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Meet Brittany Axelson

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Axelson.

Brittany, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
After about one year of debating getting my real estate license, I made a decision at the beginning of 2014 to FINALLY do it. At the time, I was working as a designer at an Engineering firm in Phoenix but knew I wasn’t in a position that allowed me to truly be me. I’ve always found myself to be a people person who thrived in customer service positions from the early age of 15. But at the same time, living outside of my comfort zone and taking a leap of faith was not something that easily resignated with me. So I took my time getting my license, studying as much as I could, and trying to really immerse myself in what the real estate industry entails. I continued working at the engineering firm during that time.

After I obtained my license, I continued working full time to give myself the time and opportunity to leave my security blanket of a 9-5 job for self-employment. After just about a year of still working full time and doing real estate part-time, the transaction coordinator position opened up at my brokerage and I knew that would be my opportunity to dive right into full-time self-employment. I took it as a sign that this was it, so I jumped on it. I look back on that time and am so thankful I trusted myself to push my limits and go for it. The uncertainty of my next paycheck scared me, but with the support of my husband, family and friends. I had the confidence in doing it. From that point on, my real estate career blossomed. I have built a career in this industry that is ever-evolving and I love where it has taken me and continues to take me.

Has it been a smooth road?
I wish I could say it’s been a smooth road, but smooth roads only come from hard work. To be honest, I cried numerous times on my very first transaction. Looking back on it, it makes me laugh to think about why I cried, but that’s not to say since that first transaction and over the last six years that I still don’t cry, it’s just not as often! Every transaction is different and every client is different. So I take each transaction, easy or not, as an opportunity to learn and grow. I was told by my mom, who did real estate when I was growing up and still does real estate, “if you’re going to make it in this business, you’ll need to learn to grow some thick skin.” I didn’t understand what she meant at the time, but now six years later, I get it.

People tend to look at the glitz and glam of real estate but rarely do they see the side of it that is stressful. To make it in this business, it takes more than just learning how to show homes and write contracts. I learned really fast that you have to treat it like a 9-5 job, with overtime. Yes, you get to have control over your schedule, but at the same time, your schedule is your client’s schedule. There is so much more behind the scenes that goes into real estate, which is what most people don’t see. I have to show up every day ready to work, just like someone clocking into their job daily. I am accountable for myself, and if I don’t show up, I’m only letting myself down. So all in all, learning to be self-employed and navigating the twists and turns in transactions has been the struggle or challenge.

Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about your work?
I am a full-time real estate agent specializing in the Phoenix metro area. I work all over the valley, from Buckeye to Glendale, Peoria to Phoenix, and Surprise to Glendale. My business is pretty 50/50 with buyers and sellers. I love being able to show my strengths on either side of the transaction (listing or buying). I gravitate towards the first time homebuyers, primarily because I get to teach them about the home buying process.

On the flip side, helping sellers navigate the selling process is also a teaching point. I coin myself as a ‘hand holder’ during transactions. Making sure my clients understand the process and are feeling comfortable is my #1 priority. I enjoy establishing relationships with the agents on the other end of the transaction as well. Building good working relationships always makes navigating any struggles much more easier. I go into every transaction with the understanding that we are all in it together. By the end of each transaction, I like for my clients to feel like they understood the process and had some fun during the process!

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity of Phoenix! I was born and raised here, so I love knowing it is truly my home! Watching the city grow, change and evolve is amazing! I love seeing the urban lifestyle become a way of life, on top of the continuous growth and expansion of family neighborhoods. Phoenix has so much to offer to everyone! I don’t feel like I really have any dislikes, other than maybe I wish we had oceanfront property!

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Image Credit:
Michelle Perdue Photography

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