From Layoff to 33 Deals in 2 Years: How Tanya Palacios Built a Fast-Growing Real Estate Career

What does it look like to go from a sudden corporate layoff… to becoming one of the fastest-rising agents in Washington?Meet Tanya Palacios, a former recruiter and competitive bodybuilder who entered real estate after a major career shakeup — and went on to close 13 transactions in her first year and 20 in her second. She’s already a Rising Star Award winner and serves on the Associate Leadership Council at her Keller Williams office.In this episode of Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission, Tanya shares the full behind-the-scenes journey:🏋️‍♀️ How bodybuilding discipline helped her thrive in real estate💼 Losing her recruiting job and finding her next calling📚 Completing her real estate courses in 12 weeks while working full-time🏡 Landing her first mutual deal within 90 days🚀 Growing almost entirely through referrals and real relationships📈 Why mentorship, coaching, and accountability changed everything🎁 Santa Paws events, porch-dropped pumpkin pies, and building a memorable brand💬 Her philosophy: “Open your mouth, communicate, and be proud of what you do.”If you’re a new or aspiring real estate agent looking for a roadmap, motivation, or honest insight into the hustle required — Tanya’s episode is a must-watch.⏱️ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Tanya Palacios00:40 – Tanya’s background: 24 years in recruiting02:00 – Tech layoffs & the turning point03:00 – Bodybuilding discipline & considering real estate04:30 – No money, three books, and a leap of faith06:00 – Completing school in 12 weeks & juggling full-time work07:30 – Passing the exam (after missing by one point!)09:00 – Joining a boutique brokerage & early learning curves10:30 – First mutual within 90 days12:00 – Moving to Keller Williams & hiring a coach14:00 – Hitting 13 transactions year 1, 20 in year 216:00 – Building business through sphere & natural conversations18:00 – Branding, signs, and marketing on a budget19:00 – How she structures her days & uses time-blocking21:00 – Events, pies, and community connection23:00 – Surprising challenges & unique transactions25:00 – Emotional client story that changed her28:00 – The power of mentorship30:00 – Tanya’s advice for new agents32:00 – Where to connect with Tanya🔗 Connect with Tanya Palacios:https://www.instagram.com/tanyaselzhomes/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-palacioshttps://www.tanya-homegroup.com/✨ Want to be featured on My First Commission?We’re always looking for rising agents with powerful first-deal stories.Email us to apply: [email protected] or fill out this form: https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish