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Meet this year’s
30 UNDER 30 HONOREES Since 2000, the National Association of REALTORS® has highlighted young REALTORS® who exemplify advocacy, growth and leadership for its annual 30 Under 30 roster. In 2020, after two rounds of judging and vetting, the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® was thrilled to hear that two GCAAR members were selected among this year’s 30 Under 30 honorees. Capital Area REALTOR® spoke to Sam Medvene and Mary “Christine” Nieva about their real estate careers thus far, how it felt to be selected as a 30 Under 30 member and their hopes for the future of the industry.
Sam Medvene Sam, 27, has been in the real estate business since 2017. He describes his entrance into the industry as “complete luck.” “I have a construction background,” he explains. “I’d been recruited by a startup, but the position unexpectedly folded after I’d gone through the interview process. I already had my real estate license to do ‘fix and flips’ with my brother, and my uncle owned a brokerage. I thought, ‘Well, this is a great time to try this out!’” “I’ve been super fortunate that I stumbled into something that’s now a passion,” he says. Sam was surprised to hear about his 30 Under 30 nomination, given that he almost didn’t apply. “I had a mentor tell me to get over it and take the shot, because you never know,” he says. “I almost waited until next year!”
“My goal in real estate is to create a community of individuals that are all looking out for each other.”
“It’s an amazing group to be a part of,” he continues. “I feel blessed to be on this path that I’m on, surrounded by these colleagues and clients.” Although the COVID-19 crisis has presented challenges for Sam—as it has for many people—he sees it as an opportunity to keep focusing on his clients. “Now, more than ever, they know I’m here to help if I can—whether or not that help is real estate-based,” he says. “It’s important for us to connect and reach out, to foster those genuine relationships.”
The restrictions on in-person contact have given Sam the chance to move his practices into a virtual space. In the past, consumers have been hesitant to adopt digital tools, in part because real estate is such a big purchase. “But now, with everything going on, people don’t want you in their house!” he says. Sam began conducting his buyer consultations via video chat and using a newly purchased 360-view camera to allow clients to view homes virtually. He’s also started doing “drive-arounds,” where clients will follow him in their own cars and check out the surrounding area to see if it’s a good fit without having to leave their vehicles. “I’m on the phone with them the whole time. I feel like I could lead those citywide duck tours now,” he jokes. “Everything is so day-by-day,” he says. “Everyone’s needs are different. Maybe some people need to move out of their houses because it’s clear their spaces are too small. Adaptability requires us to react to those needs.” Ultimately, Sam says the “aha moments” are his favorite part of being a REALTOR®: “That moment clients walk into their house and they can just tell it’s what they want.” “My goal in real estate is to create a community of individuals that are all looking out for each other,” he says. “There are always going to be difficulties in every industry. But in GCAAR, there are so many individuals who like to work toward the common goal with their clients’ best interests in mind. It keeps it all fun.” 12 CAPITAL AREA REALTOR ® — May/June 2020
