“Is Your Real Estate Success Just a Supportive Network Away? – Daisha Makhene & Brittany Gardner
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Daisha Makhene & Brittany Gardner!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Daisha Makhene & Brittany Gardner…
The conversation began with Brittany and Daisha each sharing multiple hats they wear outside of real estate. Brittany, a proud boy mom, is not only a mother but also a daughter, friend, and sister. Beyond her familial roles, she harbors a genuine passion for the real estate industry. Meanwhile, Daisha is often labeled a serial entrepreneur, aspiring to construct a comprehensive real estate empire encompassing real estate tax and schools. Juggling various strategies, she navigates both the corporate strategy and network marketing arenas as a full-time worker.
In the sphere of real estate, Brittany’s journey commenced at the age of 19 with the purchase of her first investment property. This venture eventually led her to obtain her real estate license. Now, with five years of licensure under her belt, Brittany’s trajectory unfolds as an engaging narrative. During the pandemic, with additional time on her hands, she strategically expanded her licensing to different territories within the United States. Embracing an unconventional approach, she pursued education simultaneously with her sons, obtaining licenses in Michigan, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, and working towards licensure in Texas—a noteworthy achievement that underscores her commitment to personal and professional growth.
On the other hand, Daisha’s foray into real estate started within the mortgage industry, working for a million-dollar company in Detroit. The experience afforded her valuable networking opportunities and a comprehensive understanding of the real estate business. Transitioning to real estate in 2017 after three years in mortgages, Daisha immersed herself in learning the intricacies of the industry. Her significant accomplishment lies in discovering her passion for mentorship. This common ground led to her connection with Brittany, as their shared brokerage allowed them to form a team, create a culture, and provide education beyond the basics. Daisha’s mentorship has touched the lives of over 200 individuals, emphasizing financial awareness and real estate insights. Together, they seek agents to join their team, sharing a blueprint for success and a commitment to achieving tangible results in the world of real estate.
Serving the Detroit market, Daisha’s initial focus was on Detroit proper, but after almost seven years in the real estate industry, she emphasizes the importance of intentionality. The majority of her business now extends across the tri-county area, encompassing Wayne and Oakland counties. Despite their international reach, the team prioritizes a nuanced understanding of price points. On the other hand, Brittany adopts a broader perspective, analyzing the entire state of Michigan to comprehend its diverse segments. Michigan’s average sales price hovers around $250,000. Wayne County boasts an average value of approximately $86,000, while Oakland County commands a higher average value of $230,000. Understanding the economic landscape, Michigan thrives on blue-collar industries, dominated by service and manufacturing jobs.
Daisha underscores the need to stay attuned to economic dynamics in real estate. She highlights ongoing factors like strikes and developments in the nursing field, emphasizing the necessity for adaptability, intentional focus, and leveraging time to thrive in the industry.
Brittany recounts instances where she navigated zoning challenges, particularly for cannabis clients in past years. While less prevalent now, there were significant zoning hurdles to overcome. Additionally, securing buildings for clients aiming to establish bars or acquire liquor licenses posed challenges due to expensive licenses and associated zoning regulations. Notably, dealing with adult housing foster care homes brought about both opportunities and restrictions. The demand exists, but specific zoning requirements dictate where these homes can be situated.
Daisha elaborates on frequent legal challenges, especially related to property titles. Even with the growing prevalence of the cannabis community, zoning remains a persistent issue. Despite Detroit’s industrial landscape, the coexistence of liquor stores and churches on every corner creates complexities. This intricate dynamic often hampers business endeavors, making it challenging for entrepreneurs to navigate licensing and setup processes seamlessly. The team continually grapples with these barriers while remaining committed to serving their clients effectively in a complex real estate environment.
Following that, Daisha emphasizes that serving the community with integrity involves a fundamental commitment to education. In the realm of business, she observes a shift from a self-centered focus to a more community-oriented one, where entrepreneurs prioritize providing value and engaging in educational initiatives. This perspective, shared in her 2019 TedxTalk and still relevant in 2023, underscores the importance of contributing to the community by hosting free events and delivering educational content. Daisha specifically highlights her role in educating her community on the intricacies of home buying, aligning her business with a commitment to empowerment and knowledge-sharing.
