Ferrar-Lund Real Estate, Reno, Nevada
How did you get involved with real estate?
In 2004, I was working as a nurse, but I became a loan officer when I started working at a property management company that has a mortgage division and a real estate department. When the market started to decline, I decided to get my license in 2007, because I figured I was already in the industry and I enjoyed it.
How did you get interested in becoming a CRS?
I was going to the CRS Fashion Shows [an annual charity event held by the Northern Nevada RRC] for years, and in 2014, I won a grand prize of a boat ride with Fred McElroy [Reno CRS, former CRS of the Year and REALTOR® of the Year]! During the boat ride, he said, “If you want to be in the fashion show, you can—but you have to be a member first.” It was great marketing and recruitment from past leaders that swayed me.
Having the CRS Designation helps with other members of the industry. When I go to AREAA [Asian Real Estate Association of America] conventions, it’s nice to share that I am a CRS with my peers.
What is the sweet spot in your business?
I enjoy working with sellers. I love going on listing appointments and the whole process of getting the property ready and working with people. I love it when the client listens to your advice about what to do to get top dollar for their home.
I like to make my listings shine. I have a few personal items that I can bring in to style the home, if it is needed. I feel like this is my inventory and my name is behind it, so I don’t want to sell a naked house. I just want to put a little “jewelry” in it.
What marketing tips would you share with other REALTORS®?
Just be real with people. It’s nice if you have a connection with them—if you and they are both parents, or are involved in the community, for example. And make them feel important. I really appreciate all my clients. When I meet someone, I send them a thank-you note. Or if someone decides to list with me, I send them flowers. Those little personal touches show that I know they didn’t have to sign with me. I treat them the way I would want to be treated.
Between these personal contacts and social media, how do you attract more clients?
You have to use diverse ways. I notice that my competitors who are under 40 are using lots of video now. I have done a bit of that in the past, but I need to get that on my business plan for 2020.
One thing I do is post pictures of my time cooking at Ronald McDonald House, which I volunteer for once a month. I also held a fundraiser for them, and we raised about $2,000. It’s nice to get out in the community and see how I can help.
What prompts you to be so involved in the community?
I was one of those boat children from the Vietnam War. We escaped in 1981—I was 8 years old. My family and I tried to escape so many times to come to the United States for a better life. One time we were caught [by the Vietnamese government] and I was in prison for two weeks, so that was a negative experience in my life. But what I get out of it is that I’m a survivor. I’m going to keep going on and try to excel at whatever I do.
When I look back at my personal tragedies, I think about the people who helped me. So I want to help other women in need. I want people to know that we are human, not just REALTORS®. I had to overcome these obstacles and now I’m running a business with my husband and another team member. I’m making a contribution to society.
Thuy Tran, CRS, achieved CRS Designation in 2019. She can be reached at ThuyTran@ferrari-lund.com or 775-250-1417.
