From Adversity to Real Estate Success: An Iowa Agent's Blueprint for New Agents

A determined mindset and strategic mentorship can accelerate a real estate career, regardless of background. Jay Avant, an Ankeny, Iowa agent, exemplifies this, achieving nearly $1 million in sales volume early in 2025 just four years after high school. His journey from a challenging childhood to selling luxury homes provides a practical blueprint for new agents. Key to his success was identifying a powerful personal "why" and aligning with an experienced mentor, demonstrating that focused action trumps circumstance in building a successful real estate business.

What Drives a Successful Real Estate Career?

Avant’s primary motivation—buying a home for his mother—provided a compelling reason to persevere. In real estate, a strong personal "why" is critical for overcoming inevitable challenges like rejection and market fluctuations. His story underscores that a clear, personal goal is a foundational element for long-term resilience. This internal drive pushed him to reach out to the state's top agents, a proactive step that directly led to a life-changing mentorship opportunity.

How Crucial is Mentorship for New Real Estate Agents?

After graduating high school, Avant emailed ten top Iowa agents. Only Kyle Clarkson, owner of Clarkson Realty Group, responded. This highlights a key industry insight: finding the right mentor can fast-track a new agent's career. Clarkson invested in Avant's real estate education and provided hands-on training, illustrating the value of an established professional sharing their knowledge. Their first joint transaction was a million-dollar sale, giving Avant immediate high-stakes experience that built his confidence and skillset.

What Practical Strategies Lead to Early Success?

Avant’s approach combines ambitious goal-setting with consistent, daily action. He publicly shares his targets, aiming for double-digit transactions and a spot among Des Moines's top 10 agents. Setting specific, measurable goals creates accountability and a clear roadmap for growth. Furthermore, he leverages social media not for self-promotion, but to educate potential clients on topics like mortgage pre-approval—the process of getting a lender's conditional commitment for a loan—and home pricing strategies. This positions him as a knowledgeable resource rather than just a salesperson.

How Can Agents Turn adversity into an Advantage?

Growing up with financial hardship, Avant learned to view challenges as opportunities. He consciously shifted from a "survival mode" mentality to a "thriving" mindset. This perspective is vital in real estate, where rejection is common. Reframing past adversity as a source of drive and resilience can become a significant professional asset. Instead of hiding his background, he uses it to connect authentically with clients and fuel his ambition.

For new agents, the key takeaways are clear: define your core motivation, actively seek out a mentor, set ambitious yet specific transaction goals, and use your unique story to build genuine client relationships. Avant’s blueprint proves that success in real estate is accessible with the right mindset and strategic support.