Cathy Zamanpour - From Tech to Real Estate Triumph: A Journey of Growth and Resilience

Ever pondered a radical career change that leads to unexpected success and satisfaction? Cathy Zamanpour did just that, swapping the predictability of computer science for the fast-paced world of real estate. In our latest episode, Cathy—now the managing broker for Long Foster at One Loudon—shares the exhilarating story of her transformation. Her background in tech not only set her apart in the realty business but also became instrumental in developing a distinct approach to mentoring and coaching. Listen in as she articulates the profound joy found in guiding clients and new agents alike through their significant life transitions, all while nurturing a genuine desire to make a difference.

This episode isn't just about career moves; it's a masterclass in personal and business growth. Cathy walks us through the maze of marketing strategies and personal branding, revealing how these tools empower agents to put their best foot forward. But it's not all work and no play—Cathy unwinds by painting, a passion that reminds us of the importance of balancing hustle with what brings us happiness. Discover how community involvement, particularly with organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, can lead to meaningful connections and shared successes, both professionally and personally.

Concluding with wisdom that resonates beyond the real estate world, Cathy shares her philosophy of being a beacon of light, especially in the most challenging of times. Her reflections on the resilience of her industry during the pandemic underscore the adaptability and potential for growth amidst adversity. If you're seeking inspiration to be that positive force in your community or looking for reassurance that shining bright for others will lead to fulfillment, you won't want to miss these heartfelt insights. So tune in, and allow Cathy's story to illuminate the possibilities that await when you dare to transition, connect, and be the light.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:31

My name is Kathy Samonpour. I'm the managing broker for Long Foster in the One Loudon office and the services we provide is to help clients purchase homes you know, residential also help tenants get into rentals, investment properties. We help with that, so it runs the whole gamut. Mostly we focus on residential real estate, but also I have a few commercial agents as well.

Speaker 2: 0:58

So yes, awesome. And how did you get into your industry? Is this something that you've always wanted to do, actually?

Speaker 1: 1:06

no, I actually when I went to school. I went to school. College was computer science, so I have a master's degree in computer science.

Speaker 1: 1:15

college was computer science, so I have a master's degree in computer science, information technology, and so I worked for a company that did a lot of work with the government. They did research and development, put out prototypes, and so we did the full life cycle of a project and what a company would need, or the government would need, and show them the prototype, and then, once they accepted it or liked it, then we would turn it over for someone to build it for them. So I was a software engineer, which just did not mesh with my personality, which is kind of a people's person, and I just decided that I was retiring and I wanted to focus on raising my children, which I did and alongside of that, I decided to get my real estate license and gradually grow it. Uh, because it was really important to me to spend time with them and be involved in their lives while they were growing up, and once they were a little bit older and really didn't completely need me, I focused on growing the business, and so that's how I got into real estate.

Speaker 2: 2:21

Awesome, that's amazing. And how has that transition been from going into working in like computer science and then going into real estate and getting your name out there, the word of what you do?

Speaker 1: 2:34

It was an interesting transition because, you know, with IT and software engineering you're just in front of a computer all day long and so, like I said, it just didn't match, but it helped me. You know, I used my skills, my social skills and the IT background I had to help my clients and it did kind of give me a little bit of an itch, especially this was years ago, so it wasn't so prevalent back then you know.

Speaker 1: 3:00

So it did help to have that technology background. But what I did was I, you know, always had a coach in real estate. I kind of made that leap that I do need to have that and it helped me tremendously build my business. And so, you know, when I kind of shifted to being the broker, I always thought that's what I wanted to give back to my agents and my team to be able to help them grow and kind of give them the guidance whether they're new or seasoned, it doesn't matter, because you always have to learn. And technology is so important now and you have to learn to kind of roll with the changes and make the changes. And once you stop that you're done, you know you always have to kind of be accepting and intertwine that into your business, absolutely.

Speaker 2: 3:46

Yeah, so would you say that having a coach or a mentor along the way is a big resource and help for anybody who's looking?

