Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Costella.
Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a mom of 3 girls, 3.5, 24 and 29. I was a young mom and so for years, I struggled to find my passion. I was always in Customer Service or sales, but I never quite felt fulfilled until I entered the real estate industry.
I was recruited to be a lender in 2005 and had it not been for the 2008 craziness, I would have most likely ended up as an agent much sooner. I definitely took the long path here, but I am glad I did.
From 2010 to 2017, I found myself back in retail as a District Manager for an Australian company. I traveled domestically and abroad many times, including many trips to Australia and a volunteering trip to Uganda, Africa. I met many people and had wonderful experiences! I relocated out of state for 2.5 years! Having grown up in San Diego, I never thought I would leave, but I have to say I value every experience I had.
In 2018 I was expecting my third child and with that came a change of mindset and what I wanted to do. I wanted to be at home with my new baby as much as possible and have flexibility, but I wanted to do something I loved.
It was the perfect time to pursue my real estate license. And I have loved it immensely.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Entering a sales career where you are responsible for finding, building and nurturing your clientele is not an easy road at all. It is actually quite scary. You need to have an intense sense of confidence in yourself and your ability to learn, adapt and apply yourself.
I was just getting momentum when the Covid shutdown was implemented – so yes, 2020 was tough in the beginning. I decided to focus on my community, keeping them informed about our real estate market, posting new sales and information on our Facebook Group page. I also responded directly to members who posted questions about anything related to Real Estate. By the middle of the year, neighbors began to reach out to me and so started my path to being our neighborhood specialist!
I didn’t have an ideal strategy or huge “sphere of influence” as they call it. Which is basically your family, friends and acquaintances you can market to, so I decided to volunteer in my community and generally just get to know my neighbors, which turned out to grow my sphere!
As you know, we’re big fans of Allison James Estates & Homes. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Allison James Estates & Homes has a great coaching program. They help you understand the best practices to put in place to try and get your business started.
I was able to take some of that and add my own personalization to grow my business to what it is today.
I am fortunate enough to specialize in home sales in my own community of Horse Creek Ridge, Fallbrook CA.
I cannot emphasize enough the gratitude I have for members in my community that have and will continue to entrust me to be their REALTOR.
When I first moved to our amazing community in Dec. 2019, I had no idea I would eventually be the Chair of our Social Committee, Be part of a book club full of amazing women, and start a Bunco group!
To begin with, I wanted to get to know people and just let them know I was an agent. I had no idea I would find amazing friends, playdates for my little one and of course fall in love with my community!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Well, the Real Estate market always ebbs and flows, but historically, the real estate market in California, and particularly in San Diego, has been positive and at times quite competitive. The housing industry is actively striving to keep up with demand and employment in San Diego is stable with many companies pay top dollar in their industry, I believe housing is affordable for a majority of the people.
Of course, anything can change at any time, real estate is subject to people’s tastes, the overall economy and politics, particularly in an election year, can have an impact on the local market. Let’s see how it goes over the next few years!
Contact Info:
- Email: jessica@costella.me
- Website: https://www.costellarealty.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesscostella/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.villa1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXZYnyRKjz1XivycQOTfucQ
Image Credits:
Ariana Ortiz
