Behind the Business: Meet Irene Prado; Real Estate Agent

Bettys Bubbles

Sep 10

3 min read

In my interview with Irene, I was struck by her vulnerability, contrasting with her known hustle mentality. Meet Irene Prado, an exceptional woman, mother, entrepreneur, and a true woman's woman.

Journey into Real Estate

In just three years in the real estate industry, Irene has gained a wealth of knowledge about property valuation, investment strategies, and negotiations. Her inspiration stems from a successful family member who owns 17 properties, which ignited her passion for real estate. Irene quickly realized that the complexity of this field involves much more than just buying and selling; it requires a deep understanding of market research, economic trends, and the critical element of timing. This realization led her to seek further education through seminars and networking opportunities, reinforcing her belief in the potential of the real estate industry.

Personal Growth and Resilience

For Irene, real estate transcends mere transactions; it represents a journey of personal growth and resilience. She has honed her ability to recognize both opportunities and challenges, which fuels her determination for continuous learning and adaptation. Prior to her real estate career, Irene spent two decades in the medical field, where she advanced from a medical assistant to a supervisory role. This extensive experience equipped her with invaluable skills in communication, problem-solving, and organization, all of which she now applies in her real estate endeavors.

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Entrepreneurship runs deep in Irene's veins. She previously operated a fitness coaching business, where she excelled at adapting to diverse personalities and motivating both clients and employees. However, her transition to real estate was catalyzed by traumatic experiences during the COVID pandemic, prompting her to seize the opportunity to redefine her career path.

Overcoming Challenges

In her first year, Irene faced numerous obstacles, balancing two full-time careers while excelling in her medical role and pursuing real estate. Through this experience, she learned the importance of consistency and perseverance, utilizing social media as an effective tool to reach potential clients. Despite encountering setbacks, Irene never considered quitting; her dream of leading a team of driven women remained steadfast. Among her proudest moments are helping clients purchase their homes and earning a Ruby Award for her outstanding performance, all while juggling her medical job and her burgeoning real estate career.

Balancing Life and Work

Finding equilibrium between personal and professional life presents a significant challenge for Irene. She often misses out on precious moments with her children but prioritizes scheduling family time to maintain those connections. Her transparency in sharing her story not only fosters relationships but also resonates with others facing similar struggles. Initial funding from her aunt proved crucial in helping her navigate the common hurdles faced by new realtors, enabling her to showcase her talents effectively.

Aspiring for the Future

Irene is committed to setting yearly goals, including paying off her student loans, enhancing her property portfolio, and obtaining both lender and broker licenses. She is also working towards assembling a team of strong-willed women to empower and uplift each other in the industry. As a single mom, she has experienced the challenges of selling food and working as a bartender, all while being supported by her children. Her advice to her younger self is to take action without hesitation, embrace every opportunity that comes her way, and avoid the pitfalls of comparison.