Today we’d like to introduce you to Dena May.
Hi Dena, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I started in real estate in 2015 right after an ugly divorce. I literally had $50 leftover each month after bills for food and gas for my vehicle. I knew right away I would have to get a 2nd job since I denied everything from my ex-husband as far as child support and maintenance. I just wanted to be done with him and get out of the house. My friend at the time was a realtor and reached out to me. She mentioned the were looking for an ISA (inside sales associate) after hours to make cold calls and to follow up on leads. I went in for an interview and was hired right on the spot. After spending a few weeks of making calls, they told me I should get my real estate license because I was “pretty good with people” I started taking my classes online. I was a single mother of a 15-year-old son, working 2 jobs, coming home at around 9:30P trying to get in a good hour or so with the kiddo and once he went to bed then I would take my classes and quizzes. on line. I literally had no social life. My son was always very involved in sports so there was usually always a practice or games I would try to attend. I was his biggest fan so I had to be there to cheer him on. This was not the 1st time I had my hands full as a mother though. I had my son at the age of 17 right in the middle of my senior year of high school. A teacher came to my home, brought me my school work for 6 weeks, and then I was right back in school and working waiting tables. Graduated and walked with my class. I did not even skip a beat… I was back at it again with a busy schedule. I was so determined to get my real estate license as I knew I could provide a better life for my son. He had big dreams and I wanted to make them all come true. It took me about 5 months to get through the classes and then it was test time. I am a terrible t4est taker as I am an overthinker. I haven’t told many people this but each time you take the test it was $65. I passed the national portion of the test right away. The state exam I did not… I had to save up for it sometimes. Once you pass the class you only have so long to get your license. I had failed after failed after failed. I would not give up. The last possible day I could take the test before having to start all over… I passed. It took me 20 tries. That has been a secret LOL however I knew I was going to get it. I screamed. You would have thought I had won the lottery. And I did. I accomplished something I had worked so hard for. They always say whoever has the hardest time taking the test usually turns out to be an amazing agent so I thought to myself… well I should be a rock star then. I have now been an agent since Feb 13th, 2016… I love every bit of it and I am so passionate about it. There is something so rewarding about helping people finding their dream home rather that home is a $30K home or a million-dollar home. If my buyers love it, I LOVE it and want to do whatever it takes to make sure they get it. I have had to get pretty creative this year with the market and everything going into multiple offers. I have even reduced my commission significantly for my buyers because at the end of the day, it’s about them and what they want. It is not about me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. There has been many obstacles including passing the test and then it was finding clients. I learned the more I was in front of people, the more clients I would pick up so I was holding open houses every weekend. Most of the time they were not even my listings, they were other agents, but I would want that face time, so I would always offer to do the open houses for them. And there is something new that pops up every day in real estate so you are always learning. It is definitely an emotional roller coaster at times.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about MAC Realty Group?
My goal initially was to work on my own team as an agent. I did that for about a year and knew that I work best on a team. I am very team-oriented. I love to cheer others on and give positive energy. I also love sharing what I know with others. I joined MAC Realty Group in October of 2020. I help buyers and sellers. We have a team of 10 members. I am known to have the biggest heart; however, I do not play games either. I have been known to go above and beyond for my clients as well. I will do whatever it takes even if it was door-knocking during a pandemic because people are working from home. I really care about each and every one of my clients. I consider them all to be my family. I share all of the knowledge I have learned in this career with them and I love working with 1st time home buyers. They usually start the process blindly and I love helping them through the process because I know they are in good hands and I become like the protective momma bear… I am a huge communicator and they usually appreciate that.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor can be challenging sometimes because sometimes people are not always who you think they are. They may look good on paper, however, in real life, they are not so good. I have been to a few BNI groups but mostly it is just getting out there and not being afraid to talk to people and ask questions as well as sharing your story too. Everyone has a story and some are quiet amazing. You never know who you may influence by telling your story or who you may help by telling your story. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Contact Info:
- Email: denamay@themacrealtygroup.com
- Website: https://worthclark.com/agent/1012374-Dena-May/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denamay81/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denamay81
