What does it really take to win in your first year in real estate?

In this episode of Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission, host Tina Lapp sits down with Mike Paolucci (Columbus, Ohio)—a former hospital security officer and high school football coach who went all-in on real estate and closed ~23 transactions in his first year.

Mike breaks down how he built momentum fast (including cold calling while still taking pre-licensing classes), why mentorship and office culture mattered, and how he learned to manage the emotional ups and downs that come with commission-only income—and clients making one of the biggest decisions of their lives.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Mike balanced online licensing classes with daily prospecting
• Why he focused on sellers and deal-finding first (before shifting into buyers)
• How to build credibility when you’re brand new (“fake it ‘til you make it,” the right way)
• The emotional side of real estate (for you and your clients) and how to stay steady
• What to look for in a mentor—and why “hand-holding” can slow your growth
• Practical time management: how tracking time in 15-minute blocks improved efficiency
• A rookie mistake that became a major lesson in professionalism with other agents

If you’re newly licensed (or thinking about getting licensed), this one is packed with real talk and actionable takeaways.

Subscribe for more rookie success stories, early lessons, and strategies you can actually use.

Connect with Mike:
https://www.reafcorealestate.com/team/michael-paolucci
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-paolucci-1168812aa/
https://www.instagram.com/614realtor_mike/

What does it look like to start real estate in the middle of major life change—and still have a breakout first year?

In this episode of Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission, host Tina Lapp sits down with Angela Vega, a Realtor serving Phoenix and Scottsdale with My Home Group. Angela shares how her path into real estate began through running a family business that supported individuals with developmental disabilities—work that required buying and selling properties and sparked a real passion for the industry.

Angela opens up about the personal turning point that pushed her to go all-in, how she powered through an intense in-person licensing course, and the mindset shift that helped her ignore the “the market is terrible” noise. From joining a high-expectation team (and closing fast) to building a business fueled by referrals, open houses, and genuine community connection—Angela breaks down what actually moved the needle.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
How Angela went from running a family business to launching a real estate career
Why mindset and discipline mattered most during grief and major life transitions
What a high-performance team environment taught her (and when she went independent)
Her open house strategy (including door-knocking + neighborhood research)
How she built a business without relying heavily on paid marketing
How she found balance after an “all-in” first year
Why having the right broker + lender partners is everything as a new agent

How to Connect with Angela:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angela.vida.vega/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotluxhomes/reels/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidavega/

What does it really take to break into real estate when you’re new to the area, switching careers, and navigating big life changes at the same time?

In this episode of Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission, host Tina Labbe sits down with Michelle Cheng, a RE/MAX Journey agent in Rutherford County, Western North Carolina, to talk about her leap from healthcare into real estate—and what helped her start gaining momentum.

Michelle shares what the licensing process looked like in North Carolina (pre-licensing + post-licensing), how she built credibility as a newer agent, and why switching brokerages was a turning point for getting the support and guidance she needed. She also breaks down practical lead-gen that worked early on—sphere of influence, community involvement, open houses, and consistent social media—plus how she stayed positive through delays, uncertainty, and real-life curveballs (including becoming a new mom).

In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why Michelle left healthcare and chose real estate
What surprised her most about the first year (and what she wishes she knew sooner)
How open houses helped her build confidence + conversations
How she uses community involvement and social content to stay top-of-mind
A memorable “first showing” story (GPS + lockbox chaos…and a happy ending)
Real talk on time management as a working mom
Her 5-year goals: growth, additional licensing, designations, and giving back
If you enjoyed the episode, like, subscribe, and drop your biggest takeaway in the comments. Know a new agent with a big first win? Share your guest recommendation with the show.

How to Connect with Michelle:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556421461175
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.cheng.realtor?igsh=Yjd4YXB5YmwyaXds
Website: https://www.remax.com/real-estate-agents/michelle-cheng-rutherfordton-nc/102329273