SPEAKER_01: 0:30

My name is Rihanna White. I'm a realtor and I work with Long and Foster and I serve all of Loudoun County, really all of Northern Virginia. Renters, buyers, sellers, anyone.

SPEAKER_00: 0:42

Amazing. So take me back to how you got started in all of this. Tell me how you got to where you are today.

SPEAKER_01: 0:49

Yeah. I'm originally from Pennsylvania. So I was in college up until last year. I graduated for business management. And I wasn't really too sure what to do with that. So I decided to look into real estate. Actually, for a project for school, I looked into Long and Foster and I fell in love with them. So I decided to get my license and then go with them. And here I am starting out. And the rest is history, right? Pretty much. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00: 1:17

Okay. And what stood out to you about Long and Foster early on? And what made you feel confident choosing it as the place to start in your real estate career?

SPEAKER_01: 1:26

Yeah. So there's a lot. I am obsessed with Long and Foster. They are just such an amazing company. They're pretty, I wouldn't say small company. They're pretty big, but they have that hometown, like small business vibe to them still that they bring in all aspects. And then also our entire team is amazing. There's really no other company that has an all-inclusive team like Long and Foster. So to be backed up by that is like, I have all the confidence in the world. Okay. Awesome.

SPEAKER_00: 1:53

It sounds like such a great team to be a part of. For sure. Yeah, I'm so thankful for them. And clients often describe you as very personable and approachable. What do you think that people first mindset impacts the experience you create for them?

SPEAKER_01: 2:07

Yeah, so another really good question. I would say working with somebody in such a big like transaction is obviously really stressful. So to be able to connect with somebody beyond like just trying to help them out and like truly get to know them, which is what I'm all about. Like I can't work with someone that I don't feel like I know. So to build that trust and relationship is like crucial for me.

SPEAKER_00: 2:31

Absolutely. Having those client relationships and like we said, trust is just such key in a field like for sure. Yeah. How do you approach your work in a way that blends professionalism with warmth? Allowing clients to feel both confident and comfortable throughout the entire process.

SPEAKER_01: 2:48

Yeah. I think for me, I'm still pretty young. So going through that like transition of trying to be professional and trying to feel more of an adult, I guess, was hard. But I learned that I can still do that and I can still be myself and just bring my personality to the table. And people connected with that a lot. So it's worked out so far.

SPEAKER_00: 3:10

Absolutely. Being able to, like you said, provide your personality, it really just adds a uniqueness to the experience. For sure. Yeah. Nobody wants a cookie cutter agent. No. And from your perspective, what are some of the biggest shifts happening in today's real estate market that buyers and sellers should be paying attention to?

SPEAKER_01: 3:29

Yeah, so we're definitely ever so slowly moving to a buyer's market. So that's definitely something for sellers and buyers to be aware of, of course. So just trying to keep up with all of the shifts, mortgage rates are changing as well. And then if you're ever curious, just reach out to an agent. You don't have to like do anything crazy. Just reach out and say, hey, what's happening? And like me, myself, I would be happy just to talk to you and let you know what's going on. Sure.

SPEAKER_00: 3:55

Spread some knowledge and chit-chat a little bit. For sure, yeah. Love it. And affordability is a top of my is the top of the mind for everybody right now. How do you help clients navigate those concerns while still feeling confident in their decisions?

SPEAKER_01: 4:10

Yeah. So definitely, I think for everyone, prices are rising constantly, and that can be super stressful, especially somewhere like in Northern Virginia where it can be a lot. And I deal with that myself. So I know that firsthand. So really just being open with clients, being upfront about what their budget is, working with lenders to get them the best deal for them possible. And then also as a real estate agent, we have access to so many more resources than like the public does with just Zillow or like something like that. We have a plethora of stuff. So going through all of that and giving them a wealth of knowledge and all of that. Absolutely.

SPEAKER_00: 4:49

Being able to get that extra information that they might not be able to just get on their own.

SPEAKER_01: 4:53

Yeah. Especially like with how online is nowadays, there's so much information at your fingertips, and it's can be really overwhelming to go through that and then figure out what's real and what's not. So might as well just go to a real estate agent, they can tell you all about it.

SPEAKER_00: 5:07

Ask the experts. Exactly. As someone newer to the industry, how do you stay informed and grounded while learning and growing in an competitive market like Northern Virginia?

SPEAKER_01: 5:19

Yeah, so definitely my team has been amazing. We always have weekly meetings, and then there's so much training for new agents. Like I was almost overwhelmed at first, but there's so much going on that you have to keep up with it. So without them and keeping up with the NVAR and all of the stuff that I have access to around here has been so beneficial to that. There's so much around here.

SPEAKER_00: 5:44

Absolutely. And I like how you mentioned that you guys have team meetings. I think that's just such a great opportunity for everyone to regroup, bring up just new updates and things that everyone should be aware of. It really just keeps everyone in the loop.

SPEAKER_01: 5:56

For sure. Yeah. I honestly I don't know if I could make it without them. They everyone has so much knowledge that they bring. You have to think there's in our office, I would say probably like 10 agents or so show up every week. And then we have our manager as well, and they're all dealing with so much different stuff from renters to buyers to sellers all over Northern Virginia. So just talking to them and hearing their stories and stuff, like I've learned so much from them.

SPEAKER_00: 6:22

I'm sure. As we were talking earlier, teamwork makes the dream work. For sure, yes. Okay. And back to the topic of trust. You value fostering a sense of trust and collaboration with your client clients instead of a purely transactional experience. How does that shape the way you serve them?

SPEAKER_01: 6:40

Yeah, definitely. I want my clients to be able to trust me as much as possible. So keeping in contact with them on a daily basis, answering as much as they need right away, making them feel like I'm ready to go to bat for them because I am, and I am here to serve them. I'm truly looking to help my clients, and I want to be able to get them the best deal that I can for them.

SPEAKER_00: 7:05

Absolutely. Wonderful. And what does clear communication look like to you? And how do you make sure your clients are supported through the entire process?

SPEAKER_01: 7:15

Yeah, that was actually something I struggled with at the beginning because I wasn't super good at being direct with people. I never really had to be in like aside from like serving, which is a hundred percent different. So I just try to take my time and remind myself like what I'm trying to explain to them. And for every client, I have a process of what I go through, and then I stick to that for each client. And then just really, I have my team behind me, like my lenders talk to them and everything. They help me more than anything, honestly. And just making sure, just talking to them, really. Like people really resonate with just answering the phone, picking up their phone calls, texting them back right away. If I can't, I'll call you back as soon as possible. People love that. Having that reliability for sure, yeah.

SPEAKER_00: 8:05

And just keeping them informed every step of the way because I know there's just so many moving parts to real estate.

SPEAKER_01: 8:12

I think people, even I like not having any type of experience or any type of buying experience before going into this, I didn't realize how much goes into it. Like it is insane. So to be able to guide my clients through that, I am so thankful to be able to help them through that.

SPEAKER_00: 8:28

For sure. I'm sure it's so rewarding feeling too. Absolutely.

SPEAKER_01: 8:31

Yes, that is the number one best part of the job. So rewarding.

SPEAKER_00: 8:35

Awesome. And how does being part of a collaborative office environment like Long and Foster Leesburg support your growth in day-to-day work?

SPEAKER_01: 8:45

Everything. Honestly, it's so hard to just pick one thing. They help me in every aspect of it possible. And I'm really thankful for all of the agents at my office. They so easily could look at there's a couple newer agents that came in around the same time as me. So they definitely could have just been like, oh, this is competition. I don't feel like doing anything with this, but they go above and beyond for us. They give us open houses, like they help us out so much, and I am so thankful for them. Like it's really we all build each other up and we all want to see each other win and see our clients help you. So we're all just working together constantly.

SPEAKER_00: 9:21

So like just such like a nice work family. Absolutely.

SPEAKER_01: 9:25

I am so grateful that I found them.

SPEAKER_00: 9:27

Awesome. And you've talked about enjoying building genuine relationships. What does long-term connection mean to you in real estate beyond the closing table?

