From Door-To-Door Sales To Real Estate Success – Shasta Delong

On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Shasta Delong!

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 Shasta Delong…

The conversation began with a this or that icebreaker on low HOA fees, bank financing, and more. Shasta introduces herself as more than just a real estate professional. She describes herself as a mom, a friend, and an active member of her community. Her work in real estate not only defines her career but also enables her to contribute to various functions and give back to the community she serves.

Regarding the current market, Shasta primarily serves the greater Lansing area, although she also caters to the northern and eastern regions. Despite the ongoing housing shortage, the market is still active. On average, home prices are around $180,000, showing a slight decrease from the previous year’s average of $199,000. The typical price per square foot hovers between $119 and $120. Additionally, homes tend to spend an average of 10 to 11 days on the market before being sold. With this information, Shasta encourages prospective buyers to act swiftly if they find a house they’re interested in.

Shasta then talked about her early experience in sales and how it had a lasting impact on her approach to real estate today. At the age of 10, she began selling greeting cards door to door in her neighborhood. Despite being known for talking a lot, she excelled academically. This early venture into sales shaped her communication skills and laid the foundation for her successful career in real estate. Shasta stumbled upon a box of unused greeting cards belonging to her grandmother, which she decided to sell for 25 cents per card. She went around her neighborhood, selling the cards and gaining valuable experience in interacting with people.

During that time, Shasta learned important lessons and acquired skills that have been beneficial throughout her career. Being in sales and service roles that require interacting with the public helped her develop strong communication, patience, and empathy. These qualities are particularly crucial in the real estate industry, where understanding clients’ needs and emotions is vital, given that buying or selling a home is often their most significant financial transaction.

As a devoted mother to three sons, Shasta understands the importance of balancing her personal life and professional responsibilities. In the early years, she took her boys everywhere with her, struggling with setting boundaries and finding personal time. However, as they grew older, she learned to prioritize her children and work around their schedules. By focusing on them while managing her professional commitments, Shasta strives to give both aspects of her life the attention they deserve.

Growing up in challenging circumstances, Shasta knew she wanted to create a better life for herself. College became her path to achieving that goal, even though she didn’t initially consider real estate or sales as a career. During her time in college, she worked diligently and completed her degree in Insurance and Human Resources, which she had proposed as a major. This academic journey exposed her to a new world she hadn’t experienced before, with opportunities to interact with successful professionals and travel as part of an insurance society.

Shasta’s growth during college, both personally and professionally, was significant. She actively participated in workshops that taught essential skills like resume building, dressing for success, and etiquette. These experiences were invaluable to her, as she hadn’t had anyone teach her these skills before. After graduation, she explored various jobs but realized that the corporate environment and being confined to a cubicle didn’t align with her personality. It was then that she discovered real estate, a field that suited her better.

In addition to her academic background, Shasta’s commitment to personal growth and development is evident through her attendance at Tony Robbins seminars. She has attended his awakening ceremonies multiple times, continuously learning more about herself and others. These seminars provide a platform to confront buried issues and let go of them, leading to personal transformation. Shasta specifically mentions the experience of walking through fire, which has shaped her mindset by reinforcing the belief that once you overcome obstacles, you can achieve anything. This personal development journey has equipped her to handle situations calmly and empathize with the people she encounters in her real estate career.

The conversation wraps up with Shasta sharing what approach she would take if she were to buy her first home again with the knowledge and resources available to her today. She emphasizes the importance of saving when it comes to owning a home. Many people underestimate the costs associated with homeownership and Shasta always advises her clients to have a rainy day fund, as unexpected expenses like a broken furnace or malfunctioning AC unit can arise at any time. She believes it’s better for individuals to have a smaller down payment and pay minimum Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) rather than depleting all their savings. This way, they can maintain a financial safety net for unforeseen house-related expenses. By prioritizing savings and having a contingency fund, aspiring homeowners can better navigate the challenges and unexpected costs that may arise throughout their homeownership journey. Shasta’s advice encourages individuals to approach homebuying with a practical and financially responsible mindset.

Check out Shasta Delong:

Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ShastaDowding%20DeLong

If you loved this episode subscribe so you never miss one! Want more The Closing Table content? Head over to our blog.