Real Estate Agent Magazine sat down with Rising Star, Molly McCluskey of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Idaho Realty, to discuss her career in real estate and her plans for the future.
REAM: What first drew you to the real estate industry?
McCluskey: As a property owner in the Treasure Valley I was already invested in the industry. Because of the joy I find living here I wanted to work a job that allowed me to support its growth economically as well as socially. Every client I have the privilege of working with becomes a friend. And really that’s what makes this area so great, its people. Previously, I was in sales and marketing for 18 years. It was a natural evolution for me.
REAM: Who are your real estate mentors? How do you seek to emulate them?
McCluskey: There are so many people that influenced me in this journey. Because of my heavy networking I have had the opportunity to be educated by those currently in the industry, those that are retired, and those that are simply business coaches or marketers. I’m deeply grateful to each of them for the charitable and accepting spirits.
REAM: What is your biggest challenge as a young real estate agent? How do you overcome those challenges?
McCluskey: Experience. Being new at anything means you are not an expert. However, I do believe my lack of experience has contributed to my success too. Because I am so new I find that I’m willing to take more innovative steps. For example, I blog every week. I have very basic – but fun – trailers made that are easily shared through social media. I’m on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter. But when I say I’m on them I don’t just have an account. I’m just as active online building relationships as I am in the community networking.
REAM: As a young real estate agent, what changes do you think need to be implemented to improve the industry as a whole?
McCluskey: Recently I was at a conference in Vegas put on by Berkshire Hathaway Home Services for all its agents nationwide. A speaker (Unfortunately I can’t remember the name.) said, “If you don’t evolve welcome to extinction.” And that’s the cold hard truth. We are an ever evolving society therefore our industry is always changing. There are people who’ve asked me how I have achieved so much in such a small amount of time. Because I am happy to share, I tell them about all my online and community stuff. It never fails that there are those who are completely unwilling to do anything in terms of networking or social media because they have decided it isn’t for them. And that’s fine. It’s not for them. But if they never get out of their comfort zone, I hope it’s cozy with the dinosaurs.
REAM: How are you involved in the local real estate community?
McCluskey: Every day, I read online articles about the industry. I’m always careful to only learn from the most reputable websites. In addition, I post daily on social media about what I learn. Networking is important to me, so I am a part of the Boise Chamber of Commerce as an ambassador as well as active in several other business and social groups. On top of that, I have a weekly showcase called Treasure Valley Thursday (#TVThurs) where I invite business owners in the community to share about themselves and their business which I share on my blog.
REAM: Are there any changes coming in the future that you’re excited to announce?
McCluskey: In April, I will be listing three new properties, which is very exciting as our market has a limited quantity. In addition, I had a builder who is relocating here reach out to me. He was watching me through social media and we have opened up a dialogue to work together here. So I’m very excited about where that could be headed.
REAM: What are some of your hobbies outside of the office?
McCluskey: Since I’m a born and raised Idahoan I’m the classic cliché of all things outdoors, skiing, biking, hiking, white water rafting in addition to enjoying all the local restaurants.
