Today we’d like to introduce you to Taitum Shirley.
Hi Taitum, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I attended Boston College and graduated in 2019 with a degree in Marketing and Business Administration. I always knew that I would eventually want to be my own boss. After working a non-profit in Boston, I was unemployed when the pandemic hit. My sister got a job in Nashville, and I decided on a whim that I would move to be with her. During my several months of unemployment, I started studying for my Tennessee Real Estate License and attended a few Zoom webinars. My uncle is a real estate investor in Pittsburgh and my mom owns an interior design/furniture store in our hometown in Pittsburgh, so I’ve always been interested in homes and real estate. I made the move to Nashville in September of 2020 and selected a brokerage, Fridrich & Clark Realty, in Green Hills. While I was getting my footing, I worked in the office and the front desk until June of 2021, when I had my first sale. This time working in the office was invaluable because I learned what goes into being a great agent and all of the back-end systems that we use. It was also a time to meet other agents and luckily, I met my now mentor and team leader, Richard Courtney, who has had a tremendous impact on my growth.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While Real Estate can be incredibly rewarding, it can also be frustrating and trying at times. Since I was new to the city and am 24 years old, I had to find my own ways of meeting clients. Most of the people in my sphere of influence are not looking to buy homes for the next several years, although I do enjoy helping them find rentals. I am naturally an introvert, so I’ve had to push myself outside of my comfort zone to chat with people about my job. At first, it could be strange for me to talk so intimately about my job and sell myself, but now I’ve gotten to a point where it is natural and I feel more confident with potential clients.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Realtor in Nashville, TN and I’m an agent at Fridrich & Clark Realty, LLC. I think realtor get a bad rap about being overly pushy, showy, etc. and I try to make my clients feel that they get enough information about a specific property without trying to ‘sell’ it to them. I am not a salesperson by nature and ironically, I think that can help me seem more approachable and easy to work with. I’m proud that I’ve been able to keep my integrity and personality intact in an industry like real estate that can be cutthroat.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I’ve always loved learning and Bigger Pockets has been an amazing resource for me to learn more about real estate investing specifically. My uncle recommended it to me a few years before I even got my license because I wanted to understand the different real estate investing tools. One book I’m reading currently, “Quiet” by Susan Cain, is about the power of introverts and how we can be effective leaders and it has made me see my quiet, observant side as a strength. YouTube has also been a great resource to learn about other beginner real estate agents and what has worked for them and what hasn’t. It’s nice to know that other people are learning alongside of you. My most valuable resource without a doubt has been my mentor, Richard Courtney, who has been in real estate for over 40 years. He is always available for a cup of coffee or a quick phone call to answer my questions and his column in the Ledger is a great resource to learn about the current market.
Contact Info:
- Email: homesbytaitum@gmail.com
- Website: https://fridrichandclark.com/agents/taitum-shirley/
- Instagram: @homesbytaitum
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homesbytaitum
Image Credits
Ed Rode
