From Dental Assistant to Top Realtor: A 10-Year Rise! | Emily Valdez Episode
by Marguerite Crespillo
From Dentistry to Deals: Emily Valdez’s Journey in Real Estate
Welcome to another episode of Real Estate Real World, where we dive deep into the stories of industry movers and shakers. In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Emily Valdez, a powerhouse realtor who’s making waves in Northern California’s real estate market. If you’re looking for real, actionable strategies to build a successful real estate business—this one’s for you!
From Dental Assistant to Top-Producing Realtor
Emily didn’t always work in real estate. In fact, she spent 15 years in the dental industry before finally following her passion in 2014. Inspired by her love of homes, adventure, and helping people, she took the leap into real estate and never looked back. By 2018, she had earned her broker’s license, proving just how committed she was to her craft.
Building a Business from the Ground Up
Like many new agents, Emily had to find ways to generate leads and build her brand. She started with floor time and Zillow leads but quickly realized that open houses, postcards, and social media were the game-changers in her business. Fast forward to today, and those tried-and-true strategies make up 80% of her real estate success.
Snail Mail is NOT Dead! 📬
While many agents have shifted entirely to digital marketing, Emily has found incredible success using snail mail marketing. In a world where people receive less physical mail than ever, a well-crafted and personalized postcard can make all the difference. One of her most successful mailers? A fun, snowstorm-themed postcard that had neighbors calling her up just to say they loved it!
Social Media & Open Houses: The Perfect Combo
If you think open houses don’t work anymore, think again! Emily has mastered the art of attracting buyers through Facebook and Instagram, using strategic social media posts to drive massive foot traffic to her open houses. Instead of spending thousands on lead generation, she’s leveraging free marketing strategies that actually convert.
Landing the Right Listings 🏡
One of the biggest lessons Emily has learned? Not all listings are created equal. Instead of taking on every listing that comes her way, she carefully pre-qualifies sellers to ensure they are serious and realistic. Before even stepping into a listing appointment, she requires sellers to fill out a short form—helping her gauge their motivation and expectations. By working with the right clients, Emily has been able to create smoother transactions and happier sellers.
Making the Move to eXp Realty 🚀
After years with a traditional brokerage, Emily made the bold move to eXp Realty—and it completely transformed her business. She wanted the freedom to brand herself, leverage new opportunities, and surround herself with top-tier professionals. Now, she enjoys collaboration, mentorship, and growth opportunities like never before.
Flipping Homes: Emily’s Latest Adventure 🔨
As if real estate sales weren’t enough, Emily recently took on her first flip property—and she may have already sold it before it even hit the market! While it was a scary leap, she’s discovered a new passion and is already looking for her next project. Her advice? Trust the numbers, take the risk, and don’t listen to the naysayers.
What’s Next for 2025?
Emily is fired up for the year ahead! With more flips, listings, and first-time homebuyers to help, she’s laser-focused on consistency (her word for 2025!) and continuing to grow her business. Her advice for agents looking to thrive this year? Get back to basics, be consistent, and surround yourself with the right people.
This episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re a new agent or a seasoned pro, Emily’s story is a testament to hard work, creativity, and the power of persistence.