Jessica Pettit recently made the transition into real estate after ten plus years in the health care industry. She is now a Realtor for Keller Williams Realty in Florida! During our interview together, Jessica Pettit graciously shares her experience becoming a real estate agent, but more specifically joining the National Associations of Realtors.
Why Jessica Pettit changed her career path
Jessica Pettit decided to change her career path because she wanted to have a job where she could spend more time with her child. Pettit wanted “time freedom” in her career. She wanted a job that was flexible; one that allowed her more time with her family.
Pettit was on the lookout for a more flexible career when her friend asked her if she was willing to be her buddy and attend a real estate conference with her. Pettit agreed, but her friend later told her that she couldn’t make it to the conference. Jessica Pettit, being a good friend, offered to go to the conference and take notes for her friend. It was at this conference that Pettit was inspired to become a real estate agent. Her friend encouraged her to pursue the career because Pettit has great marketing skills, which her friend believed is a key aspect in real estate. Pettit said she prayed about it a lot before deciding to become an agent.
What compelled Jessica Pettit to join the National Associations of Realtors
Overall, Pettit decided to join NAR because her Realtor friend told her it was worth it to join because realtors are taken more seriously. Pettit did joke that it is ironic now because she’s found that people think every real estate agent is a Realtor even thought that isn’t the case.
However, Pettit thinks that being a part of the National Associations of Realtors is worth it because they have so many resources for agents. Pettit also likes that the association holds its agents to a higher standard and keep their agents well informed. As a proponent of furthering her own education, Pettit appreciates that NAR requires their agents to earn certain credentials every two years. She believes these classes help you become a better Realtor and help realtors further develop their craft.
Pettit’s experience becoming a licensed Realtor
It took about 7 months for Pettit to finish her real estate course, including taking the exam at the end. She mentioned that it took her a bit longer to finish the real estate course because she has a family and is actively involved in her church. Pettit completed a little bit for her course each day and really had it in her mind that she didn’t want to rush. Although Pettit wanted to get her license as fast as she could, she ultimately chose to take her time because she wanted to retain the information she was learning throughout her course.
When it came time to take the big test at the end, Pettit was nervous. She had made the whole process public. Pettit did this to keep herself accountable. She also did it in hopes that if anyone in her social circle planned on buying or selling a house in the future they would come to her. Pettit also felt nervous because it was new to her; Pettit’s career had been in healthcare at that point and it was familiar. Lastly, she was nervous because it was a big deal. Pettit wanted to get her license: it was her goal to become a Realtor.
Although Pettit was nervous to take the test, she felt comfortable with the material. She said she felt like Elle Woods from Legally Blonde taking the test because it was very law based. The test was a bit stressful since it doesn’t say which questions you got wrong or right along the way, as well as the fact that it just shuts off when you pass, or fail I presume. Once the test shut off, a lady came over with the results turned over on a piece of paper. The woman was smirking at Pettit, which made her feel confident that she passed. Pettit was right: she did in fact pass the test!
Interviewing with brokerages
Before accepting her position at Keller Williams Realty, Pettit had interviewed at several other brokerages. She even accepted an offer to one, before ultimately deciding that Keller Williams Realty was a better fit for her.
The interview process at brokerages is a very unique experience for Realtors. Instead of being the ones interviewed, Pettit revealed that the real estate agents are the ones doing the interviewing. According to Pettit, a brokerage will give a pitch explaining why its company is the best, and then it is up to the agent to ask questions afterwards to decide if the company is a good fit.
Ultimately, Pettit was looking for a brokerage that was flexible with her work schedule. Since Pettit had a family, she didn’t want to quit her job right off the bat since it does take time for agents to make their first deal. Instead, Pettit wanted to continue working at her current job, while also working as a Realtor. Pettit admitted that it was clear that some brokerages wanted full-time agents and weren’t going to take her seriously is she chose to work both jobs. This attitude was a turn off. In addition, Pettit was looking for a brokerage that felt genuine, offered continuous education, and had reasonable fees and commission.
