Known as “The Maven” of her team of real estate leaders in the Atlanta area, Christian Ross is proof that the housing market is a great way for millennials to build a lasting career and wealth.
At 33-years-old, Ross is VP/Managing Broker of a real estate firm that’s part of Atlanta Ventures. She has expanded her business beyond the Georgia area to serve clients both nationally and internationally, with real estate relations in places like St. Lucia and Turkey to name a few. With nine years of industry experience under her belt, this Maryland native and her team of three other realtors have sold $10 million worth of real estate in 2013 and have set a personal goal to exceed that mark in 2014.
Serving as a recognizable face on HGTV’s House Hunters, BlackEnterprise.com spoke with the Atlanta-based realtor about her start in the business, the biggest misconception millennials have about real estate and how her national television appearance came to fruition.
BlackEnterprise.com: How did you get your start in real estate?
Christian Ross: It was actually through a developer. I had a friend who thought I might be good at real estate and she said “Hey, why don’t you give this person a call,†and she linked us together. So it was really just an introduction from a friend who was thinking it might be a good fit.
How have you been able to build your name to be a trusted source in real estate not only in the Atlanta area, but also abroad?
It’s really been just taking care of my past clients and letting them know I’m a resource for them. It’s been that kind of organic marketing, social media and referrals from my clients abroad who refer me to their bases. I create those relationships whether it’s flying over to where they are or even using Youtube. My clients love that fact that I will make videos for them explaining what they need to do and what things will look like.
What do you think is the biggest misconception millennials have about purchasing a home?
I think the biggest misconception is just the idea that they can’t do it so they don’t even try to talk to a lender, which is truly the first step.
How important do you think it is for the African American community to know the importance of homeownership because there are a lot of myths that steer some of us from making that commitment?
It’s very important because when you look at so many successful people and when you’re looking to model success you see that real estate is always in the equation. Whether it’s residential property or commercial property, it’s truly a stepping stone to wealth. I have a 26-year-old client right now who brought during the down turn. We just sold her place and she walked away with $75,000 in her pocket at 26-years-old. I think that is an example of seeing an opportunity and being able to walk away and put that into different projects. Now she’s able to pursue her passion which is acting. She’s going to acting school and financially she just doesn’t have to worry because she has a little extra cushion.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to enter real estate as a profession?
I would say go for it and just be mindful that you’re dealing with someone’s life. It’s not a hobby. It’s someone’s life and where someone’s existence is going to lie. You just have to have that passion to make sure that you’re always protecting your clients. I would also say make sure that you’re always investing and understanding the nuances of the whole industry, and make sure that you stay abreast of what’s going on because there are constant changes.
What would you say are some of the biggest challenges that come along with being a real estate agent?
I think the biggest part is just when things don’t work out and you have a client who’s just like “You know what, never mind.†So you’ve put in all of this hard work and effort and there’s not going to be a paycheck at the end of the day. You have to wrap your mindset around saving your money, and making sure that money doesn’t get in the way of your service or your interaction with your clients. I think that’s one of the biggest things too is just being able to save and realizing that you’re responsible for your own taxes and your own marketing.
You’re based in Atlanta, but how does that work with you selling real estate outside of that area?
For me, I’m licensed in Georgia and what I do is find other realtor partners who know their local markets better than I do. So I can still negotiate and advocate for my client, but they will actually be doing the day-to-day work in the other market place.
As an agent who’s appeared on HGTV’s House Hunters, can you tell me how your national television appearance came about?
That came about through one of my clients. I sent in a video and they approved me. Then the second time they actually just asked me to come on if I had any clients. So it was a great opportunity that turned into a really great relationship.