In the latest Tips from the Top, we sat down with Magda Esola, a community sales manager for DRB Homes, past president and advisor of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals Charlotte Chapter and Home builders of Greater Charlotte’s salesperson of the year four years in a row. As an immigrant from Nicaragua, Esola shares her success story in hopes to inspire others to purse their American Dream.
REAM: What’s the most important piece of advice you’ve received during your time as a real estate agent?
ME: There is enough business for everyone. Tell the world what you do, don’t be a secret agent.
REAM: What’s your best tip to give to a new agent as they begin their career?
ME: Get a mentor, and commit yourself to excellence by educating yourself on your profession. Get involved with your local association as well as the community. Always choose relationships over transaction. Know that we get by giving and we don’t only sell homes, but we are leaders in the community.
REAM: What drew you to the real estate industry?
ME: At the beginning of my career, it was the freedom of time and financial security. As I mature in the business, I realized that we are in the business of changing people’s lives and helping them achieve the American Dream through homeownership.
REAM: In 2021, you closed $59 million in new home sales and you’ve been named Charlotte’s salesperson of the year four years in a row. What has led you to this great success?
ME: We had a great booming market, so I will give some credit to the market. However, we still had to do the work and service customers. I will say persistence, consistency and managing my mindset.
I must also give credit to my VP of Sales and Marketing, Jumana Kayed, who gave me the opportunity to represent DRB Homes, and also all my customer referrals and Realtor co-brokers who helped me succeed. I strongly believe that your network is your net-worth.
REAM: Tell us about your background.
ME: I was born and raised in Nicaragua. I came to the United States at age 19 with nothing in my pockets but the pursuit of the American Dream. I did not know the language or the culture and literally the only thing I had was the clothes I had on. Eleven years after my arrival, I started my career in general brokerage in New Jersey. I practiced for about four and a half years and then moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where I started my career in new homes sales.
REAM: How has being an immigrant influenced your career?
ME: I believe my background and the gratitude I have, to live in the best country in the world, have make me who I am today. As an immigrant, I see opportunities where others see challenges. I am the embodiment of the true American Dream. To me, it is a privilege to wake up every morning and do what I love doing and be compensated for doing it.
REAM: What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day job?
ME: Every day is different and it is an adventure. I love inspiring people, (customers and Realtors) through my American Dream story. I work onsite helping people purchase brand new homes, and I love learning my customers stories and being able to help them build generational wealth through homeownership.
REAM: How do you work to maintain balance between your home life and work life?
ME: The best way to balance your work life and home life is with your calendar. Schedule the most important things first. Don’t let anyone take control of your calendar. Value your time. Know that time is life.
REAM: Can you tell us about your involvement as president of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals?
ME: I became involved with the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals as a member from day one about 10 years ago when the Charlotte Chapter opened. Fast forward six years later, I noticed the chapter was struggling a bit, and they needed help. I jumped in and volunteered as a board member in 2019. After my first two years of serving, I was nominated as the vice president in 2021. I became the president in 2022.
I, along with the new board of directors, was able to implement a big transformation. I joined the organization because I wholeheartedly believe in it’s mission, which is to advance, Hispanic sustainable homeownership. As president, I wanted to inspire and lead by example – to be more, do more and give more. I am grateful that I was able to do it during my tenure with the association.
I still serve as the past president and advisor to the board for the Charlotte Chapter.
REAM: How are you involved in your community? Is there one group you support especially?
ME: I am involved and serve the Second Harvest Food Bank Metrolina. It is a group that provides food to underprivileged families. Growing up in an underdeveloped country, I was exposed to families that did not have anything to eat. I believe we can stop hunger not only in the U.S., but worldwide if we can all contribute financially or give our time to these organizations.
REAM: What do you do to stay ahead of the always changing real estate market?
ME: I attend seminars and webinars on a weekly basis. I read books, and attend networking events. I also help others through my Tuesday’s with Magda program that I have, where I share my pearls of wisdom with newer agents in an informal coaching session. I do this pro-bono just to get my emotional paychecks. In my opinion, it is just a good way to payback the industry that has been so good to me.
REAM: Are there any changes coming in the future that you’re excited to announce?
ME: I have achieved a ceiling of success in my sales career. I believe it is time for me to step more into a leadership role to be able to empower others in a different way.
REAM: What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Hobbies? Sports?
ME: I love spending quality time with my family and friends. I love reading and learning. I also consider myself a foodie, and love trying new restaurants and new food.
REAM: Is there anything else you would like to add?
ME: Life is not as hard as people think and it’s not as easy as other make it look. Take control of your mind and feelings and you will conquer the world. Real estate is not rocket science. Be persistent, be consistent come from a heart of service and success will take care of itself.
If anyone reading this interview needs help getting into the industry or just has questions, feel free to reach out to me via LinkedIn. I’m here to help and collaborate and hopefully to make your life easier.
