Alyssa Hellman

Alyssa Hellman, director of the Go School of Real Estate and a member of Realtor Magazine’s “30 Under 30” Class of 2015, answers ten questions with Clean Slate, including how being stubborn has been helpful to her career, what Bill Bryson book she can’t put down, and who in the industry she looks to learn from.

1. Which of our BHGRE® P.A.I.G.E. (Passion, Authenticity, Innovation, Growth, Excellence) core values do you identify with most, and why?

   It is hard to choose, but I would say I identify equally with Authenticity and Innovation. Authenticity because I genuinely believe that this is the only way to operate your business. I believe that leading with your authentic self is the best way to lead. If you are not being true to yourself, you can’t expect people to trust you. I also deeply identify with Innovation. I believe the industry as a whole has been stuck in the “same old way” of doing things for years. I am a big believer in talking less and doing more. Learning what doesn’t work is just as valuable as knowing what does work. Continuing to try different things is the fastest way to learn and grow. As I like to remind myself…”fail fast, fail often.”

2. What are your favorite qualities in a customer?

   I love customers that share their excitement with me. We’re all part of each other’s stories, not just as agents or leaders, but as people. Learning about your customers and sharing in their stories is an important role that we hold. Buying or selling a home can be a stressful process. Our ability to share in the excitement and special moments with our customers is really special.

3. What is the one characteristic that’s helped you the most in your career?

   Believe it or not, I’d say my stubbornness. In an industry that is set in their ways, it is easy to simply blindly adopt what is considered “right” or what “works.” What I’ve found is that what works for some, doesn’t work for others. My stubborn desire to find what works for me and my clients has been extremely important to my success.

4. What was the last book you read?

   The last recreational read I finished was Lost Continent: Travels in Small Town America​ by Bill Bryson. I love everything he has written.

5. If you weren’t in real estate, what would you be doing?

   Ideally, traveling. I love going new places and meeting new people to learn their stories. To me, that never gets old. Since I’d probably need a paycheck, I’d go into journalism though. I love writing and storytelling. This would allow me to mix two things I love – people and writing.

6. What was the last song you heard that you couldn’t stop humming?

   Budapest – George Ezra.

7. Who is your real-life hero?

   My parents. They have taught me so much about love, life, hard work, and fun. Both of my parents were successful professionally, but they managed to have a true work-life balance. They taught me the meaning of love, the value of hard work, and the importance of having fun every single day. To this day, they both are my biggest supporters, but they never shy away from teaching me the harder lessons. If I grow into half the person that either of them are, I’ll be doing pretty great.

8. What’s your favorite thing about social media?

   I love connecting with friends around the country and the world. Social media, when used as a social tool, is a really effective way to connect with others and share in their stories. I’ve always loved that.

9. If you could sell a home in any market in the world, where would it be?

   Some beach, somewhere. Selling houses is hard work. I like the idea of being able to dig my toes into the sand when I finish my day. I know, seems odd living in Raleigh, NC, but hey, a girl can dream, right?

10. What is your favorite motto, and what advice would you give your younger self starting out in real estate?

    I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same as making a life. I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, and what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I have this quote hanging in my home and read it every day. It is the best advice I’ve ever read and it has shaped my entire career. If I could go back, I’m not sure I would do anything differently because I’ve learned so much. I’ve stumbled in life and in work, but I’ve learned and grown from all of my successes and failures alike. Still, if I could give myself any advice, it would be to do more things, and be a sponge when it comes to learning – from everyone. Top producers aren’t the only people worth learning from. People at every level of business and stage of life have taught me valuable lessons that have allowed me to grow as a person. And really, isn’t that what we’re all after anyway?