Speaker 1: 3:53

Absolutely, absolutely. And I think what makes you know what was very important to me when, you know, my business started picking up, my broker at the time asked me to help a couple of agents and just helping them guide them. It was so rewarding. And so then, you know, an opportunity opened and I was like you know, I think I want to do this and it just came full circle now, like I feel like that is my mission is to give back to my agents, especially the new ones. It's just a tough business to get into like initially and kind of make it through and then get through where you are feeling like, ok, this is working for me and to have somebody there to support you and help guide you is so important. So I get a lot of, you know, reward from that. So it is awesome.

Speaker 2: 4:42

Have you thought of doing maybe like a workshop or some type of class? I feel like you would be so good for that.

Speaker 1: 4:48

I actually have done them in the past and years ago I think we did it right in the middle of COVID actually, and then the shutdown. Oh, yes, yeah.

Speaker 2: 4:55

I think we did it right in the middle of COVID actually.

Speaker 1: 4:57

And then the shutdown. Oh yes, yeah, I am actually licensed to, you know, teach it. And we do do workshops. We do them. Yes, See, I'm fortunate to be, you know, a real estate broker in the richest county in the country. That's right, and it feels so rewarding to get back to clients, you know, because they're not just buying a house, you know, they're buying a home somewhere. They're going to make memories, raise their children, and you'd have them associate that with you. A good memory, a pleasant experience is just phenomenal. So, yeah, so very fortunate.

Speaker 2: 5:32

Oh, I love that. And now, what are some key characteristics that you think? Not maybe all, because of course there's different personalities and people, but most real estate agents should have, like, what are some things that you think are important?

Speaker 1: 5:46

What is important is the wanting to help people. You know that's first and foremost. Of course it's a business. Of course you have to pay your mortgage and your rent and feed your family, but the most important thing is coming from that good place of wanting to help individuals along the way, because it is a stressful. It can be a stressful process. There's a lot of moving parts and people are making so many changes in their lives. It's the biggest investment that they're making in their lifetime. You know purchasing a home, especially in this county, in this market, and so you want to have that. You know inclination, wanting to help, yes, and wanting to be there for them. Make that process smoother. There's nothing more rewarding that when a client say, oh my god, you made this process really great. You know I've had clients buy and sell in the past and they said, oh, this was so much different or this was so much better. Thank you so much for that, or they come back.

Speaker 1: 6:45

Four or five years later. Yeah, and remember, you, remember you exactly, and so that's you know. You just get the best sleep when somebody tells you right and you're like I'm doing something right.

Speaker 2: 6:54

Good night and now tell me a little bit about like on that note of community, like you have a special community event that's like annual. Tell me a little bit about that and where people can find more info.

Speaker 1: 7:05

Yes, so it's a Long and Foster tradition and we do a community service day throughout the footprint, so it's in seven. We are in seven states. So throughout the footprint, so it's in seven we have, we are in seven states, so throughout the footprint. It's on June 5th, sometime in June, but this year will be June 5th, and so my office and several other offices will be joining forces and we will be going to Women Giving Back, and so a lot of people do bring items to donate. It's such a wonderful, wonderful community event and it's a great organization to help women and children that are in need, and so we help with whatever they need that day, organizing whatever they need, and you know donations of clothing and financial donations as well, so we're happy to do it every year. It was a big deal to the founding member of Long and Foster so he always wanted to have that, so we are crediting on that tradition. I love that.

Speaker 2: 8:06

Yes.

Speaker 1: 8:07

There's so many organizations honestly to choose from, so this year will be this. I think we did it the same place last year and then next year we'll be choosing another one and just happy to give back and you know being able to help and people are excited about doing it, so we're looking forward to it. Love that. Thank you for sharing that.

Speaker 2: 8:24

Absolutely. And now for marketing. How are you putting yourself out there Like, are you a big social media person? Are you more of like getting to those B&Is? What do you like to do? I would say A, b and C, all of the above. All of the above.

Speaker 1: 8:39

Yes, so part of the Chamber of Commerce and so a member there, of course, and we have a lead chair. So you know, I found that to be so exciting to get to know the different businesses in this community. I recently moved to Leesburg From where? Yeah, from Fairfax, okay welcome Thank you.

