Corporate Finance to Multi-State Realtor | How Yolanda Jeffries Built a $7M Real Estate Business

How does a corporate finance professional reinvent herself to become a **multi-state Realtor®** closing over **$7 million in sales** across **Illinois, Indiana, and Georgia**? Meet **Yolanda Jeffries**, a 2025 **RISMedia Rookie of the Year finalist** whose leap from corporate life to real estate success proves it’s never too late to chase your purpose — and win big doing it.In this episode of *Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission*, host Tina Lapp sits down with Yolanda to discuss her powerful career pivot, how she built a thriving business in multiple states, and the mindset shifts that helped her go from employee to entrepreneur.You’ll hear:💡 How Yolanda’s corporate finance background gave her an edge with clients🏘️ The strategic steps she took to get licensed in three states📈 What it took to reach $7M in sales in her first full year🤝 How she builds long-term trust through financial education and authenticity💬 The client success story that reminded her *why* she started🔥 Her advice for anyone considering a career change into real estateYolanda’s story is proof that discipline, faith, and a business mindset can turn bold career transitions into lasting success.00:00 Welcome to *Unlocking Real Estate*01:00 Meet Yolanda Jeffries — from finance to real estate02:00 Life before real estate: 20 years in corporate finance04:30 What inspired her to pivot into real estate06:00 Getting licensed in Illinois, Indiana & Georgia08:30 Finding her first client and closing her first deal10:00 Using her financial background to guide first-time buyers12:00 The systems and habits that helped her scale fast14:30 How she hit $7M in volume in her first full year17:00 Balancing multiple markets and maintaining client relationships19:00 Building a referral-based business21:30 Mentorship, mindset, and staying consistent23:30 The importance of serving with integrity25:30 Advice for corporate professionals looking to make the leap27:00 Lightning round: books, mentors, and business tips30:00 Where to connect with YolandaConnect with Yolanda Jeffries:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolandajeffries/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theyolandajeffriesteam/?hl=en📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yolanda.m.jeffriesWant to be featured on *My First Commission*?We’re always looking for inspiring rookie agents!📧 Email us at **[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])** or fill out this form (https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish) to apply.