On this episode of Real Estate Real World, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with someone whose story is not only inspiring—but also downright unforgettable.

Meet Melissa Horne, a powerhouse real estate professional with a background as unexpected as it is impressive. Before becoming one of Florida’s top-producing agents, Melissa spent over a decade managing and promoting one of the most iconic venues in New York: the Comedy Cellar.

Yep, she went from late-night laughs and legendary comics… to contracts, closings, and coaching clients through one of the biggest decisions of their lives.

A Career Pivot Fueled by Purpose

Melissa’s journey into real estate began with a bold decision. After becoming a mom, she knew the late-night hustle wasn’t sustainable anymore. So, she went back to school—graduating valedictorian from CUNY’s Staten Island campus—and later found her true calling in real estate.

But it didn’t happen overnight.

Her first year? Crickets. Zero closings. No direction.
Until a mentor came along who believed in her more than she believed in herself—and that was the spark that changed everything.

In this episode, Melissa and I talk about:

• The emotional rollercoaster of real estate—and how to stay grounded
  
• How serving cocktails at 5 AM prepared her for dealing with clients in crisis
• Why midset is the most important tool in your success toolkit
• Her personal growth journey—and how she’s raising confident kids along the way
• The power of letting things season before making emotional decisions
• Her next chapter: building wealth through multifamily investing and mentoring up-and-coming agents

There’s humor, there’s heart, and there’s a TON of wisdom packed into this conversation.

One thing that really stood out? Melissa’s ability to connect with people. Not because she’s trying to be the “best agent”—but because she leads with empathy, clarity, and curiosity. She asks clients what’s most important to them—not what fits her agenda. And that, my friends, is how you build long-term success.

Pro Tip: Educated Clients = Smooth Transactions

This episode also ties perfectly into something I’m SUPER excited about…
I’m finally releasing my Client Discussion Checklists—a system I’ve refined over 30+ years to guide buyers and sellers through the most important conversations before the chaos begins.

These are the same tools I’ve used to:

✅ Build trust fast
✅ Set clear expectations
✅ Prevent unnecessary drama (and 1 AM cancellation calls 🙃)

🎧 Ready to Be Inspired?

If you’ve ever questioned your path, struggled to find balance, or wondered if it’s too late to start over—this episode is for you.

Melissa’s story reminds us that reinvention is always possible, mindset matters more than methods, and when you lead with heart, the right people and opportunities will find you.

▶️ Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.