Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Columbo.
Hi Nicole, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up, my parents were real estate investors. It fostered an appreciation for the investment of real estate. As a college student, I was studying mass communications with hopes of being in broadcasting. During a semester off, I enrolled in real estate school. Once I found that the aspects of mass communications that I loved could be applied to building a business in real estate, I was all in and dreaming about a career selling luxury real estate. As a 20-year-old, I was reminded of statistics (roughly 85% of agents fail within their first 5 years of the business) and told that the luxury market would be a far reach. I was never discouraged and sought out a position selling at a local and well-known real estate brokerage. A few months into the business, I closed my first three deals and found myself learning from a veteran luxury agent, Sheila Davis, who I now work alongside at The Norton Agency. 7 years later, I feel blessed to consistently be a top producing agent with luxury and Lake Lanier sales.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey of building my real estate career has not always been smooth. The beginning proved to be a challenge as I was the youngest Realtor in my office and trying to navigate gaining credibility and respect with seasoned homeowners and investors. I found that relying on skills learned through my background of studying mass communications and competing in pageants helped me present myself in a poised manner, and gain trust from clients. As time passed, learning the ebb and flow of the real estate market has challenged me both in my business and personal life. I have now been in the business long enough to gain repeat client business and referrals, that has been rewarding as I made it through the challenges in my early years.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in luxury and Lake Lanier home sales. I work with both buyers and sellers, and enjoy getting to know my clients and their stories. With my background in marketing and mass communications, I utilize innovative marketing techniques to push my listings to the top of buyers’ minds. I have had the opportunity to work with buyers from all over the country and love being a resource and playing “matchmaker” to find their future lake home.
I have been active in the Lake Lanier market since I started in the business, and I am able to often pair buyers with off market properties. One of the things I enjoy most, is seeing a client fall in love with the renovation potential in a home. I have renovated two of my own homes and firmly believe in the investment of taking on a renovation, either to flip or to call home.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Specifically in real estate, there are many opportunities to learn from top producing agents. My advice is to offer hands-on help to busy agents, whether it is hosting an open house or tagging along for showings.
Contact Info:
- Email: ncolumbo@gonorton.com
- Website: www.nicolecolumbo.com
- Instagram: @nic_columbo
- Facebook: @nicolecolumboRE
Image Credits:
Ryan Norton (Norton Aerial Media)