Speaker 1: 9:00

So I found that to be valuable to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and so we have a lead share and you know it's growing, which is fantastic, and you get to kind of, you know, help people with their business and you know it's not only get, it's a lead share. So we, you know, try to help each other out. And, of course, social media Not only is it fun, it's also, you know, a platform to get the word out there. Yes, and what you do, and so, yeah, I definitely use all of them, okay.

Speaker 2: 9:34

Yeah.

Speaker 1: 9:35

Growing and learning as we go, you know, and what works best and what's better for your business. So you know, and I encourage all my agents to really get out there. I actually, you know, part of what I do is kind of look at each team member and see how they're doing compared to the year past. And the ones that are doing better or you know just as well as the year before, are the ones that have been active on social media.

Speaker 2: 10:01

There we go. That's what you have to do.

Speaker 1: 10:03

Testament to yes, testament to the power of it, you know.

Speaker 2: 10:06

And I think it's a great platform, too, for people to get to know who you are as a person, what you stand for, you know all that good stuff. I know some people like to separate that and some people don't, but it's a good way to get to know somebody, because you don't want to just think like they're a robot and they just sell. You want to know that there's relatability to them. You want to know that they give back to the community. Maybe that's something that means a lot to some people, and knowing that puts you in the right circle of people you want to be around.

Speaker 1: 10:37

Truer words have not been spoken, absolutely. I think it's so important to be out there to show a little bit of your personality because, you know, not everybody's the right fit for you as much as you want to be helping everyone, you know sometimes people connect with you on that level. So, yes, you want to show some of your personality. You want to talk about what's important to you, the community that you're giving back to all all of it matters.

Speaker 2: 10:58

Yes, and on that note, who are you outside of business, like the real estate industry? What do you like to do? What are your passions or hobbies, or are you always a busy bee workaholic? Tell me a little bit about that.

Speaker 1: 11:11

Well, yes, a busy bee and a workaholic, um, you know, and I find that most people spend a lot of time at work and so you want to make your work enjoyable. So you know, I have learned that along the years that you can't put that. You know, you can't say, okay, once work is done, then I'm going to have fun, or you just have to make all of it fun and then it just becomes a great experience and a joyful one throughout the day. Yes, so yes, and then it just becomes a great experience and a joyful one throughout the day. So, yes, outside of work, like I said, I'm social. I have a lot of friends and family and you know very tight bond and connection with them. So lots of you know spending time with the people that are important to me, love arts, and you know just painting, I just love that.

Speaker 2: 11:57

You like to paint, I like to paint, is's something you always did growing up.

Speaker 1: 11:59

I did absolutely, and you know um, while I was going to graduate school and undergraduate too. Anytime I could take an art class, I would definitely do it and. I actually made time to take one last year. It was a lot to get to it, but you know you get lost into that. When you're painting you're just you're on, you know, on another planet. So it's wonderful Love that Don't get to do it as much as I like.

Speaker 2: 12:26

Darn, I know, maybe one day you'll be able to like dedicate more time.

Speaker 1: 12:29

Yes, that would be Like by the beach, like painting it.

Speaker 2: 12:32

Yes yes, a nice like sunset and the water, margarita, maybe something nice, you know. Yes, and how many kids do you have, like what I know you?

Speaker 1: 12:42

said like you were raising kids, but I catch that number. I have two. Okay, yes, boy, girl, a boy and a girl.

Speaker 2: 12:49

I got lucky. I know you really did exactly. What do you like to do with them and what activities are they doing?

Speaker 1: 12:56

So my son actually is a realtor. Okay, yes yes, he always wanted to do that, so I'm proud of him for kind of doing what he likes to do. Have you given him any tips? Absolutely, all day long I give tips. You know, sometimes he doesn't want to hear mine.

Speaker 2: 13:13

He'll appreciate it and be like she was right.

Speaker 1: 13:16

Yes, and I have a daughter, um, and she just finished undergrad and going into um yes, graduate school.

Speaker 2: 13:24

Thank you, how exciting that must be so exciting for you as a mom to seeing them like grow up and you're just like wow, they don't need me as much like bittersweet.

