We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Toya Harze a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Toya , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Honestly, it sounds repetitive but I just did it. I’ve always liked the saying, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” And I know for a fact I’m not insane. I started by reflecting on what I enjoyed about my current job and where I saw myself in the future. Then, out of the blue, a close friend texted me, saying she’d been thinking of me. She encouraged me to pursue my real estate license and figure things out along the way if I was really serious about it.
So, I did exactly that. After all, everyone needs real estate. As I learned more, my fear of being in the spotlight gradually transformed into confidence. If you’re reading this and feeling nervous about starting something new, just go for it. Nothing worth having comes easy, so you might as well do something that will make great memories.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a real estate professional, and my journey into this industry has been incredibly rewarding. What excites me most about real estate is the opportunity to help people find their perfect home or investment property. Whether it’s a first-time homebuyer, a family looking for a fresh start, or an investor seeking the right opportunity, being part of such significant life decisions is both fulfilling and exciting.
What makes real estate special to me is that it’s more than just buying and selling properties—it’s about building relationships and trust. I get to guide people through one of the most important financial decisions of their lives, and there’s something incredibly powerful about that. I also love how dynamic the field is. The market is always evolving, and it keeps me learning and adapting, which fuels my growth and keeps things fresh.
Right now, my focus is on expanding my expertise in the residential market, but I’m also deeply interested in real estate investment and helping others achieve financial freedom through property ownership. My goal is to continue growing my client base while delivering exceptional service that goes beyond just closing a deal—I want to create lasting value for every person I work with.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most essential qualities to develop as an entrepreneur are a strong mindset, creative thinking, and the ability to handle rejection.
Mindset: Success starts from within. Believing in yourself is key to achieving your goals. For me, shifting to a larger-scale mindset was crucial. Books like Think and Grow Rich or Rich Dad Poor Dad helped me recognize the small habits that can lead to big changes and personal growth.
Creative Thinking: In real estate, no two transactions are alike. Every buyer and seller wants a successful outcome, but expecting the “perfect client” is unrealistic. Challenges will always arise, and the best thing you can do is stay calm. The last thing you need is for both you and your client to panic. When in doubt, lean on your brokerage or mentor for support.
Handling Rejection: It’s important to remember that your friends and family aren’t necessarily your target market. You’ll face a lot of rejection, often accompanied by various excuses, and that’s okay. When you’re starting out, you’ll want to chase every lead, but not all business is good business. In real estate, it’s not about convincing people to buy or sell. Our job is to assist them in making those decisions and help bring their vision to life
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
my ideal client is someone who is open, communicative, and ready to work as a team. The most important characteristic I look for is trust and mutual respect. Real estate transactions can be complex, so having a client who values transparency and is willing to listen and ask questions makes the process smoother for both sides.
Another key characteristic is decisiveness. While I’m always available to guide clients through the decision-making process, clients who have a clear vision of what they want or are open to exploring realistic options tend to have a more enjoyable experience. Finally, I appreciate clients who are patient and understand that the real estate market can be unpredictable, but with the right strategy and mindset, we can achieve their goals.
Ultimately, my ideal client is someone who is excited about the journey and trusts that I’ll be with them every step of the way, making the process as stress-free as possible while helping them secure a property they love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.Harzerealty.com
- Instagram: ToyaHarze
Image Credits
@Jojostylez – Jojo Louis
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