From Mortgage Desk to Rookie of the Year | Caroline Coladonato’s First Real Estate Wins

How do you go from graduating college during COVID, working in mortgages, and feeling “too young” for real estate—to becoming one of the **Top 25 Rookies of the Year**?In this episode of *Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission*, we sit down with **Caroline Coladonato** of RE/MAX Ready in Pennsylvania. Caroline opens up about her journey from the mortgage world to real estate, how she built confidence as a young agent, and why authentic networking and staying true to herself fueled her success.She shares:* How her entrepreneurial family inspired her to bet on herself* The challenges of starting in real estate without buying a home of her own yet* Why it took over a year to close her first deal—and how she stayed motivated* How she turned rentals and referrals into a six-figure client pipeline* Her million-dollar client success story that started with a simple apartment search* Tips for staying confident, building relationships, and avoiding rookie burnoutCaroline proves that being young in real estate isn’t a disadvantage—it’s an opportunity to bring fresh energy, authenticity, and resilience to the business.Video Chapters:00:00 – Meet Caroline Coladonato (RE/MAX Ready)00:40 – From Villanova grad to mortgage desk job02:00 – Inspiration to switch into real estate03:30 – Getting licensed while working full time06:00 – Classroom lessons vs. real-life real estate07:30 – Expectations for her first year09:50 – How athletics shaped her work ethic10:30 – Why her first transaction took over a year11:30 – Staying motivated through the grind12:30 – Hitting her stride in 202313:20 – Networking, referrals & renters who became buyers14:40 – Social media & staying authentic15:30 – Coaching field hockey & community involvement16:50 – Challenges of being a young agent18:30 – Staying connected with clients (handwritten notes & personal touches)19:30 – Advice for new agents: realistic expectations & confidence20:40 – Why she loves real estate: people & variety22:10 – The million-dollar client story that started with no commission24:00 – What’s next: growing with RE/MAX Ready25:00 – Caroline’s biggest success tips26:30 – Lightning round: books, advice & mentors31:10 – Where to follow Caroline onlineConnect with Caroline Coladonato:📸 Instagram: [@closingwithcola](https://instagram.com/closingwithcola)Want to Be Featured?Are you a rookie real estate agent with an incredible first commission story? Apply to be featured on *Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission* by reaching out to **[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])** https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish