How to Win in a Competitive Market with Nicole Handy, Ep. 749

Nicole Handy is a chemical engineer turned real estate powerhouse and co-owner of Braden Real Estate Group. After more than a decade in corporate America, she transitioned into full-time real estate, where she has become one of Houston’s top-producing agents. Today she leads a brokerage of 75 agents across Houston and Dallas while investing in residential and commercial real estate, building generational wealth, and mentoring the next wave of agents.

Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.

Key Takeaways

• Nicole leveraged her corporate income to build her real estate business before transitioning full-time.

• Real estate investing runs deep in her family, shaping her views on generational wealth and long-term ownership.

• Building a personal brand through consistency and education has helped her stand out in a competitive market.

• Even during downturns, she has achieved her best years by focusing on adding value and solving client needs.

• Scaling from agent to brokerage owner requires documented systems and processes.

Topics

From Corporate Engineer to Real Estate Entrepreneur

• Nicole’s early real estate exposure through her grandparents’ investments.

• Buying her first property out of college and realizing the power of appreciation.

• Using corporate income as a foundation before leaving to grow her brokerage.

Building a Personal Brand

• Established her presence through consistent education and social media.

• Focused on being the most valuable resource to her audience, not just following trends.

• Braden Real Estate Group is rooted in excellence, values, and polished presentation.

Navigating Market Shifts

• 62% of agents may have exited in 2023, but Nicole had her best year.

• Positioned herself as a trusted expert during slower markets.

• Duplexes in Houston are currently trading at discounts, providing investor opportunities.

Giving Back Through Nonprofits

• Active supporter of Move-In Day Mafia, a nonprofit helping foster children transition into college.

• Provides dorm essentials, monthly care packages, and mentorship to set students up for success.

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Round of Insights

Failure that set Nicole up for success: Nearly losing her brokerage early on due to poor business management—saved by hiring coaches.

Digital or mobile resource: AI tools — using ChatGPT to build strategies, processes, and systems.

Book recommendation: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

Daily habit: Wakes up at 4:30 a.m. to clear emails, follow-ups, and priorities before the day begins.

#1 insight for scaling a brokerage: Document every process so that new team members can execute flawlessly.

Favorite restaurant in Houston, TX: Pappadeaux.

Next Steps

• Connect with Nicole on Instagram: @mrsnikkihandy

• Learn more about Braden Real Estate Group in Houston and Dallas

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