In this episode of My First Commission from the Unlocking Real Estate podcast by Colibri Real Estate, we sit down with Chaka Sellers—a U.S. Air Force veteran turned top-producing agent in Sumter, South Carolina. Chaka shares his journey from military service to real estate success, detailing how his discipline and strategic mindset propelled him to close 25 deals and achieve $8 million in sales within just four years.

Discover how Chaka leveraged his background to build trust with clients, particularly in military relocations, and how he established the "Properties With Sellers Group" under Slate Realty. He also discusses his approach to real estate investing, including flipping properties and creating personalized plans for clients.

Whether you're a new agent seeking inspiration or a seasoned professional looking for fresh perspectives, Chaka's story offers valuable insights into building a successful real estate career from the ground up.

📌 Episode Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Chaka Sellers
• 02:15 – Transitioning from the Air Force to Real Estate
• 07:30 – Building the "Properties With Sellers Group"
• 12:45 – First Deal: Overcoming Early Challenges
• 18:00 – Specializing in Military Relocations
• 23:10 – Real Estate Investing and Property Flipping
• 29:00 – Strategies for Client Engagement and Goal Setting
• 35:20 – Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Agents
• 40:00 – Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

🔗 Connect with Chaka Sellers:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cwsellers04/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaka-sellers04/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chaka.sellers.9/

🎧 Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a new agent with a compelling journey to your first commission? Apply to be featured on My First Commission and inspire others with your experience. https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

#RealEstatePodcast #MyFirstCommission #ChakaSellers #MilitaryToRealEstate #RookieAgentSuccess #ColibriRealEstate #UnlockingRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #MilitaryRelocation #PropertiesWithSellersGroup

Our guest on this episode is Sarah Lewandowski, Realtor with Compass New Jersey LLC. At the time of her RISMedia Rookie of the Year Nomination for NJ for 2023 (her 2022 performance year) she sold 39 homes for a total of $11.8 million in sales volume. She lived in the Virgin Islands from 2015-2021 and moved back to the "Jersedelphia" area in the fall of 2021. She received her license in November of 2021 and had her first contract/offer accepted Christmas Eve of 2021 and the second offer accepted New Years Eve of 2021.

In her Rookie year of 2022, she was also dealing with an infertility journey while simultaneously buying her childhood home in Washington Township from her parents (and helped them buy a retirement home down the shore). She then got pregnant and had a baby in July 2023. Funny story - she negotiated her highest deal in the delivery room!

https://www.compass.com/agents/sarah-lewandowski/

https://www.instagram.com/sarahwiththebighair/

https://www.facebook.com/sarahhwiththebighair/

Today our guest is Mandolyn McIntyre-Crow. With a remarkable track record of nearly $14 million in sales in 2022, Mandolyn McIntyre-Crow stands as one of the foremost names in the real estate industry. Her dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to her clients have earned her accolades locally and nationally. Mandolyn started the year being named 2022 Rising Star by Four Seasons Sotheby's for her sales volume in Vermont. Mandolyn's achievements extend far beyond the local scene; she has been nationally recognized by RisMedia in the Top 5 in the Northeast and Top 25 nationally in 2023 in various categories. Mandolyn has also earned her Luxury Sales Certification. Her extraordinary accomplishments are a testament to her exceptional skills and expertise in the real estate market.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mandolyn is deeply involved in her community. She served on the Board of Directors for the Rutland County Humane Society in 2022 and continues to make a positive impact as an active Volunteer Chef with Lasagna Love, providing home-cooked meals for those in need.

https://www.instagram.com/the.real.mandolyn/

https://www.facebook.com/mandolyn.mcintyre/

https://www.mountainestates.co/

Today we introduce Matthew Salgado, proud member of the Carol Dobrzynski Team at Realty Executives Premier. He is a Full time Realtor that specializes in Residential Properties such as Luxury Homes, Single-Family, Investment Properties, and New Construction all across Northwest Indiana and surrounding communities. He believes that every transaction should be better than your last, and Matthew continues to prove that as he meets new clients to help lead with this insane market. His personal goal is to put a smile on the client's faces. Matthew’s dedicated work ethic and “Never Give Up” philosophy have defined and made him/business what he is today! Matthew is a firm believer that positive attitude, plus positive actions yield positive results. Matthew strives to create ever lasting relationships based on trust, market expertise, aggressive negotiating skills, and monitored performance that will serve his clients' best interests for many years to come.

Today we talk to Lena Keith with Pivot Realty Group in Fort Wright, KY. (across the river from Cincinnati). She is going into her fourth year of real estate and has maintained being a top agent in her brokerage. Prior to real estate, she was an elementary school teacher who taught K-5 intervention classes. Her rookie year she closed 29 transactions for a little over $5.5 million in volume. She absolutely loves this career and has been blessed with so many people supporting her and has clients who have become friends.

Today our guest is Mitch Willis, who began his real estate career in July 2021, bringing with him a diverse background in retail sales and law enforcement. At 46, he made the bold decision to transition into a field that offered both financial freedom and the opportunity to work for himself. While he had no prior experience in real estate, he was inspired by his family’s deep-rooted passion—his father, with a talent for land development and sales, and his grandfather, who loved acquiring land for farming.

Meet Alex Hollander, The Face of SCV Real Estate. He is a real estate agent with Equity Union in Santa Clarita, California—aka "Awesometown". 2023 was his first full year in real estate, and he was recognized as a Rookie of the Year candidate. Over that year, he closed 19 transactions with a sales volume just shy of $10 million. Whether it’s finding the perfect home or creating fun, out-of-the-box marketing ideas (you’ve seen his Instagram, right? no, you should go check it out lol), his goal has always been to serve with integrity, creativity, and a lot of heart.

Today we talk to Doug Phillips, born and raised in Cincinnati, OH. Doug Phillips has been passionate about real estate for several years. After attending Ohio University, Doug dove into the world of real estate investing. Doug specializes in multifamily and commercial real estate investment and owns several investment properties in Northern Kentucky. In 2021, Doug became a certified Canfield Trainer and Speaker and has spent time working as a life coach. In his spare time, Doug enjoys reading a good book in front of his fireplace, spending time with his wife, and playing with his puppies.