Speaker 1: 13:31

They think they don't need you.

Speaker 2: 13:33

That's the. That's the trick that they think they think they'll always need you. That's the trick, right, that they think they think they don't need you. They'll always need mom. That's right.

Speaker 1: 13:38

Special yes, they always need our wisdom Absolutely, or so we?

Speaker 2: 13:41

tell ourselves Right? No, it's true. Keep telling yourself so, because it's true. And now where do you see yourself in five years like as a person and with your business?

Speaker 1: 13:52

Well, within business, I see this office growing even further. You know we, like I said, fortunate to be in the richest county. You know we closed about close to $200 million last year in sales and always looking to improve that, you know, and grow the office. So you know I always tell anybody that wants to, you know, join our office, become a realtor. We're happy to help them kind of get that process started. As a broker, that's part of my job, you know, to recruit agents and give them that guidance that they need and you know so growing the office is a big, important focus of mine. The office is a big, important focus of mine and personally, just growing. You know I am very interested in getting investment properties. So, okay, you know I just got one last year so I'm very excited about that and we'll continue to do that, moving forward and building on that.

Speaker 2: 14:56

That is amazing, thank you. Can you tell me a little bit about your employees, like how many do you have right now, cause I know you said you'd like to grow. How much more are you wanting them to?

Speaker 1: 15:05

grow. Well, it's twofold. I want the number of people that are in the office you know the number of agents to come to our office to grow and also to grow their business. So each individual agent in the office to help them get to that next level. Yeah, yeah, that would be the dream.

Speaker 2: 15:25

And then for location are you wanting to go to different states as well, like with your realtors from all over?

Speaker 1: 15:32

So we have offices in different states, okay, in different counties, and so you know, I may want to do that at some point, but right now this is home, sticking to this area, yes, sticking to the area.

Speaker 2: 15:45

Exactly that is awesome. And now, what are some common misconceptions in your industry right now that you've noticed or seen a trend with that, you would like to just clarify on Anything at all Misconception as far as, like, people getting something like wrong. They come to you and they're just like oh my gosh, you know what? I always thought that this was a certain way, but since working with you and your real estate agents, I've realized that the process doesn't actually have to be like that.

Speaker 1: 16:11

Oh, okay, um, yep, you know, um, I feel like with any industry, there's always people that are a little bit, maybe more in tune with what they're doing, more aware, and I think our focus is really educating our agents. So, you know, sometimes they come and they're like wow, I just felt the level of professionalism was so high. Professionalism was so high and, you know, it was just so rewarding to work with an agent that understands, you know, has a full knowledge of the life cycle of the process. There's a lot that could go wrong, you know. In somebody's mind it's like let's find a home, what's the big deal?

Speaker 1: 16:56

It's an easy process. There's going to be no bumps in the road. No bumps in the road. And there are bumps, you know, and there are situations that come up and it's so important for us to be calm, you know, and you know, sometimes we say we are not just a realtor. You know, sometimes you're a marriage counselor, sometimes you are a psychologist.

Speaker 1: 17:14

Yeah, you know, and that's true. You do have to be that, you know, and you have to keep your emotions in check, because they are going through a huge change and it's very nerve wracking, and so you need to be the sounding board, you need to be the calm one, you need to find the solution for them.

Speaker 1: 17:38

And so I feel like you know I preach that enough, and I feel my agents, you know, are so well-rounded, and so when somebody says that you know you've done your job and everybody's grateful that the process went well, so that's what we strive for you know, yeah, yeah.

Speaker 2: 17:51

And now I want to make sure I hit all the key points. Is there anything that maybe I'm missing or that you would like to share, that's going on maybe in your life or in business, that you would like to share with our audience?

Speaker 1: 18:02

Oh, that's a tough question. I'm trying to think of what you know right now, especially in Loudoun County as well, there is a shortage of housing. I'm sure you've heard that a million times. Yes, I have, and so you know, I think if anybody's thinking about moving and they're kind of like you know I've heard somebody say that I thought it was pretty interesting that they have the golden handcuffs on because they have, you know, refinanced and their interest rates are so low but they really want to move or they really want to grow, or they feel like their home is too small and they need to expand.

