Starting a real estate career in a new city where you don’t know anyone can feel daunting. But what if that fresh start was actually your biggest advantage? For agent Christina Goodpaster, moving to a new city became the foundation for a thriving business built on community, confidence, and consistency. Instead of chasing transactions, she focused on what mattered most: building genuine relationships.
This strategy led her to complete over 100 transactions and generate $44 million in gross sales between 2021 and 2024. Her story offers a powerful lesson for any agent feeling stuck or just starting out: success isn’t about quick wins, it’s about being proactive, helpful, and consistent, even when progress feels slow.
This insider feature will explore Christina’s journey and the practical strategies she used to build her career from the ground up. You’ll learn how she found her footing, chose the right support system, and turned local connections into a sustainable business.
Key Takeaways
- Start with Empathy: Instead of focusing on sales numbers, put yourself in your ideal client’s shoes. Understanding their needs and pain points builds a foundation of trust that leads to long-term relationships.
- Choose Mentorship over Prestige: When selecting a brokerage, prioritize access to guidance and support. A smaller, local brokerage can offer invaluable mentorship for new agents.
- Build Community First: Position yourself as a local resource beyond real estate. By becoming the go-to person for community recommendations, you build credibility and organic leads.
- Consistency Compounds: Proactive, daily activities, like networking and creating content, build momentum over time. Even small efforts, when done consistently, lead to significant results.
- Confidence Is a Skill: You don’t need decades of experience to be an expert. Continuous learning and practical application, like hosting open houses, builds the confidence you need to succeed.
Starting from Scratch — and Finding Her Why
When Christina Goodpaster began her real estate career, she was in a new city and knew no one. Instead of seeing this as a disadvantage, she used her personal experience to shape her business philosophy.
She reflected on her own relocation and the challenges she faced, which gave her a unique perspective on what clients truly need from an agent.
“I just thought, when I relocated, what did I need? What did I want out of a real estate agent? And I just tried to be that person,” Christina said.
This empathetic approach became her North Star. She decided to build her business around helping, not just selling. In her first year, she didn’t set rigid goals for the number of deals she needed to close. Instead, she focused on creating genuine connections and building a reputation as a trustworthy community member. This mindset allowed her to prioritize long-term relationships over short-term transactions, laying a solid foundation for sustainable success.
Choosing the Right Broker for Support and Flexibility
An agent’s environment plays a crucial role in their growth, and Christina’s journey is a testament to the importance of choosing the right brokerage. When she was starting out, she intentionally chose a small, local boutique brokerage. Her reasoning was simple yet strategic: she wanted direct access to mentorship.
“I wanted to be able to text or call my broker whenever I needed,” she said. “I didn’t want to be a small fish in a big pond.”
This decision provided her with the hands-on guidance and support she needed to build her confidence and navigate the early challenges of her career. As her business grew, her needs evolved. After three years, she transitioned to a mid-sized brokerage that offered more marketing resources to support her expanding client base.
Her path highlights a key lesson for new agents: your brokerage should align with your current stage of growth. Before chasing big-name logos, prioritize finding a supportive environment with accessible mentorship.
When It Feels Like You’re Not Making Progress
Every real estate agent experiences slow seasons, and Christina is transparent about the challenges she faced early in her career. There were months when it felt like nothing was happening, but she refused to let the quiet periods discourage her.
“It can take 3, 4, 5, 6 months… that’s why they say have six months of expenses saved up,” she said. “But all you need is that one deal to light the fire.”
During these times, she focused on what she could control. She stayed proactive with her outreach, dedicated time to learning, and maintained consistent daily activities. Her broker’s advice stuck with her: focus on being proactive, and the results will follow. Whether it was grabbing coffee with a past client or writing letters to potential sellers, she knew these actions were compounding, even if the results weren’t immediate.
Stuck in a quiet season of your own? Spend six minutes on our 36-question Saboteur Quiz to uncover the mindset glitch that’s quietly stalling your pipeline—and learn how to flip it into fuel.
This mindset is crucial for any agent navigating the inevitable ups and downs of the industry. Progress isn’t always linear, but consistent effort builds the momentum needed for a breakthrough.
Building Connection Through Community
Christina’s most powerful strategy for building her business came from an unexpected place: a Facebook group she started to make mom friends. She quickly realized its potential to be much more.
“I started a local group because I didn’t have any mom friends… but then I realized I could be the go-to recommendation in town — not just for homes, but for everything,” she said.
The group transformed into a cornerstone of her brand. By positioning herself as a resource for all things local—from daycare recommendations to the best doctor’s offices—she built a reputation as a helpful and knowledgeable community member. This approach established community credibility first, which naturally led to professional credibility. People started seeking her out not just for real estate advice, but because they trusted her. The lesson is clear: show up as a helpful person first, and the business will follow.
Moments That Matter Most
For Christina, the true measure of success isn’t found in awards or sales figures. It’s in the lasting relationships she builds with her clients. The moments that matter most are the “quiet wins” that reaffirm her impact.
“When clients come back years later or recommend me online — that shows they were really happy. That means more than anything,” she said.
Seeing a client post a photo of their new home or receiving a referral from someone she helped years ago is what fuels her passion. These full-circle moments demonstrate that her focus on client satisfaction creates a lasting legacy. It’s this emotional connection to her work that resonates most deeply, reminding her that she’s not just selling houses, but helping people build their lives.
Her Best Advice for New Agents
Christina’s advice for agents who are just starting out is a blend of practicality and patience. She emphasizes that there are no shortcuts to success, but there are actionable steps you can take to build a fulfilling career.
- Keep showing up. Results take time. Stay consistent with your daily activities, even when you don’t see immediate results.
- Be helpful beyond housing. Position yourself as a resource for your community. When you provide value, people will remember you when they or someone they know needs an agent.
- Learn continuously to build confidence. You don’t need to have sold hundreds of homes to be an expert. “You can be the expert in a field just by studying and learning from others,” Christina said. Use educational opportunities to build your knowledge, and then “fake it ’til you make it” by applying what you’ve learned. Take on open houses for other realtors, volunteer in your community, and find small wins to build your confidence early on.
The Power of Consistency and Care
Christina Goodpaster’s story is a powerful reminder that a successful real estate career is built on a foundation of showing up, helping others, and refusing to give up. She proves that by focusing on community and consistency, any agent can build a business they are proud of. Her journey from a newcomer to a trusted local expert embodies the mission of our Insider Network: real agents sharing real strategies for success.
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