Believe it or not, my dream for financial freedom did not include renting a small flat with six roommates.

I was in my early twenties, just out of college, and sharing this small apartment in San Francisco. There were only two bathrooms, no laundry, and no parking. This was not quite the dream I had in mind. Who else can relate? I was already in real estate, I already had big plans, but I wanted more for myself. 

My journey to financial independence began with one powerful realization. If I wanted to become the woman I always envisioned myself to be—empowered, confident, a girl boss—I had to uplevel my life. So, five years later, I moved out of the apartment and bought a two-bedroom home. I lived in one bedroom and rented the other out to a friend. After a large construction project to add on a master suite, I rented out the additional bedroom, too. Four years later, I sold the house, made a profit, and bought my second home. I was finally on my way to climbing the real estate ladder to reach my dreams.

Here’s what I learned. When you set your mind on a goal as big as homeownership, and you achieve it, you gain so much confidence and empowerment throughout the process. Accomplishing a dream like this sets you up for further success down the road, which is my hope for every woman.

After being in the real estate industry for the past ten years and working with thousands of clients, selling millions of dollars worth of properties, one thing has become clear. I’ve made it my mission to educate, inspire, and empower women to buy real estate so they can be the queen of their own lives. When buying and owning property or even leveling up your financial journey, I have three tips every woman should incorporate into their lives to achieve financial independence through real estate investment. 

Education Is Key

You’ve got to do your homework if you want to have an edge in the real estate industry. Learning the ins and outs of the real estate world can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Especially when you have a community of badass women on your side, sharing their input and cheering you on as you strive. I understand the power of women coming together, learning from each other while chasing after a common goal. That’s why I created my intensive Real Estate Queen Academy. 

In my academy, I act as a personal guide, walking my clients step-by-step through the process of buying their first home because I believe women deserve to be supported as they build their dream life. I break down everything one needs to know, from buying and owning property, tactical steps, and so much more. The best part? The community. No one should go after their dream alone. I created the academy so women don’t have to learn the hard way or on their own.

I’ve worn many hats in my career as a realtor and coach, but by far the most rewarding is being a woman empowerer. If I had to define what I do in a simple phrase, that would be it. I’ve seen firsthand what investing your money and pursuing financial freedom can do for your life, for your confidence. I am financially free, and I want the same for you, too. 

Confidence Is Your Most Valuable Asset

Confidence is yet another valuable tool to have. When you’re confident, you’re putting your best foot forward and refusing to let fear dictate your future. I’ll let you in on a secret. Amplifying your confidence is not just a nice option in this industry; it’s a necessity. It’s how you set yourself apart from others. Yes, something so simple can be the key to unlocking your success. So, how are you amplifying your confidence? It just might be what’s holding you back from your true potential.

It’s no secret that real estate has long been a male-dominated industry. That’s why it’s so crucial for women to step up and match that energy and confidence. Diversifying the industry is a passion of mine, and equipping women to make that next bold move by stepping into leadership and demanding more for themselves is why I do what I do. 

I firmly believe when a woman steps up and takes control of her life, there’s nothing she can’t accomplish. 

Leading With Integrity

This is no time to take a backseat. Taking command of your finances is something only you can do, but only if you set your mind to it. It’s up to you to assume a leadership role in the real estate world. 

The secret to being a successful leader in this industry? Integrity. From fostering meaningful relationships to negotiating deals, integrity differentiates the true leaders from the hopeful, the real estate queens from the wannabes. It’s a big topic to unpack, but for the sake of time, let me say that it’s worthwhile to take a look at your own life, your character and assess where you’re at. Do you lead with honesty? Do you stay true to your core values, even when times get tough? Do you refuse to back down from a challenge? There’s no judgment here, just a friendly reminder to take inventory of your life to ensure your current practices align with your overall goals. If not, maybe it’s time for a change, and that’s okay. We’re all learning and growing. It’s part of the process, but know that this is an industry that will challenge you. And it’s my job to make sure that you’re ready to meet that challenge with confidence, as I know you can. 

By focusing on education, confidence, and integrity, you will be able to make pivotal investments that will set you in the right direction and help you generate revenue for years to come. That’s the #girlboss way. 

I’ve come a long way since the days of sharing a tiny apartment with six other roommates. I’ve obtained financial freedom, became an expert in the real estate industry, and a confident business owner. I started my Real Estate Queen Academy to share my story and teach women about buying and owning the right way, to swap overwhelm with knowledge, and to come together as we all pursue something more meaningful.

Whatever chapter you’re in now, know that you have the power to disrupt this industry and make a greater impact for good. You can call the shots in your own life and lead with strength and confidence. You can be the queen of your own life.

Also read: https://disruptmagazine.com/the-mindset-around-running-a-7-figure-business-in-a-male-dominated-industry/

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Marina Shiferman is a successful realtor of ten years who has collectively sold over half a billion dollars worth of real estate. She is also a real estate coach who not only teaches women to properly invest in real estate, but empowers them to become financially free and confident homeowners. For more resources and information, be sure to visit Marina’s Instagram here or her website.