Nicole Mickle on the Importance of Realtor-Landlord Relationships

Nicole Mickle is a realtor, consultant, and social media marketer based in Orlando, Florida. Her passion is helping people with their real estate transactions so they can get the most out of their investments. Nicole understands that real estate involves many players and moving parts — her 23-year real estate career spans work as a mortgage broker, real estate transaction coordinator, loan officer, and operator of a successful mobile notary closing company.

From the day your house is listed until the minute the keys are handed over to the new owner at the closing table, Nicole can guide her clients through the entire process. She has a keen eye for perceiving market trends and understanding the best places to invest. If you are looking to move to Orlando, Florida — or already live there and want to know about a different neighborhood or subdivision — there’s nothing like working with someone like Nicole who truly knows the area and the industry.

We asked Nicole a few questions about what it took for her to become a successful real estate entrepreneur and what advice she would give to others in the field.

What’s your backstory? How did you get into this field of work?

After graduating from college with a degree in economics, I wanted to do something either in finance or banking. I started working with a national bank and knew within a short period of time that I would not be building a future with the company. I wanted access to more options to help the people I served — and in banking, it was super limited. Around that time, I received a call from an old colleague about becoming a mortgage broker, and that’s where I started on my path in real estate.

What is your favorite part about what you do?

Helping people — and I know it sounds cliche, but honestly, that's what I do! I am a natural problem solver and love learning new things so these two traits are a perfect fit for someone in real estate. Early on in my career, I had to prove myself so I took on the deals others would pass up. Every day was a new puzzle to solve and I LOVED it — and so did my clients.

What is a common myth about your job or industry?

That you make tons of money and it is a lot of fun!

What do you wish you had known when you started?

How powerful technology and social media would be to my business.

What is the most crucial trait for independent landlords?

Landlords need to have a true understanding of how they want to invest. That way, they can select an agent partner who provides the knowledge and options to help them achieve their goals.

What is a mistake that landlords make? How can they overcome it?

Only looking for the most affordable options. Many landlords just select any agent because they think all realtors are the same. But by having deeper conversations with their agent and truly building a bond, they can achieve better results. In fact, many of the investors I work with close on off-market opportunities that yield them the biggest returns.

What do you think the real estate industry will look like in five years?

In the next five years, I think we will see an evolution of submarkets. Nothing will be traditional real estate. People will be able to select how they want to purchase real estate and not be forced into one specific model. I think it will be a welcomed ecosystem where consumers will find value in their real estate agent more than ever before.