August outside of her work
If there is one thing to know about real estate, it’s that there is never a dull moment! Each day of my internship has looked drastically different, keeping me on my toes and exposing me to several different kinds of situations. Although no two days are ever the same, a typical day will start with a morning check-in with my supervisor, Melissa Clubb. Here, we will discuss updates with current clients and listings, as well as start taking notes for potential clients coming our way. Another big part of these check-in meetings is to discuss marketing; going over what we already have done, and what we are currently doing, as well as some brainstorming for upcoming projects. These meetings have really been an excellent time to help plan and organize all of the little details that come along in the business. I have seen and gone through sale agreements, market analyses’, home inspection reports, buyer representative agreements, purchase agreements, and even sewer scope footage. We will normally wrap up morning meetings by going over any questions I may have and finalizing my to-do list for the next couple of days.
After settling the more administrative tasks, Melissa and I may head off to a home showing, a local business to work on a social media collaboration, Home Depot for supplies, or a home inspection. Wherever the day takes us! There are normally many fires that have to be put out on any given day and I have had the wonderful opportunity to really get involved in that process. Attending these appointments has truly given me the inside scoop and such a headstart in the real estate world!
Once I am all wrapped up working in person either at the Coldwell Banker office or running around town with Melissa, I head back home or to a local coffee shop to work on my real estate projects. I am mainly in charge of social media marketing and getting all of those materials ready for Instagram stories and Facebook posts. I have created monthly summer guides to all of the best events happening in Walla Walla, a “Giving Back” series highlighting ways to give back to the local community, home buyer and seller tips, posts for new listings, and open house materials. Being on this side of things has also shown me just how important marketing is when it comes to selling a home in 2022.
With the summer already being halfway over, I can’t believe how much I have been able to take away from this incredible experience as a real estate intern. This is an industry where once you get your license you are really on your own, so I am feeling so fortunate to have such a great mentor to give me the inside scoop, even before I really enter the business. I am continuing to work towards obtaining my Washington State Real Estate License, which has become that much easier through the knowledge I’ve obtained so far in this role. I am so excited to see what the rest of the summer holds!
Experiences like August’s are made possible by the Whitman Internship Grant, which provides funding for students to participate in unpaid internships at nonprofit, some for-profit, and government organizations. We are happy to be sharing blog posts from students who were supported by either a summer, fall, spring, or year-long grants at organizations, businesses, and research labs all around the world. To learn how you could secure a Whitman Internship Grant or host a Whitman intern at your organization, contact us at ccec_info@whitman.edu.