SPEAKER_01: 9:38

Yeah, definitely. I don't want to just get you to the closing table and then not talk to you again, obviously. So I follow up with my clients. Like a good example is I had a client that I was helping, it was an older couple and I was working with their son to get them into a place. So I was working with him more, but I did Zooms with them on the phone so they could see everything. Like I was in touch with them as well the entire time. And then as soon as we actually got them into a place, I followed up, made sure everything was good. And then, same thing, just following up like around holidays and stuff. I don't want to bombard them because I know it's a lot getting into a new house or an apartment or anything to do with that. So I definitely let them breathe a little bit, but they definitely know that I'm still here for them. If they have any issues, I would love to help and just making sure that they're okay. It's such a big transaction that you almost you do become friends after a little bit. So it's not like it's work to follow up with them. It's just second nature at that point.

SPEAKER_00: 10:33

And just kind of staying c consistent. Yeah. I really like that. Absolutely. Yeah. When you're not working with clients, how does being involved in the Loudoun County community help you better understand the area that you serve?

SPEAKER_01: 10:47

Yeah, definitely. Community is huge. So, not being from here, it took me a little bit, obviously, to get used to the area and all of the events and stuff. But Loudoun County is so amazing. There's so many different events. And the main thing that I loved about moving from Pennsylvania to here, I love like the small town vibe. I love being able to, my hometown, the Allegheny River, goes right through it. So being able to be outdoors and stuff, but also being able to go to the outlets around here or go get brunch and stuff, it's really the best of both worlds. And I am just so obsessed with it, honestly.

SPEAKER_00: 11:23

I know we live in such a beautiful area, and the fact that we can also get that cityscape, but also you can go to the country and you can you can be outdoors and get that nature vibe too.

SPEAKER_01: 11:34

No, yeah, I definitely needed that. Like coming from Pennsylvania, I was over the small town vibe a little bit, but I still love like the nature and everything that comes with that. So being able to have that and then also have the opportunities that are here and all of like the events and everything, it has been great. I love it here.

SPEAKER_00: 11:53

I can definitely see how that transition from Pennsylvania to here has really shaped the way that you connect with clients, especially those who are relocating themselves.

SPEAKER_01: 12:02

Absolutely, because I know how it is. So I moved here with my fiance. He got a job as an air traffic controller. So I really only had a week to look for a place around here and I didn't know anything or anyone. So it was really scary. Like I didn't know if I was picking somewhere safe or if I was picking somewhere like I'm getting ripped off for what I'm getting. I got really lucky, thankfully, but it would have been a lot easier if I knew that I could work with a real estate agent as a renter. Like I didn't know that until I got into this. So I think it's really important that people are aware of that. For sure. Yeah. And from that experience, you're able to even better serve your clients. Absolutely. Yeah, I know what it's like. I've been in their boat.

SPEAKER_00: 12:43

Their firsthand experience. For sure, yes. And looking ahead, what are you most excited about as you continue building your career and expanding your presence in the local market?

SPEAKER_01: 12:53

I'm definitely really excited to keep growing in Loudoun County. I love it here to be involved in the community and connect with the people and to build my business, really. It's just, it's so exciting and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be doing it here. I don't think there's any other place I would want to do it, honestly. Definitely a meant-to-be situation. For sure, yes.

SPEAKER_00: 13:16

And for someone considering buying or selling a home and looking for an agent who is both knowledgeable and approachable, what would you want them to know about working with you?

SPEAKER_01: 13:26

I would want them to know that I am just like talking to a friend. So it's super easy. Like anyone, I feel like I'm very approachable. So anyone could just come up to me and talk. And I'm really open and warm to everyone, but I'm also very knowledgeable about the industry and the area. And I bring a lot of value to my customers with that aspect.

SPEAKER_00: 13:47

Wonderful said. Thank you. And as we wrap up, is there anything you'd like to add that I haven't touched on today?

SPEAKER_01: 13:54

I don't think so. Thank you so much for having me. This has been such an amazing experience.

SPEAKER_00: 13:59

Thank you so much, Riannon, for joining me on the podcast and sharing your insights and story with us. I wish you the best of luck in all that comes your way in the future. Thank you so much. I appreciate it.