From Bankrupt to #1 Real Estate Agent: How To Rise From Rock Bottom w/ Michelle Fermin | Episode 86

Real Producers

Imagine going from earning $700k, getting all the accolades and being able to afford whatever you want to the brink of bankruptcy. Hiding your Range Rover from the repo man, your own home going into foreclosure and counting every penny. Back in 2008, that was enough for many real estate agents to throw in the towel and leave the industry.

For Michelle Fermin failure wasn’t an option. It’s easy to feel like giving up is the only option when everything starts to crumble, but here’s the truth: when things get tough, it’s time to pivot.

It’s time to get creative and adapt. The only way out is through—by doubling down, working harder, and pushing forward with a new strategy.

When hard times hit, how do you turn it all around? How do you pivot with purpose and execute at a higher level than you ever thought possible?

In this episode, team lead at Century 21 North East - Fermin Group Michelle Fermin joins me to talk about her rise, fall and journey back to top agent. We also talk about the importance of personal touch, going back to basics when needed and why it's more important to collaborate than compete in the world of real estate.

Sometimes when we succeed, we become cocky and lose that personal touch. Get back to the basics -building relationships, asking questions and building systems. -Michelle Fermin

Things You’ll Learn In This Episode

• Back to basics A strong foundation in real estate is built on solid relationships and asking the right questions. Why is it so important to always go back to the basics that build a foundation?
• Asking the difficult questions Facing fears and asking tough questions is essential in real estate, especially during challenging times like bankruptcy. How can confronting your biggest fears help you make smarter decisions in tough situations?
• Top 10 vs number 1 The difference between the top 10 and number 1 in real estate often lies in consistency, innovation, and exceptional client service. What does it take to gain that number 1 spot?

Guest Bio

Michelle Fermin is a growth and accountability driven leader to a top producing team in the country. The Fermin Group, is currently composed of 37 senior agents and 7 junior agents. They have sold over 5000 homes, over $1.5 B in sales.

For their stellar service, the team was voted Best Team in the Boston Agents' Choice Awards twice in the last 3 years. They were also the #1 Century 21 Small Team in the World in 2020, and a Top 5 Global Century 21 Team since 2018. The group is also a 4-time NAHREP Top 10 team.

Also a national speaker, Michelle is dedicated to educating while helping her team members grow as entrepreneurs and as members of their community.

With 26 years in the business and membership in elite organizations like NRBA & NAHREP, Michelle knows the in’s and out’s of real estate and how to navigate a challenging market.

Michelle lived between Lawrence, MA and Dominican Republic as a child, so her connection to the hispanic community in the area is strong.

She has 3 children and 2 dogs, and currently resides in the Merrimack Valley. A world traveler, she has visited 60 countries to date.

Follow Michelle on Instagram @michellefermin

Find Michelle on LinkedIn @Michelle Fermin

About Your Host

Real Producers Podcast is hosted by Remington Ramsey, creator of the Real Producers brand that reaches more than 120 markets nationwide. He is a real estate investor as well as an avid reader and writer. Remington calls Indianapolis home and enjoys life on the lake surrounded by his wife and their three girls.

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