These Real Estate Agents Attribute Success to Model Behavior

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Candy Evans meets the model Realtors at the Rogers Healy office.

It might not seem like modeling and selling real estate have a lot in common. As it turns out, there are more similarities than differences. For these uber-fashionable Realtors, it took just the right mix of hard work, strong work ethic, and killer personal style to make it big in both arenas.

Kodi Nelson and Maggie Parks, Rogers Healy and Associates

Who said life is fair? These two Kim Dawson Agency veterans have it all: beauty, brains, and a sense of humor.

“When we came up with the name MODEL REALTOR for Instagram, we were making fun of ourselves,” says Kodi. “We wanted to keep it fun.”

These ladies have it all: Beauty, brains, and a sense of humor.

While both still model on occasion, real estate is their top priority.

“Modeling jobs are just a couple of hours here and there,” says Maggie. “This works perfectly. Because we’re a team, the other can take the helm if one of us gets a booking.”

They also cite many cross-overs between the two professions. For starters, both are sales-based.

“Whether it’s clothing in a luxury department store or the luxury home itself, you’re selling something,” says Kodi.

Realtor Estate Agents/Cover Girls.

And then there’s the fashion element. Check out one of Kodi and Maggie’s walk-through videos. Their outfits coordinate with the house.

Both jobs also require being a self-starter and having a tough skin.

“There’s no crying in real estate,” says Maggie.

Britt McGee, Walsh & Mangan

Flexibility was the impetus for Britt McGee to get her real estate license.

“I can be busy shooting all day and still work both jobs. No boss is going to be that lenient,” says the Midland native.

Typical work wear: Britt, the Realtor; Britt, on her way to a booking.

Britt currently sells property in the College Station market. The Kim Dawson beauty credits modeling for opening up a whole new world.

“It brought me in contact with people who were very different than everyone I grew up with,” she says. “But that’s what I love about real estate. You’re always meeting new people. Every day is different.”

Diane Johnston, Allie Beth Allman and Associates

Just five months after taking her real estate exam, Diane Johnston already sees how it relates to her earlier career.

“Becoming an agent is such a natural transition for models. You have to be self-motivated, prepared, and always ready to show up,” she says. “Modeling gives you the confidence to get out and meet people.”

Diane in a 1997 Lester Melnick ad; today, she’s an Allie Beth agent.

Choosing the right agency is also important.

“Kim Dawson was great for me and my type of look. Now, as a realtor, Allie Beth is the right fit.” says Diane. “I’m lucky to be mentored by the best.”

Gene Schule, Compass Real Estate

Whether you’re modeling or selling homes, it helps to be funny. So it’s no surprise that Gene Schule is a master in both endeavors.

“I guess you could call me the silver daddy of the modeling world. I get booked because I still have hair,” says the Campbell Agency veteran.

Gene plays a doctor in a Methodist Hospital ad.

Gene oozes charisma. Networking has always been instrumental. Many of his modeling buddies are clients.

“They feel comfortable with me. I was one of the first to piggy back the two careers,” he says.

His best advice? “Look the part and play the part. In both roles, you’re constantly on an audition.”

Jen Davis Long, Bill Griffin Real Estate

Jen Davis wants to debunk the stereotype that models aren’t smart.

“It’s actually just the opposite. You have to know what to do at the snap of the camera,” she says.

Real estate isn’t all that different. “Whether it’s about the designer you’re modeling or the house you’re selling, you have to be smart and know your product.”

A recent Instagram post is a teaser to Jen’s new adventure.

With an acting role on the horizon, the Clutts Agency stunner is taking a hiatus from her Realtor role. Yet her best advice applies to every job and every industry.

“Find someone who believes in you and work your tail off. Then you can kill it on your own.”

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Elaine Raffel left the corporate world to become a freelance creative focused on real estate and design in Dallas.

5 Comments

  1. Dr. Timothy B. Jones on July 6, 2020 at 10:29 am

    This is worthy of column space in a serious real estate blog? Awful Candy!

    • Candy Evans on July 6, 2020 at 11:05 am

      Part of what we do is talk about trends in the industry. And we like to see where agents are coming from…

      • Elaine Raffel on July 6, 2020 at 11:16 am

        Thanks for your comment Dr. Jones.
        I’d just like to add that the modeling business has been one of the hardest hit during COVID. It’s really great that these agents have a second career to fall back on.

    • Joanna England on July 6, 2020 at 1:19 pm

      Hi! Yes, we think it absolutely is. These wonderful people show that real estate is a great career for those who are used to gig employment. Its flexibility lets people with unpredictable schedules, such as models and actresses, have a secondary source of income. When you look at it objectively, it is obviously worthy of coverage.

  2. Brad Hill on December 7, 2021 at 10:47 am

    Hey this is Brad I’m interested in buying the property 7498 E Northwest Hwy #146, Dallas, TX 75231. I want to have a look at the bylaws and the monthly/yearly expenses (budget).

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