Today we’d like to introduce you to Joann Castro.
Joann, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my Real Estate career in NJ in 2006, right before the crash. I became an agent, not so much to make money but more so because I was interested in buying a house and wanted to know the ins and out of the business. I took the real estate course and found it to be very interesting. I was quickly recruited by Century 21 and generated business within my first month of joining C21, even though I was really unsure as to what I was doing as I still felt that I didn’t really know much about the business. What I did enjoy most was the freedom of my time. Although I was working early mornings in radio, I didn’t want to also sit at a “9a-5P” while my 3 children were at a daycare.
I moved to Florida in 2013 and immediately got licensed. Now a single mom, I worked part-time for a bit while I acquainted myself w a new area and I was still also working as an on-air personality so my time was limited. I was still able to generate some real estate business but I knew I wanted to do more.
Once I “retired” from radio (I still do a podcast and host events), I wanted to be more of a full-time agent and see where this career would take me.
I started really looking into different offices to see what each was offering and came across the office that I am currently with.
I feel it was the best decision I made in regard to my RE career. The vibe and energy of the office was what I felt was missing with my previous offices and after meeting with one of the owners, I knew that this office was where I wanted to be. I signed up immediately and stated that even though I had some experience, I wanted to come in as if I was a new agent. I was ready to learn all I needed to learn to be successful.
I’ve been with the company for 3 years now and can honestly say I have had some of the best years in my RE career. In the last year, I tripled my income and my sales and became one of the top agents in the office. Not #1 but one of the tops.
And although I am nowhere near where I’d like to be, I am grateful to be where I’m at. And there’s still soo much more to learn.
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?
Real estate by no means is a smooth road both personally and professionally!! Especially being a single mom w 3 kids. The hardest part of this journey was trying to balance work and life. I knew for sure that I didn’t want to miss a thing involving my kids but I also knew that I needed to work, to be able to afford the things my kids wanted to do. That in itself was a struggle as you know sometimes real estate can be an all-day job!
Although they are older now, it took some time to work that out.
On a professional level, since 2006, I have survived market crashes, moving to a new area, covid, shutdowns, and inventory issues. We just keep moving forward and find new ways to do business.
The key is to be able to adapt to any market condition, any area, and any circumstance that comes your way. Perseverance and determination will keep you moving forward and help you be successful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a professional Real Estate Agent with GWorld Properties and have been licensed since 2006. I am currently a Senior Team Member w the Yanira Team at the office. Being a part of the team has really helped me become successful I specialize in residential sales, new construction as well as investment properties. I love working with investors and have helped several increase their portfolios and income through investment properties in Central Florida.
Another passion of mine is training!! I also love to train and have the patience to do so. Probably because I enjoy taking training classes and personal development. I am currently a trainer/mentor for new agents who join the team. I love to see people succeed and it makes me happy if I can take part of someone else’s success.
One other thing that I’m very big on is giving back to the community.
I’m part of the Realtors Care Committee, where we volunteer in the communities by doing things such as Meals on Wheels, cleanup, etc. I also help raise money for other nonprofit organizations such as Base Camp Children’s cancer, Boys and Girls Club and Quest, Inc, etc.
As if this wasn’t enough, I have also been cast to a reality show which will begin to air on June 4, 2022!!!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
One of the things I love about the Orlando area is the diversity of people. Of course, we have the Mouse and other area attractions but it’s the people that come here, that make it special. We are one of the top destination areas in the world, if not #1, and we see all types of nationalities and cultures. Traffic is usually always high but I’ve learned some shortcuts to get around and have learned what areas to avoid during certain time periods. And also, to keep snacks in the car, just in case…
Contact Info:
- Email: joann.castro@rocketmail.com
- Website: https://jcastro.gworldproperties.com/about-me
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/josellshouses
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoSellsHouses
Image Credits
Victor Morales
Monica Bonilla
Joshua Soto
