Welcome to the Work Hard, Play Hard, Give Back podcast! In a recent episode, host Mike Litner of Coldwell Banker American Homes sat down with Mike Aharoni, also known as “Macaroni” or simply “Mac.” Mac is the office manager of the Coldwell Banker American Homes Farmingdale office and a lead instructor at the RESNYS.
Mac’s Journey into Real Estate and His Leadership Philosophy
Mac’s passion for real estate began with a love for houses and the desire for independence. What truly captured his attention was the opportunity to change people’s lives by being the catalyst for one of their biggest life decisions – buying or selling a home.
As an office manager, Mac prioritizes culture. His leadership style focuses on creating a family-oriented environment where agents feel at home. He believes that loving what you do and the people you work with is crucial for success.
The Unique Role of a Real Estate Manager
Mac highlights the distinct responsibilities of a real estate manager compared to an agent. While agents are transactional, focusing on client relationships and deals, managers act as motivators, mentors, trainers, and even confidantes. They provide comprehensive support, fostering an “open door policy” where agents can discuss anything, not just real estate.
Managing a diverse team, from top-performing veterans to brand-new agents, presents unique challenges. Mac adapts his coaching style to cater to both “old school” paper-based agents and “new school” tech-savvy individuals, leveraging Coldwell Banker American Homes’ robust technology platform.
The Importance of Coaching and Training in Real Estate
Mac emphasizes that getting a real estate license is just the beginning. The true learning starts after licensure. He stresses the critical difference between training (foundational knowledge) and coaching (on-the-job application and mentorship). Many agents fail in their first six months due to a lack of proper guidance. Mac prides himself on building strong foundations for new agents, teaching them practical application and real-world strategies.
RESNYS Real Estate School: Empowering Future and Current Agents
As a certified instructor for the RESNYS (Real Estate School of New York State), Mac plays a vital role in educating aspiring and experienced real estate professionals across New York. He loves helping people succeed and finds immense satisfaction in watching students grow in their new careers.
RESNYS offers a range of courses, including the mandatory 77-hour salesperson course for new licensees and continuing education (CE) classes. In-demand CE topics include fair housing, implicit bias, legal competency, and ethics. RESNYS also provides NAR (National Association of Realtors) designations and certifications, which are like “masters and PhDs” for experienced agents.
Mac particularly recommends the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) course, especially given the recent NAR changes, as it teaches agents how to effectively work with and demonstrate value to buyers, focusing on crucial concepts like representation and fiduciary duty.
Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Agents
Mac’s most crucial advice for those considering a real estate career is to “get your license for the right reason.” He openly shares his own experience of initially pursuing real estate for financial gain, only to realize its challenges. He later re-entered the industry with a purpose – to honor his grandfather by giving back to the military community.
Real estate offers endless opportunities, from sales and management to investment and property ownership. Success requires commitment and dedication. Mac encourages individuals to align themselves with a great school like RESNYS and a supportive company like American Homes, which provide the necessary training and support.
For those looking to get licensed, Mac advises:
- Find a school that fits your learning style (in-person, online, self-paced).
- Complete the 77-hour course.
- Pass the school and state exams.
- Find the right broker – RESNYS assists with job placement to ensure agents find their ideal fit.
Who Thrives in Real Estate?
Mac observes that many new agents are entering real estate as a “dual career,” balancing it with another job due to the commission-based nature of the industry. He believes success isn’t about full-time or part-time, but about the amount of effort invested.
Industries that involve “people business” tend to translate well into real estate. First responders, nurses, teachers, firefighters, hair stylists, nail stylists, and bartenders often possess strong communication skills and experience in client service – all invaluable assets for real estate professionals. Mac emphasizes that real estate is a service industry, not a sales industry. It’s about bringing value and changing lives, not just selling houses.
Unwinding and the Real Estate Transaction from a Client’s Perspective
Mac admits he’s a workaholic, but when he does unwind, he cherishes time with his family, especially his two children. They enjoy active outdoor activities like going to the beach or bike riding, finding joy in simple moments together.
Having recently sold his house and bought a new one, Mac gained invaluable insight into the client’s perspective of a real estate transaction. He realized the immense work and dedication realtors put in to make a complex process seem smooth. Being on the client side reinforced the critical need for realtors to guide individuals through the intricacies of contracts, contingencies, appraisals, and title processes. It was an eye-opening experience that further deepened his understanding of the industry, which he now shares with his agents.
Preparing for Real Estate Success
Ready to embark on your real estate journey or elevate your existing career? Visit RESNYS today to explore their comprehensive range of courses and certifications, and take the first step towards a rewarding future in real estate!
Join Our Students Enjoying A RESNYS Education now
Become Part of the Real Estate School of New York State to Further Your Career.