Speaker 1: 18:40

There are so many programs out there right now and you know our lenders are coming up with creative solutions for people and sometimes you know that's a misconception Like, oh, my interest is so low I can never sell this house. That is not necessarily true. You know you can sit down and look at numbers. If you have enough of equity, you've paid down enough of your mortgage, it might behoove you to move. Even though the interest rate might be a little bit higher right now, it may not remain that way forever. It might come down next year. But you know, kind of putting all that in perspective, and sometimes people don't know how to look at those numbers. Or you know, to a, you know fine cone tooth way.

Speaker 1: 19:25

And so to sit down with a professional, with a lender, who can really break those numbers down for you. Sometimes I'm like, oh my gosh, oh okay, I can do this. You know, I can take the equity I have here, I can move my family to this larger home or downsize if I need to, so that you know I don't have to deal with, let's say, if you're downsizing, you're looking to retire, you don't have to deal with the maintenance that goes on with a larger home.

Speaker 1: 19:54

Yes, you know all the things you have to take care of, and so that is a quality of life that you're getting back, that you don't have to have those golden handcuffs on. So I think that's probably the biggest one right now. And it would help, you know, with the families that are looking for homes, because right now you know you get one home and there's eight or nine people that want to have that home and obviously can only sell it to one person.

Speaker 2: 20:21

So survival of the rates, the interest rates, whatever, I don't know.

Speaker 1: 20:26

Something like that.

Speaker 2: 20:27

But you're the best person winning right. Yes, and now for your type of industry. What are some hardships that you've gone through that you would like to share with our listeners, that you've learned a valuable lesson in Like it could have been, maybe during COVID times, like how did you pivot or how did you work through that?

Speaker 1: 20:47

That's a very good question. I think COVID was, you know, especially at the outset, was super scary, not just because you know of the enormity of it and how scary it was health-wise, but also because we're like, well, we can't go out and how are we going to survive. It was super scary. And then in Virginia we were fortunate enough to be known as our business. We could go out and sell. You know our business. We could go out and sell. You know it was something that we could do.

Speaker 1: 21:24

And just to get over the hump of what, what's happening, how can I pivot?

Speaker 1: 21:27

How can I show homes, how can I get people in a home and, you know, in into? The incentives were there with the interest rates and I think for some realtors that was probably the best year in your business. You know, and I think for some realtors that was probably the best year in your business. You know they did so much business that year If they were able to get out, if they, you know, were not immunocompromised and were able to get out, they were able to do really, really well. So you know, as we go throughout the market, there's always going to be some challenge and you think, oh my God, you know how am I going to get through this? Every time I think back to COVID and think well, we thought the world was coming to an end, we thought our industry was going to be completely shut down, and it didn't happen that way you know, and if you can survive that seriously you can survive anything and you can pivot and shift and make it work.

Speaker 1: 22:23

And in any downturn of market, in any devastation, there's always some opportunity. And you have to look at that. You know, not look at the problem in hand, but what's the solution? How can I make this work? How can I help someone you know that needs to get into a home? And so, yeah, that's the biggest one for me. Always kind of remind everybody too, when things get a little tough, just remember if you got through that you can get through anything.

Speaker 2: 22:50

That's right. Oh my goodness, you're so right about that, because really it was some dark times there. We were remember when we were all like locked up at home, like home. At certain points, obviously, you had to go to the grocery store and then all this drive-up pickup stuff. Oh my gosh, it seems like so long ago it does. But just thinking, going through that and like man, wow, like you said, we did get through it and now there's the light at the end of the tunnel. Absolutely yes, I know.

Speaker 1: 23:16

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 23:17

All right. So now for my final question. If you could leave our listeners with any type of message that's in your heart, it could be in regards to your industry family raising kids what would that message be?

Speaker 1: 23:30

Oh, always be the light you know, always be the light, always be there to help someone genuinely, and everything else will fall into place.

Speaker 2: 23:39

I agree with that. I love that. Thank you for that message, thank you. Thank you for being here on the podcast, absolutely my pleasure.