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Meet this year’s 30 Under 30 honorees
<xx< 30 UNDER 30 HONOREES Meet this year’s
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.
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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 “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.” is to create a community Although the COVID-19 crisis has presented challenges for Sam—as it has for of individuals that are all many people—he sees it as an opportunity to keep focusing on his clients. looking out for each other.” “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 sur rounding 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.”
Christine, 29, became a full-time REALTOR ® two years ago. Before that, she worked as an operating-room nurse. “I loved the human element of it: Helping families at the pre-op stage, being a patient’s angel watching over them during surgery and making sure recovery goes well. And I loved the collaborative environment. But I just couldn’t see myself doing it for the rest of my life,” she says. For two years, Christine spent her commutes listening to podcasts about starting her own business. She began her real estate career by transitioning to part-time nursing—but a traumatic event pushed her into taking a leap of faith. “I had a major, life-changing car accident,” she explains. “I was on my way to pick up a buyer and my car was totaled. I still have hardware in my body that reminds me of it. It made me realize: ‘I need to pursue what’s making me happy.’” After she recov ered, she made the move to full-time real estate. Christine’s favorite part of the job is how much information she can provide her clients in the decision-making process. “I successfully stay neutral for buyers and sellers, and a lot of that has to do with educating them and helping them make the best choice for themselves. I love getting them that win,” she says. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she’s been relying on social media, such as Facebook Messenger and Instagram, to network online. She also urges other REALTORS ® to collaborate with each other and maximize talents across the board. “I have a real estate coach, and my initial plans were not to renew my contract with them,” she says. “But when COVID hit, I thought, ‘What better way to network than to attend virtual calls with 10 to 15 other agents?’ They’re a big “I successfully stay neutral resource for accountability, and they’re big on providing support.” for buyers and sellers, And it’s worked: In the month after quarantine began, she put six families under contract. “The most important thing is asking clients if they’re mentally OK to move,” she says. “And if they don’t feel comfortable, I let them know it’s OK to wait. No one is ever pushed one way or the other. I let them know they have options.” and a lot of that has to do with educating them and helping them make the best choice for themselves. Christine says when she learned about her 30 Under 30 selection, she cried. Since I love getting them that win.” then, she’s been inspired to pursue more leadership in the real-estate industry. “My family came to the U.S. from the Philippines with only $200 in 2001,” she says. “I feel like my career has been validated. I saw this as a door to network with the best of the best.”
