Marina Shiferman

Marina Shiferman is a real estate agent training other women how to get into the field and to excel at it. After working in San Francisco real estate for a decade, Shiferman had sold over half a billion dollars worth of real estate and had taught at least 150 women how to properly invest in the field. It was around this time that Shiferman decided she should share her knowledge in a more formal setting and Marina Shiferman Real Estate Group and Academy was born. Today the San Francisco, California-based entrepreneur is helping women buy and own their own real estate with confidence.

Shiferman’s story, as told to The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project:

What was your reason for starting your business?

I started the Real Estate Queen Academy because I noticed a huge hole in education about real estate for women. Women were totally missing out on the amazing opportunity of investing in real estate because it was a big overwhelming question mark. Being a realtor for 10 years and being an investor of real estate, I knew the piece that was missing for me was women empowerment.

I started The Real Estate Queen Academy one year ago to inspire, empower, and educate women to buy and own real estate the right way with confidence. The idea came to me while on the beach in Mexico. I was not totally fulfilled being a realtor. I wanted to take my experience and knowledge and put it to use while empowering women — thus the Real Estate Queen Academy was born.

How do you define success?

I define success as using my full potential, achieving emotional fulfillment, and doing something that lights my soul on fire. Success to me is also defined as financial independence and experiencing amazing luxury travel and adventures.

Tell us about your biggest success to date

In real estate transactions, my largest sales price to date was $10 million. Another huge success has of course been launching my Real Estate Academy. The signature program is launching November 15.

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

Being a real estate coach for women is a totally new concept and idea. Introducing the idea of being a coach, a real estate fairy godmother, and not just another realtor. I had to break through that barrier. Then, I had to make women realize they need my services. Women generally shy away from learning about real estate because its “masculine” I bring the femininity and sass to real estate.

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

My grandmother passed away in April. Then, my grandfather passed away 3 months later. The same day, I fell and fractured my foot and couldn’t walk for 3 months. It was a difficult time both emotionally and physically. My motivation and happiness was low.

What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?

Taking a vacation. My environment highly affects my mood. A change of scenery does the trick everytime. I was in a rut a few weeks ago, no inspiration and sort of a depression as many people are right now with COVID-19. I booked a beautiful week in Miami at a beautiful apartment right on the beach. It was amazing how much that changed things.

How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

Try to save money where you can, you don’t need to spend tons right now. Invest in a business manager. Invest in education. You don’t need a website. You must be in love with what you are doing

Who is your most important role model?

I get very inspired and motivated by strong, successful, elegant women who are paving the way and doing things their way.

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