What ended up drawing Pettit to Keller Williams Realty was their mentorship program (they have real estate coaches for new agents), their genuine nature, and their outlook on education. Overall, Keller Williams Realty ended up being the best fit for Pettit because they have a very supportive atmosphere filled with people who want the best for each other.
Feeling discouraged in real estate and persevering
At the beginning of 2025, Pettit felt super excited to start off the year. She had high hopes for the future. She was soon left feeling discouraged when her potential clients weren’t following up with her. It was a hard time because she felt like she was being ghosted. Pettit confided in her coach at Keller Williams Realty about feeling this way and her coach told her to not take it personally and to give herself grace.
During this time Pettit was doing an open house every single weekend and she felt like she wasn’t getting anywhere. It was during the fall season, which Pettit admitted was a slow season in general in real estate because people aren’t usually looking to buy or sell their home during the holidays.
Thankfully, things are starting to pick up for Pettit as it is now spring time. Pettit tries to remember the quote “Things you do today will pay off in 60-90 days from now.” She says that real estate is a long game and it’s her job to keep showing up and to get out of her own head.
Pettit’s growth since her first month in real estate
Pettit’s first month as a realtor was frustrating because she started at a brokerage that wasn’t a good fit for her. Since changing firms to Keller William and Realty, Pettit has seen some much growth within herself. She is grateful to work at a brokerage that gives her guidance and support. This guidance has led Pettit to feel a lot more confident in her abilities. Now, Pettit says she knows so much more about the world of real estate.
Pettit’s favorite part about being a realtor
Pettit’s favorite part is that as a Realtor, “You get to create these beautiful memories in people’s lives. And you get to be there, especially for people that don’t think home ownership is possible.” Pettit states that her brand is helping people who don’t believe home ownership is possible, and showing them that it is possible. She says helping people who don’t think they can ever buy a home, purchase a home is a “feeling you can’t put into words” and is a fulfilling experience. Another aspect Pettit loves about being a Realtor is that she gets to be her own boss. She loves the self-growth aspect of real estate. Lastly, Pettit appreciates that being a Realtor allows her to provide a better life for her family, as well as the ability to spend more time with them.
Advice Pettit would you give to those who want to be a real estate agent, or who are in the process of becoming one
“You have to have a BIG why”
Pettit states that “real estate is very hard.” She emphasizes that there will be tough times, which is why it’s important that you have a big why. Pettit’s big why is her family. Pettit wants time freedom and the ability to spend more time with her family.
One thing Pettit wants people to understand is that real estate isn’t quick money. She says it’s a long game and “you really need to have a servant’s heart…” Pettit highlights the importance of having a compassionate heart because buying a house is a huge financial decision. She asserts that it is so important to think outside the box to help people buy their dream home.
Pettit tells future agents to not get discouraged because she believes that becoming a real estate agent is possible for anyone. She also says to make sure you have funds saved, or an additional job in the beginning because it can take a while to get paid. Pettit again emphasizes the importance of being in real estate for the right reasons and having a big why. Pettit says this will ultimately help you get through the tough seasons in real estate.
Pettit’s top two biggest real estate goals this year and how she plans to achieve them
Pettit’s main real estate goal this year is to make thirteen transactions. She needs to make seven buyers and six sellers transactions to replace her previous income with a bit left over. Pettit also has quarterly goals. Her goal for the second quarter is to attend a community event. Pettit really loves face-to-face interactions and wants to get her name out into the community that way. Additionally, Pettit has a goal for the number of people she needs to talk to and follow up with for the quarter. Pettit’s second main goal is to continue to learn since the real estate market continues to evolve. Lastly, she wants to figure out her brand and what she stands for. As of right now, Pettit wants her brand color to be pink, she also wants her brand to be flowery because she is a feminine girl, and she would like that to be reflected in her brand name. Pettit says she hopes when people think of her brand, they think of the color pink.