We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Pooja Bartake. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Pooja below.
Pooja, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
Growing up in a lively Indian household, I learned early on that optimism wasn’t just about hoping for the best—it was about taking action, even when the path forward seemed unclear. My parents calm determination and unwavering support showed me how to turn challenges into opportunities.
That mindset carried me through my own journey— As a realtor, I’ve had to lean on that optimism countless times. Not every deal works out, and not every day goes as planned, but I’ve learned to see challenges as opportunities to grow and connect with people on a deeper level. The real reward is helping others find their own fresh start, their own corner of hope. In this industry, I’ve faced setbacks and tough moments, but I’ve come to see them as opportunities to grow and connect with others. Optimism isn’t about ignoring struggles; it’s about trusting that every setback is part of something bigger.
Even now, walking through Weaver Lake Park reminds me that seasons change, and brighter days always come. Optimism, for me, is a way of life—a belief that with hope and effort, we can create something beautiful, no matter the challenges.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story!
I’m a realtor with Goli Realty and also the Grant Johnson Group, one of the top teams in the Twin Cities. My journey into real estate grew out of my love for connecting with people and helping them find a place to call home. For me, real estate isn’t just about transactions—it’s about being there for my clients during one of the biggest decisions of their lives and making the process as smooth and personal as possible.
What I love most about my work is building relationships. Whether it’s helping first-time buyers step into their dream home or supporting a family through a big life transition, I take pride in tailoring every experience to fit their unique journey. I want every client to feel confident, cared for, and excited about their future.
Lately, I’ve been focusing on making the experience even better for my clients. I’ve started creating personalized buyer packets that include everything from testimonials to a bit about who I am outside of real estate. It’s a small way to connect with clients on a deeper level and build trust from the very start.
Beyond real estate, I’m passionate about giving back to my community. Recently, I participated in a fundraiser with the India Association of Minnesota (IAM), where I sang to help raise funds for cancer awareness. It was such a special experience—combining my love for music with a cause close to my heart.
At the end of the day, my goal isn’t just to sell homes; it’s to build dreams and create meaningful connections along the way. If you’re looking for a realtor who values relationships and genuinely cares about your journey, I’d love to be that person for you.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Relationship-Building: Success in real estate comes down to genuine connections. Building trust and truly understanding clients’ needs has made all the difference for me.
Advice: Be authentic, listen more than you speak, and always act with integrity. People work with those they trust.
Resilience:
The ups and downs in this business can be challenging, but learning to bounce back quickly has been a game-changer.
Advice: Stay positive, focus on solutions, and don’t let setbacks define you. Each challenge is a chance to grow.
Continuous Learning:
Real estate is always evolving, and staying ahead has helped me better serve my clients.
Advice: Never stop learning—whether it’s market trends or soft skills. The more you know, the more confident and effective you’ll be.
For anyone just starting, focus on these three areas—they’ve been my foundation and can be yours, too.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I’ve always believed in the power of leaning into our strengths. When we focus on what we’re naturally good at, we operate from a place of confidence and passion, which brings out our best work. That said, there’s also value in being self-aware enough to recognize areas where growth can make us more effective or well-rounded. It’s about striking a balance, but for me, leading with strengths has been key.
For example, I’ve always been good at building relationships and creating connections. Early in my real estate career, I made this my focus—listening to clients, understanding their needs, and being their trusted guide. It became the cornerstone of my success. However, I quickly realized that to be even better, I needed to work on time management and market analysis—areas where I wasn’t as naturally strong. I didn’t need to become the best at those things, but improving just enough made me more efficient and well-rounded.
One experience stands out. I was working with first-time buyers who had a tight timeline and specific needs. My relationship-building skills helped me quickly earn their trust, but balancing multiple showings and pulling together the data they needed was a challenge. I pushed myself to fine-tune those weaker skills, and the result was a seamless experience for them. They not only found their dream home but referred three other clients to me!
So, my advice? Go all in on your strengths—they’re your superpower. But don’t ignore areas where small improvements can make a big difference. Growth happens when you lean into what you’re great at while being willing to learn and adapt along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556564918707
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartakepooja/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pooja.bartake
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