Mara Benson reveals how passing her real estate exam 12 times led to a life-changing discovery about herself.
The episode begins with Mara Benson reflecting on her early career, noting she entered real estate in 2003 without email, using carbon copy forms. She reveals it took her 12 attempts to pass the real estate exam, later learning she has dyslexia, a trait she shares with her father. Mara moved to Arizona in 1998 and initially worked in software sales and a nursing home before transitioning to real estate, finding it flexible as a working mom with two children. She discusses the evolution of real estate technology, from hand-delivered contracts to digital templates, which helped her manage dyslexia. Mara founded Bliss Realty in 2013-14 with partners to create a brokerage supporting agents, especially women, in both residential and commercial real estate. She describes real estate as not just about showing houses but acting as a counselor during client crises like foreclosures, short sales, and family deaths. Mara emphasizes building long-term relationships with clients, staying in touch via social media and personal calls, even years after transactions. She shares her approach to confidentiality, treating client information like attorney-client privilege, even with friends or family involved. The host, Jose, relates his own experience as a first-time homebuyer during the pandemic, and Mara advises that timing in real estate depends on personal life circumstances, not market fluctuations. Mara talks about the Arizona housing market, noting Phoenix is the fifth fastest-growing city, with diverse options from historic homes to high-rises. She discusses her leadership style at Bliss Realty, coaching agents on communication and setting standards without micromanaging, while holding leadership to higher social media conduct. Mara shares personal routines, like hiking the Grand Canyon and using outdoor activities for coaching sessions, as non-negotiables for her well-being. She advises agents to be authentic on social media, showing their real lives with pets or children, to build human connections with clients. The conversation touches on Arizona's growth, infrastructure like light rail, and natural attractions, with Mara expressing pride in the state's diversity. Jose asks about Mara's family, and she mentions her children are athletes, with her daughter being a national ice dancer, and how she involves them in adult functions to teach life skills. Mara explains the origin of the name 'Bliss Realty,' chosen for its positive connotation after feedback from agents, rather than using her own name. The episode concludes with Mara promoting her social media and website, and Jose sharing podcast details, ending with a sign-off to pets.
