Real Estate News and Market Moves Week 57

What it’s like working with Auben and Investors

For this week’s blog post, we have an interview with Auben Augusta’s Market Director, Erica Barraza.

Who was your first business mentor?

-My first Regional Manager, Mrs. Jean. She had been in property management for nearly 40 years and molded me into the leader I am today. Mrs. Jean did not take any sass from anyone, let you provide solutions and asked questions to challenge you to think outside the box. She was the first mentor that guided me and really believed in what I wanted to accomplish. She pushed me to be better each day and I looked up to her so much. I honestly know I’m a better person because of her influence in my life.

How did you get into the real estate profession?

-I applied to a newspaper advertisement in the local paper by faxing in my resume for a leasing agent. The company I worked for did not have many systems in place. They wanted someone young, full of energy and new ideas to take control of processes that were not in place. I took the role and ran with it and turned the property around and have never looked back.

Who was your first mentor in real estate?

-My parents. My dad’s career had us moving all over the country. I didn’t know until I was older that my parents first investment while they were saving for their first home was as a property management team. They saved for an entire year to make the down payment for their first home. They then successfully built more homes than I can count. At one time, we moved so fast, they had 3 mortgages at one time (all in 3 different states)…Talk about stressful. But they buckled down and dove into their original mindset and became their own property managers until the properties sold.

How is it working with investors in real estate?

-Experienced investors often bring valuable industry knowledge and collaboration with investors. Working with investors can expand your professional network and provide additional opportunities for resources and potential partnerships.

What is the biggest challenge you see for most investors?

-Not everyone that looks good on paper pays their rent on time.

What trait do you see most successful investors have?

-Patience. Understanding that they won’t always make money on day one and sometimes you have to spend money to make money.

What is the best lesson you have learned in real estate?

-Just because it is not your cup of tea, doesn’t mean it’s not someone else’s cup of tea!

I first met Auben?

-I previously worked with Auben Co-Founder Tyson Schuetze and Principal Alex Becker at Conrex. We had a lot of interactions with Auben agents. I fell in love with the vision and the business model. Over the years, I kept in contact with them and jumped at the opportunity to come aboard when they reached out.

What led you to your market director role at Auben?

-I was approached by an Auben employee about the opportunity to join the team in a mentor role while working to open a new market. I fell in love with Augusta and the Auben Augusta team. I strongly believe in the ultimate goal of this organization and truly enjoy working with Auben.

Describe a day in the life of a Market Leader at Auben Augusta.

-Honestly, my day is never the same! I come into the office early to have a little time to get set up for the day. Once the team arrives for the day, I’m assisting in any way possible in the daily operations. I have weekly meetings with owners, investors, agents and team members. I try to also be the last one to leave the office to try to alleviate anything undone from the day in order to start fresh for the next day.

What makes a good leader?

-A good leader is one who leads by example, realizes the challenges that they have encountered along the way to get to the position that they are in. A true leader never forgets where they have come from and strives to encourage their team and always set them up for success.

How do you embody that as a leader yourself?

-I always cross train my team. I always want to ensure each team member is ready for the next position and for the career goals they have.

What is your favorite book?

–Wins, Losses and Lessons and Three Rules for a Good Life both by Lou Holtz

What is the best advice you have received?

-“Good, better, best. Never let it rest until your good is your better and your better is your best.” – My Dad

What is the best advice you could give someone else?

-Do not stress, what you cannot change

If I were to start over?

-I would be a detective or FBI agent.

Any hobbies?

-College football live or on TV is where you can find me any fall Saturday – Go Hawkeyes!