A Journey of Resilience and Reinvention in Real Estate

The real estate industry rewards those who combine hustle with heart - and few embody this better than Andrea Blum.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Andrea Blum, a real estate agent and coach based in Toronto, in this episode of the REalizations Podcast. Andrea's story is one of resilience, determination, and embracing opportunity.

Her immigrant journey led her from agent to coach, overcoming challenges faced by women and immigrants and developing systems to teach others.

I want to share Andrea's story with you because it truly inspired me. If you've ever felt stuck in your career, you'll connect with Andrea's relentless determination and ingenuity.

From Romania to Toronto: A Journey Fueled by Purpose

Andrea Blum’s journey to real estate began in Romania, where she lived through the hardships of a communist regime. She arrived in Canada at 27, full of hope but without the recognition of her qualifications in her new home.

She shared that, regarding the immigrant experience, one often never truly feels at home. Despite these challenges, Andrea embraced the opportunity for a fresh start, and she pushed forward with one clear goal: to thrive in an environment where effort is rewarded.

Andrea’s story is a reminder of the sacrifices immigrants make to pursue a better life. In Canada, she faced the challenge of creating a new identity and career to seize opportunities that had previously been denied to her.

From Real Estate Agent to Coach: A Natural Evolution

Andrea entered real estate in 2011, and by 2018, she had transitioned into coaching. But this wasn’t a part of a grand plan—her coaching journey grew out of the natural desire to help others succeed.

Early on, she found herself answering questions from colleagues and sharing her strategies for success. Andrea had developed a unique ability to generate listings from cold outreach—something she had to master as a new immigrant without a personal network.

Eventually, she packaged her knowledge into an online course that helped others learn how to become listing agents. She built a sustainable business model that allowed her to balance both real estate practice and coaching. Today, she coaches a select group of six clients annually, on Mondays only, while still running her real estate business.

Why Listings?

For Andrea, focusing on listings wasn’t part of a calculated strategy at first—it was a necessity. As a mother of a young child, she couldn’t be out driving buyers around at all hours. She needed more control over her schedule and realized that focusing on sellers would offer her that flexibility.

Working with sellers turned out to be the key to building a scalable, sustainable business. She learned quickly that listing agents have more control over the process compared to buyer agents, particularly when they don’t have the benefit of referrals or a network.

For new agents without a sphere of influence, cold outreach can be one of the only ways to build a client base. Andrea’s success in listing came down to one essential idea: you don’t need to wait for years of experience to be a listing agent. You just need to be willing to put in the work.

Andrea’s tips for new agents:

• Learn how to price homes by previewing properties daily

• Stay on top of trends and understand why some homes sell for more than others

• Build a strong listing presentation and know how to handle objections

• Focus on creating trust through value, not pressure

She explains that becoming a listing agent is a tougher road, but it offers a sustainable business model in the long run.

The Gender Gap in Real Estate Leadership

A major part of Andrea’s story is how she navigated the challenges of being a woman in real estate. When she entered the industry in 2011, leadership roles were predominantly held by men.

Andrea not only had to face the usual hurdles of being a newcomer in a competitive field, but also the additional biases of being a woman and an immigrant. She feels grateful to be a woman, though she recognizes it adds complexity to her life.

This reflection underscores how real estate, like many industries, has historically been a male-dominated space. While women make up around 65% of agents, only a small percentage hold executive roles. Andrea’s story is a testament to the persistence it takes to push through these systemic barriers and make your voice heard despite the layers of bias you may face.

The Power of Female Realtors

Andrea and I talked about the unique qualities that women bring to the table in real estate. Women are often the ones managing the emotional dynamics of households, and this translates directly into real estate. Whether it's helping clients navigate major life changes like marriage, divorce, or the loss of a loved one, women in real estate are equipped with an emotional intelligence that sets them apart.

Being a multitasker is part of a woman’s DNA—especially when juggling the complexities of family life. Andrea believes that this ability to manage multiple priorities and understand the emotional landscape of clients makes women in real estate uniquely qualified to guide buyers and sellers through one of the most stressful processes of their lives.

Buyer’s Agent vs. Listing Agent: A Nuanced Conversation

Andrea pointed out that many buyers feel in control of the process, and because of that, they often don’t see the value in their agents. But I countered, explaining that a great buyer’s agent is indispensable.

Beyond opening doors, a skilled buyer’s agent should be well-versed in navigating disclosures, advising on financing, and providing referrals for other services like home inspectors and contractors.

In today’s market, it’s essential that buyer’s agents also work closely with mortgage brokers. A good buyer’s agent will help their clients understand financing options and connect them with trusted mortgage professionals, ensuring they make sound financial decisions.

We agreed that whether you’re working with buyers or sellers, educating your clients is the key to success. For both buyer’s agents and listing agents, it’s about showing your value early and building a relationship based on trust and expertise.

How Commission Lawsuits Are Shifting the Industry (U.S. Context)

The discussion shifted to the recent commission lawsuits and their impact on the industry, particularly in the U.S. With new rules requiring buyer-broker agreements, buyer’s agents now need to discuss commission with their clients from the start.

This shift has created a lot of fear and uncertainty, especially among newer agents who may feel uncomfortable discussing compensation.

I shared how, in my experience, a strong belief in one’s value is crucial. As Andrea noted, many agents are reluctant to bring up payment because they lack confidence. The lawsuits, however, are about more than compensation—they’re about equity and access.

They advocate for greater transparency while making it harder for many, especially women and people of color, in the buyer-agent field.

Listening to real estate podcasts like REalizations is a great way to stay informed on the latest industry shifts and hear expert opinions on navigating these changes. Staying up to date can help agents better advocate for themselves and their clients in this evolving landscape.

Tune in to the REalizations Podcast and Learn About Resilience and Reinvention

My conversation with Andrea Blum was truly inspiring. Her story is a reminder that success in real estate doesn’t come overnight. It’s about learning, adapting, and pushing through the barriers that often try to hold us back.

Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned pro, Andrea's journey is proof that hard work, resilience, and a willingness to evolve can create an incredible career.

Ready to dive deeper into the world of real estate and connect with industry leaders? Listen to the full episode for insights on real estate, leadership, and success in the industry.