Tina Joa

As a realtor, there are days that feel like smooth sailing, and others—let’s be honest—that feel like I’m swimming against the current. Recently, I hit one of those low points where my efforts on the phones felt endless without the immediate payoff. But just when I felt the weight, things shifted. I signed a client, and now I have an exciting lineup of people at various stages in their journey. It feels like a wave is building, and I’m grateful for the momentum.

These past weeks, I leaned hard into lead generation, using a different approach: embracing my authentic self. Rather than putting on a rigid “professional” façade, I let go of the script and led with a simple, friendly curiosity. My calls aren’t filled with high-pressure tactics—I’m genuinely interested in learning about their home search experience and where I might add value. It turns out, this approach resonates. People appreciate knowing there’s someone on the other end who listens and cares.

Through it all, I’m reminding myself why I’m here and why I’ll succeed. I’ve been successful in my previous work, and I’m bringing that same determination and drive to real estate. Recently, I was given an exercise in a class to ask those in my sphere what qualities they see in me that could benefit my clients. The feedback was eye-opening. I had worried that my kind disposition might be a drawback in a field known for its “sharks.” But the people who know me best see my kindness as an asset. My network’s view was clear: being a good listener and having a kind approach makes me stand out. I guide, don’t shove. I support, don’t pressure.

Another aspect people value is my preparedness. I come ready to every meeting, offering a wealth of knowledge that answers questions clients didn’t even know they had. It’s been reassuring to hear that people see me as someone who’s approachable and who truly has their best interests at heart. And while the industry can be challenging, I’m staying organized. It’s a skill I’ve honed running a busy household with a 20-year-old artist, a 16-year-old cadet, a military spouse, two pets, and my mother, who’s 71 and sometimes needs a bit more help these days.

Even though I’ve had to pause on Jiu-Jitsu thanks to a knee injury, I’m still moving at my usual pace. My focus remains steady. And as I gear up for what’s coming, I’m balancing my energy (okay, and caffeine levels) and staying ready to bring the best of myself to every client.

To anyone considering the journey toward home ownership or looking for a supportive hand in the process, I’m here, ready to walk the path with you—not as a pushy salesperson, but as a friend and trusted guide.

Thankful and Fearful: How I Got Out of My Own Way

It’s Thanksgiving, and as a realtor, I’ve been reflecting on the balance of being thankful and fearful. This past week has been one for the books, and I’m getting ahead of myself by writing this now, especially since I didn’t even manage last week’s post. But let me explain why.

Last week, I wasn’t exactly “getting out of my own way.” But I did go to jujitsu—my exercise and therapy rolled into one. Feeling great and confident as a two-stripe white belt, I was working with a new girl on the techniques we were taught in class. We were rolling, everything was flowing, and suddenly—*pop*. My knee gave out. Pain shot through it, but I kept my cool. I didn’t yell or freak out. I calmly told her it wasn’t her fault. In hindsight, I should’ve adjusted my footing when I felt resistance. Now, I’m facing eight weeks of no physical activity. And guess what? Realtors walk—a lot.

But here’s where things get interesting. I had an event planned with my former employer, Givenchy, and this was my chance to get face-to-face time with my target audience. Free advertising, lead generation—yes, please! But with my knee situation, I was tempted to sit it out. Still, it wasn’t the “bad knee,” and though it’s a slight tear, I went to the event anyway.

Was it worth the swelling? Absolutely. I walked (well, limped) away with 6 new leads and 3 reactivations. That’s what I call a win, knee injury and all.

But that wasn’t the only win. I also did something I would’ve shied away from in the past: an interview. After checking with marketing and getting the green light, I rushed home to change after a grueling physio session. I was nervous, limping, and exhausted, but I know this topic well, and I pushed myself to go for it. The result? A successful interview on CityTV Edmonton on October 8, 2024, where I discussed the housing market. The feedback was great, my broker was happy, and even though I was stressed and shy, none of it showed on camera.

So, what’s the takeaway from all this? Sometimes, you have to get out of your own way. Whether it’s dealing with an injury, battling nerves, or doubting yourself, you’ve got to keep going. I’m still that little fish swimming in a big pond, but every little fish has to believe they can grow into something more.

And with one more week behind me, I’m just a little further along in this crazy world of real estate.

o be honest, life as a new realtor is beyond stressful. I hear people around me saying, "You’re doing great!" or "You’ll be fine!"—and while I appreciate it, I can’t help but feel the pressure mounting behind the scenes. My mind is constantly racing, filled with self-doubt: "What have I done? Why am I doing this? Will I even succeed?"

On the surface, my activity levels are off the charts. I’m pushing myself harder than I ever have, juggling everything from marketing to meetings to follow-ups. Every month, the business fees creep higher—training, conferences, networking events, lunches with leads—and I’m always eyeing the cost of running things. Yet, despite the hustle, I sometimes feel like the annoying person trying to stay top-of-mind. That little voice whispers, "Maybe you’re being too much."

But I can’t afford to let that kill my spirit. I’m unconventional, not part of a larger team, and still learning. This journey is supposed to be a marathon, not a sprint, but I’m frustrated when I don’t feel supported by certain family members. My husband reassures me, "They’ll see you grow, and then they’ll come around." He’s probably right, but it doesn’t change how I feel in the moment.

Right now, I’m a little fish in a big pond. I’m not drowning, but success feels far away. Two sales in five months…OMG. It’s not what I expected, but I’ll keep swimming.

Then there’s the rollercoaster of emotions. One minute, people are telling me how hard I’m working, how I need to slow down, relax, take a break. We’ve talked about it before—about the importance of taking breaks. But nope, no breaks for me. I’ve got my foot on the gas, and I refuse to let up.

The thing is, I’ve got goals. Big ones. Personal and professional. And the more I sit around feeling unproductive, the more I say, “F**k it, I’m just going to work harder.” I know that I am the business, and without strong family support from my extended circle, I shouldn’t be struggling as much as I am. But that’s not going to stop me. If it’s not happening now, I’ll just keep pushing until it does.

I’ve come to realize that the only way forward is to hustle. I’ll work even harder because I will hit my goals. The stress, the sleepless nights, the endless rollercoaster—it’s all part of the ride. Even though this journey is testing every ounce of my patience and willpower, I know it’ll be worth it in the end.

So, no breaks, no slowing down. I’ll keep moving forward. Success may be a long way off, but I’ll get there.

Signed,
The little fish, doing a backstroke with one fin tied behind my back… and yeah, still can’t see land yet, but I’m swimming! 🐠