From Car Sales to Real Estate Success: Derek’s Journey to “Rookie of the Year”

by Derek Tschilar, ASREB alum

My journey into real estate started as a car salesperson. I fell in love with sales and helping people. It was a natural move to transition into real estate. I had a good amount of money saved, and it was time to take that leap of faith into selling properties. 

Skills Critical for Success

Selling houses is a great business because it’s an effort-based business model. You get out what you put into the business. At the car dealership, I worked 12 hours a day. That's what my body and mind were used to. Transitioning over to real estate and putting that kind of effort into the job came naturally to me.

Other skills also translated well, such as being comfortable speaking in front of people. Additionally, having a positive mindset is crucial if you want to be successful in any sales profession.  

Challenges of Being a Business Owner

There were a few learning curves. I had to learn how to operate a business, manage my time, and acquire skills in accounting and marketing.

One of the most significant things that I learned early on is that selling real estate is a rollercoaster. You need to save as much money as possible, because that's not just your personal money. It's also your money for business expenses. 

My Experience with ASREB 

I am really glad that I chose the Arizona School of Real Estate and Business (ASREB). The online courses are second to none for someone with such an insane schedule. I also took a licensing review crammer course and learned a lot.  

It was chaotic trying to study for my real estate license while selling cars. ASREB’s online education go-at-your-own-pace platform was helpful. I could knock out the classes on my own time.

But there's no cutting corners. It took me a long time to get my license due to my busy schedule, but I didn't give up on it. I extended my learning time on the school platform, and they were really helpful with that, too. Everyone at ASREB was professional and helpful.

Advice for Real Estate Students

If I could offer advice to anyone in real estate classes, it would be to approach it the right way, one chapter at a time. Make sure you're retaining information and understanding the concepts.

A lot of people say that what you learn in school, you won't use in practice. That's not true. These are the laws and the rules. What I think people mean is that these courses don't teach you how to run a business, which is true, and that's something that you're going to have to learn yourself. The class material is all the legalities, the basic concepts, and the information you must know to become an agent. 

I have bad anxiety testing because it's something I've wanted for such a long time. If ASREB didn't have the online go-at-your-own-pace model, I really don't know how I would have accomplished all this. If I had to go back, I would use them ten times over. 

Just because you don't get your license right away, don't give up on your dream. If you have a calling for this business, don't wait any longer. Get to work, put your head down, get your license, and start your real estate business

Winning the ASREB Rookie of the Year Award 

The year 2023 was one of the most challenging years for the economy and a particularly difficult time to sell real estate. To have performed as I did in my first year was a significant accomplishment, and to have been named Rookie of the Year by my company and the Arizona School of Real Estate and Business was an honor. I appreciate everything the school has done for me. 

What’s Next for Me in Real Estate 

It’s an honor being able to help people -- to help first-time buyers who are struggling and give them life advice. I’ve been able to build amazing relationships. I want to continue on the same path I'm on, helping people, building my reputation, scaling, and learning from my failures.

I also want to start building a portfolio of rental properties. I plan to get my broker's license and mortgage license to continue to educate myself at the highest level possible in order to add more value to my clients.  

It's a great business. Real estate agents aren't going anywhere. We'll always be here.