Hain & Guillory Pen Their Way To Real Estate Apprentice Finals

ALISO VIEJO, CA, August 18, 2006 – Quick witty words and pithy predications easily roll from the mouths of newspaper journalists, but are these silver-tongued skills an asset or a detriment in real estate sales? For all the tongue-tied moments we share, and for those who often aspire to a more verbose vocabulary, Chris Hain of Los Angeles, CA, and Michica Guillory of Houston, TX represent our best communications hope. Their future career hopes and meritorious efforts, once birthed in effusive terminology, have catapulted them into position of Finalists in the Real Estate Apprentice Foundation’s Grant competition. Today both Hain and Guillory were notified (in writing) that as rookie real estate agents they will each receive $7,000 each in first-class real estate success tools. Sharing in the limelight were two more $2,500 grant winners, Shernita Jackson of Chicago, IL, and Kelly Howell of Tucson, AZ.

Finalist Chris Hain – From Wahoo to LA, $7,000 More Prepared
Chris Hain received his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Nebraska. His interest in real estate has never waned since his days as a paperboy, walking door-to-door in the small town of Wahoo, NE. From those humble beginnings he later went on to college and then worked for a newspaper in the Nebraska State Capitol of Lincoln. From there, Chris became a reporter in West Palm Beach, FL, where he focused largely on real estate development, planning and zoning issues. Hain then felt the real-property calling and moved to Los Angeles, where he began working in escrow, marketing and office management and for a real estate agency there.

Hain believes that his work as a newspaper reporter was an excellent preparation for real estate sales. His daily work in the journalistic realm often began with cold calls. In a few seconds of conversation, Chris had to get people comfortable enough with him to tell him information they might otherwise keep to themselves. “It’s a lot like selling a product – turning the initially reluctant customer into the eventually enthusiastic buyer,” Hain explained. Chris also learned to become a researcher, compiling information from many sources, as well as a marketer, finding the most appealing way to package his material in a manner that attracted readers. Hain completed his licensing training with Allied Real Estate Schools, and is an agent with Ramsey-Shilling Associates in Los Angeles.

Finalist Michica Guillory – From Wordsmithing to $7,000 of Wisdom
Michica Guillory began her journalistic career in 1993 at the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal as a general assignments reporter. Over the course of a decade Michica served as an editor at a number of publications in Houston. She and a fellow graphic artist even ventured into the publishing field, creating “N2K Magazine” – a tell-all guide for parents of teenagers. Michica eventually put her skills as a journalist to work as a marketing professional for Transwestern Commercial Services. Guillory also became a Property Manager and Marketing Director for a commercial real estate management company overseeing a 623,000 sq. ft. shopping center. It was there that Guillory learned how to comprehend, explain and negotiate lease agreements.

Guillory believes that a rookie must possess at least five qualities to achieve success in real estate sales. Passion is a key to success in any endeavor. Without it, there is no drive to persist when future success seems hopeless. Guillory also believes that creativity is crucial in today’s market. Not only must agents compete among themselves, they also must vie for business against dozens of FSBO companies, discount brokers and flat-fee REALTORS®. Time management is also high on her list – critical for maximizing income-producing work and minimizing busy work. Patience, Guillory believes, is priceless when working with clients making life-altering decisions. Finally, Guillory believes that agents must possess the eloquence and acumen of a master salesperson. After all, working in real estate without the sale is nothing more than volunteerism! Guillory trained with Champions School of Real Estate in Houston, a RealtyU® Affiliate, and is currently an agent with Keller Williams Realty North Houston.

Semi-Finalist Kelly Howell – Comedian Gets $2,500 Ovation
Kelly Jane Howell was born and raised in Tucson, AZ. Her father was a construction worker and had Kelly banging away with a hammer and nails at age four and putting up sheet rock by age ten. Kelly married her high school sweetheart, Jack, who went on to play professional baseball. Howell has done stand-up comedy and improvisation in Arizona and California – a unique skill whose benefits include thinking quickly on one’s feet. Since no two transactions are ever alike, Howell knows this improvisational quality is a huge asset. Interestingly enough, Howell has moved over 27 times during her husband’s 12-year baseball career. Together they have four children and recently celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary. Howell completed her licensing course with RealtyU® Affiliate, Hogan School of Real Estate in Tucson, and works as an agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage also in Tucson.

Semi-Finalist Shernita Jackson: Humility Begets $2,500 Success
Prior to beginning her career in real estate, Shernita Jackson was employed with Illinois Bell/Ameritech/SBC, a major telecommunications company for 22 years. She held numerous positions, including Repair Clerk, Service Representative, Customer Service Supervisor and Service Representative Manager. As a front-line employee in telecommunications, Shernita attended customer service and sales training regularly. She learned how to treat customers fairly, matching them with the right products to fit their needs.

When asked why she would survive in real estate sales where others might fail, Jackson remarked that she follows a very organized daily structure. She also follows-up in a timely manner, and researches the industry by reading and attending conferences and workshops. Jackson also asks questions of those who have more experience and specialized niches/skills, honestly striving for balance between her personal and professional life. She admits, “I am smart enough to know when I don’t know something, and humble enough to ask for help when I know I need it. When I am afraid, I ask for the courage to get the job done,” she declares. Jackson completed her licensing course with the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and is currently an agent with Wesford Realty in Chicago.