Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Ellis.
Hi Shannon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got started in real estate after I lost a house and land that was passed down to me from my mother before she passed away. The home on the land was a family home that had been built by my parents. The land was originally owned by my great grand grandmother, then my grandmother, then my mother and then me. I knew nothing about the real estate process or even owning real estate. I attempted to rent the property out but I knew nothing about being a landlord. Instead of reaching out to the appropriate professionals, I ended up losing the property and that is when I started doing my research. I wanted to know what could I have done to prevent something like that from happening to me or anyone else. The more I began to research the more interested I became in the sales and business side of real estate and how can I turn this into a vehicle where I can help others obtain and maintain wealth via real estate. When I decided to pursue my salesperson license, I faced a lot of doubt from those around me, even my husband doubted this decision. Everyone around me knew someone that was a real estate agent, I did not let that stop me, I had a plan. I made sure I took every class being offered, hosted every open house available – I had to have activity. At the time, I was still working in insurance claims and I absolutely hated that job and I absolutely had to find something so that I was able to devote more time into growing my real estate business. I was able to quit my full-time job and start a part-time job that I previously held servicing and managing life settlement portfolios. This job worked out perfectly because I was able to work from home, set my own schedule and devote as much time as I could into real estate. Eventually, I was able to transition into real estate full time and now I am the broker-owner of a real estate brokerage Shannon Ellis & Associates Realty LLC.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely not been a smooth one but I have no complaints because I have learned so many lessons along the way. I have my top three things that were big challenges for me and to be honest, they manage to find their way back from time to time. My biggest struggle initially was fear, I was nervous about being new, not being a homeowner myself, scared that people would find out I lost a home. No matter where you are in your journey fear is there. Fear is one of those things that can pop up no matter how prepared you are and no matter how knowledgeable you are. I have definitely learned that amazing things happen on the other side of fear and whatever the task is just do it, get through it and conquer it. I had to turn fear from (forget everything and run) to (face everything and rise). Secondly, another component of success in any business is having a budget to invest in your business and in yourself, this is especially true in the real estate industry. When I initially started in the real estate industry my budget to invest was low but that did not stop me from finding ways to generate business and exposure. Because I did not let the lack of a big budget stop me from pursuing business, I now have a database of clients that refer or reach out to me often. Last but certainly not least is delegation. Delegation was a big struggle for me in the beginning and it still is in some instances. In the earlier days of my career, I struggled with reaching out for help, owning a business will force you to reach out for help and allow people to be great at what they do. If you don’t reach out for help, you will face burnout and your business may suffer. As I continue my journey in business things that I struggle with will get easier and there will be new challenges, but I welcome them because I know I am being prepared for the next stage.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The name of my company is Shannon Ellis & Associates Realty, LLC, we are a real estate brokerage in the metro Atlanta area. Our areas of specialty are residential sales and leasing, residential property management and commercial leasing. We strive to provide a patient, personable and professional real estate experience. Every single client that we have assisted becomes just like family. Our goal is to become the go-to real estate brokerage for all of your real state needs, whether you are looking to buy your first property as an investor or as a primary residence, whether you are selling your home, converting your home into a rental property, need property management for your single property or portfolio or if you questions about a location for your business we can definitely take care of those needs. As the broker/owner, I am personally most proud of being authentically myself with everyone I come in contact with.
What are your plans for the future?
There are definitely plans for growth in areas of land acquisition, property management and development with a specialty in multi-family. There are also plans to bring on more agents in the brokerage as we expand the different divisions.
Contact Info:
- Email: shannon@shannonellisandassociates.com
- Website: www.shannonellisandassociates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonellisflemming/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannon.ellis1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDv4GCowrIgHu2Ji5Ppyx2A
Image Credits
Photos by Captured by Jo
