When you are tested and you find a way through, that’s something special … a milestone you can look back on with pride.

 

Michael Nguyen is fueled by that sensation, as well.

 

As a REALTOR® with NOLA Living Realty, Michael savors the chances to meet hurdles head-on, then soars above them.

 

“Being on a constant move is what I like. It’s always something different in real estate,” Michael says. “I’m always up for a challenge. No two transactions are ever going to be the same. But that’s what I look forward to, really.”

 

Michael began his adventure in real estate at the end of 2021. The way he got his start is still fresh in his mind.

 

“During COVID-19, I was working remotely for my job in my apartment in Lafayette. I had moved there with my fiancée, Tracy,” he recalls. “At the time, I was also spending time learning about how to become an investor.”

 

In the process, Michael remembers that he felt like he needed a fresh change of pace with his career.

 

“I felt a bit stagnant. With my desk job, I was developing joint pain from sitting and working so much. I like being active, and working at that job tore my body down,” he says. “I wanted to prioritize my well-being and was thinking about what to do next. Tracy and I talked about it, and we decided to go full force into real estate. From the start, I felt like it helped me tap into my entrepreneurial spirit.”

 

They say things that are worthwhile don’t usually come easily. That was the case for Michael as he transitioned into life as a REALTOR®.

 

“It was challenging. I was going from the desk job and then transitioning into my own schedule. Plus, going from a daily routine where I didn’t really interact with people face-to-face was an adjustment as I moved fully into a very people-oriented profession,” he remembers. 

 

“It was different for me. But I dove in I did my best to put myself out there and connect with clients, other REALTORS®, and lenders.”

 

As Michael thinks about his career, he has deep gratitude for two people who have been integral mentors for him — Eric Hernandez and Zuheily Lemoine.

 

“They really guided me on this path in real estate. They are very successful, so it means a lot to me that they have taken the time to help me. I’m grateful to be at NOLA Living Realty because there is a strong sense of comradery that is special.”

 

One of the key elements that allowed Michael to gain traction and flourish in real estate was his decision to quit his job and fully immerse himself in his chosen path in real estate.

 

“I felt that it was all or nothing and not make excuses … I knew I just had to do it,” he smiles. 

“One of my favorite quotes that I live by is from Yoda in Star Wars. As he said, ‘Do or do not. There is no try.’ Once I adopted that mindset, I couldn’t stop. I was on a roll.”

 

His numbers supported that all-in mentality. In fact, in 2022, he amassed 16 transactions, representing over $6.4 million in sales volume.

 

Of course, work is just part of the equation of life. And Michael treasures time spent with Tracy.

 

“Her support has meant so much to me,” he says with a smile. “She was behind me no matter what decision I would have made.”

 

In his free time, Michael looks forward to time outdoors, including playing sports, spending time at the gym, going to the movies and listening to music. Other favorite pastimes for Michael include enjoying anime and playing Street Fighter. He also enjoys his continued membership at St. Joseph Church, in the congregation he grew up in.

 

“One of the great parts of real estate and what I do in the industry is being able to have some freedom to do the things I love to do and spend time with people who are important to me,” he emphasizes.

 

Michael grew up in Algiers as part of a large family … as the youngest of three siblings.

 

“I’m a proud Holy Cross Tiger,” he says with a smile.

 

As he grew up, Michael earned his degree in computer-aided design and drafting. But that’s just part of the picture. Through time, he also worked as a manager at an ice cream shop and worked as a server at a lot of restaurants as well as serving clients at T-Mobile. 

 

“I definitely worked a lot of different jobs before I settled on real estate, but I know they all helped to pave the way for what I’m doing today,” he points out. “Since then, real estate has changed my life.”

 

In turn, Michael has built a record of achievement that is punctuated by his ability to see beyond any hurdles or challenges that arise along the way … in turn, helping his clients get to the finish line and beyond.