stayed positive through delays, uncertainty, and real-life curveballs (including becoming a new mom). In this episode, you’ll hear: Why Michelle left healthcare and chose real estate What surprised her most about the first year (and what she wishes she knew sooner) How open houses helped her build confidence + conversations How she uses community involvement and social content to stay top-of-mind A memorable “first showing” story (GPS + lockbox chaos…and a happy ending) Real talk on time management as a working mom Her 5-year goals: growth, additional licensing, designations, and giving back If you enjoyed the episode, like, subscribe, and drop your biggest takeaway in the comments. Know a new agent with a big first win? Share your guest recommendation with the show. How to Connect with Michelle: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556421461175 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.cheng.realtor?igsh=Yjd4YXB5YmwyaXds Website: https://www.remax.com/real-estate-agents/michelle-cheng-rutherfordton-nc/102329273