EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION TRUSTEE SPOTLIGHT

Nekita Martins

From Student Award Recipient to Foundation Trustee to Incoming Foundation President

Nekita Martins earned her real estate license in 2013 while simultaneously working towards her undergraduate degree and has been working in the real estate industry ever since. In 2014, she was the proud recipient of a scholarship from New Jersey Realtors® Educational Foundation, which helped her reach her educational goals and sparked a passion for spreading the word about the foundation.Martins has served as a foundation trustee since 2017 and will be the President next year.

What first interested you in the real estate industry?

I was introduced to the real estate industry by my partner, Nelson, whom I work together with now. I would tag along while he showed a house or went on a listing appointment. That is when I began to really get a feel for what real estate was all about. I learned that it’s not just about showing or listing homes, it’s about educating buyers and sellers, which was very similar to what I was going to school for education. That is when I knew I had to give real estate a try. How did you find out about the Educational Foundation scholarships? I came across the Educational Foundation Scholarships when I received an email from my local board that applications were open to apply for the scholarship. I applied the first year I became a Realtor® while I was still an undergrad. It’s important to always open and read emails that come from your local board, as well as NJ Realtors®, to stay informed on all the great opportunities available for Realtors®.

What inspired you to get your license while working on your bachelor’s degree?

When I enrolled in real estate school it was merely for the purpose of being educated in the home buying and selling process so I could share my knowledge with others. My first goal was to become a teacher, but as I continued to work on my bachelor’s degree and also work as a Realtor® , my passion for educating grew even more.

As I educated buyers and sellers, I realized I was a big part of the process of helping people change their lives and reach their goals. It truly became a rewarding feeling which I knew I had to continue to pursue.

Fast forward eight years, I am not only a licensed real estate brokerassociate but a licensed New Jersey real estate instructor as well.

Do you have any advice for high school or college students interested in real estate?

It’s not as easy as it looks, but with determination, dedication and a strong mindset I do believe anything is possible. If a career in real estate is what you have envisioned for yourself, dedicate yourself to making it happen. What did the Educational Foundation scholarship mean to you at the time of receiving it? I can remember the exact day I got that email saying I was awarded a scholarship; it was an exciting feeling! The New Jersey Realtors® Educational Foundation scholarship meant opportunity, but it also meant that I had others—donors and a foundation—who believed in me, who believed in my success just as much as I did.

How do you stay motivated every day?

Staying motivated is crucial for surviving as a real estate agent. In order to stay motivated I write down my why and always look back at that to remind myself why I continue to do what I do every day.

It’s important to set and execute goals. Once you reach those goals, celebrate them, congratulate yourself and then set new goals.

What’s your number one piece of advice for new agents?

Only one? I’ll add two. I believe everyone should have a mentor, whether you are just starting or if you have been a Realtor® for some time. Find someone you can shadow, someone you can learn the ins and outs of being a real estate agent from, and someone who can help keep you accountable.

Also get involved and volunteer your time in committees. Not only are you volunteering your time, but you also get to network with other Realtors® .

What’s your number one tip for agents looking to grow their businesses?

To get to the next level in your business it requires a different perspective, a higher level of thinking than the one that got you where you are today. Be purposeful and the results will follow.