Brittany and Daisha both weigh in on the delicate balance of serving as real estate advisors for family members while maintaining a professional approach. Brittany emphasizes the importance of setting the tone early on by providing consistent education throughout the process. By continually offering valuable insights, she establishes a clear business context, allowing her to transition from the familial role to a professional advisor seamlessly. The incorporation of actionable steps at the end of each conversation helps maintain accountability.
Daisha echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of setting expectations, particularly through a buyer’s consultation. Regardless of familial ties, clients receive the same level of professionalism, with the understanding that they are being scrutinized and judged, possibly even more so by family members. She underscores the need for family to recognize the role of a realtor in a transaction and the importance of creating a supportive environment.
Brittany and Daisha’s perspectives differ in their familial experiences within real estate. While Brittany’s family is deeply involved in the industry, providing a supportive structure, Daisha notes challenges in garnering the same level of support and understanding from her family. These varying experiences highlight the nuanced dynamics that real estate professionals navigate when working with family members.
Next, Brittany reflects on her entry into real estate at the age of 19 and her initial investment property purchase, describing it as a beautiful disaster. She humorously acknowledges that while she made zero mistakes, it was a valuable learning experience. One of the significant lessons she learned was the importance of firm budgeting when investing in property. She emphasizes the need to thoroughly examine the costs involved, as overspending can quickly erode anticipated profits. To avoid pitfalls, she advocates for meticulous upfront work, including home inspections and contractor assessments, both for residential and commercial properties. Brittany stresses the critical role of having clear goals in mind and understanding the gap between the property’s current condition and the desired outcome.
Recalling her first purchase, Brittany admits to the impulsive decision-making process at 19, driven by tenacity and the availability of funds. Her lack of due diligence, such as neglecting inspections, led to unforeseen structural issues. This experience underscores the importance of careful planning and understanding a property’s condition before diving into renovations.
Brittany further advises against personalizing investment properties, emphasizing the need to focus on practical aspects such as materials used and square footage. She cautions against unnecessary customization, urging investors to prioritize functionality over personal preferences. Recognizing the significance of overhead costs, Brittany underscores the importance of understanding which costs matter the most, whether pursuing a long-term or short-term investment strategy. Lastly, she advocates for studying the surrounding area and duplicating successful models to minimize competition and enhance the property’s marketability. Overall, Brittany’s journey imparts critical insights for potential investors to navigate the complexities of real estate with foresight and careful consideration.
The conversation concluded with Brittany reflecting on her personal and professional journey, acknowledging that she initially struggled with granting herself grace. Over time, she learned to view her path with a broader perspective and appreciation for the trajectory rather than narrowly focusing on individual setbacks. Social media played a pivotal role as her mini-documentary, offering a tangible record of her growth. In the industry, Brittany recognizes the transformative power of protecting, understanding, and valuing real estate assets. Leaving medical school for real estate, she emphasizes the resilience and adaptability required in the field. Real estate, according to Daisha, teaches the profound lesson that every problem has a solution.
For Brittany, the importance of serving others stems from childhood aspirations to help people, initially manifesting as a desire to become a pediatrician. Real estate became the unexpected vehicle through which she could contribute meaningfully to her community. Passionate about education, she recognizes that the knowledge she imparts can have a generational impact, addressing the wealth gap through the realm of real estate.
On the other hand, Daisha’s personal development journey since 2017 has taught her that consistency, patience, and delayed gratification are the keys to success. She emphasizes the significance of appreciating experiences and overcoming obstacles, emphasizing that every challenge is an opportunity to learn. From being impulsive in her early real estate career, Daisha has evolved to understand the value of consistency and patience, recognizing that enduring challenges leads to both personal and financial growth.
As an entrepreneur in the real estate industry, Daisha values skill over passion-based businesses, focusing on a “me-based” approach where individuals can choose where they want to go but must take action to achieve it. She takes pride in being part of an industry where black women realtors make up only 6%. Daisha believes in the importance of representation and is committed to creating a blueprint for expansion, positioning themselves as lawyers, educators, and examples to foster change in the industry and community.
Check out Daisha Makhene & Brittany Gardner:
Daisha Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Daisha.N.Makhene
Brittany Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Powerhouseclosings
Powerhouse Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/Powerhousebrittany
Daisha Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisha.makk/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D
Brittany Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerhousebritt/?igshid=MWZjMTM2ODFkZg%3D%3D
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