Shirley Wang is not afraid of a challenge but rather enjoys pushing herself to new limits. With a bachelor’s degree in art and majoring in Chinese language and literature, she began at a young age striving to meet any goals she set. Her most recent accomplishments are receiving the gold level in Virginia Peninsula Association REALTOR® (VPAR). Now being a REALTOR® for three years, she has accomplished a total volume of $10 million and over $6.48 million in volume in 2021 alone. But Shirley didn’t start her life thinking she’d be a REALTOR®. Let’s travel back seven years ago to when she first came to the United States. 

    

When she was just 20 years old, Shirley took part in a student exchange program her freshmen year of college. After finishing the program, she returned home to China to finish her degree. Having already fallen in love with the United States, she decided that she wanted to come back permanently. From here, she worked as a server in Colonel Williamsburg. Before long, Shirley realized she needed something more challenging. In 2018, she joined the hunt to find her dream home. She expresses how overwhelming the process was and how she was just going through the motions as a first-time homebuyer. During one of the most important purchases of her life, she knew she could make a difference for others when buying their first home. In 2019, Shirley made the leap, obtained her real estate license, and stepped into the field. She wasn’t afraid of failure, though, and began navigating her new passion.

    

With all new things come challenges to overcome. Shirley talks about her struggle with overcoming having such a small database, which is usually the starting point in real estate. Her broker encouraged her to analyze her database and reach out to people. To overcome this major career change, she leaned on her broker and The Mike Ferry Organization, a coaching organization, for support. She explains, “They told me that the business would never come to me; you should go out and find your own business.” 

While speaking with Shirley, her personality is the definition of an independent, hardworking, highly driven woman. In a field that is mostly dominated by more seasoned REALTORS®, she goes on to say how intimating those first few months can be. She uses her strength to push harder to ensure she reaches her goals — with the mindset of knowing that devoting herself to her efforts will give her the outcome she desires. 

Shirley values close and meaningful relationships with her clients. At this time, the majority of her clients are first-time home buyers. She smiles as she talks about the excitement she receives from her clients when they get to close on their first home. Shirley not only makes the process smooth and personalized for her clients, but she also encourages them to ask questions throughout the whole process. “Success is not measured by the money you make, but by being helpful to others and people seeing value in me; I want to be at the point that people think of me first when they think real estate,” Shirley passionately states. “I define that as success.” 

    

Though she enjoys the ups and downs of real estate, like anyone, Shirley takes the time to wind down, whether traveling to the Sunshine State of Florida and enjoying the white sand beaches in Key West or being tucked away for a weekend in the Shenandoah mountains. While hiking there, she mentally refocuses herself and takes in the views of the majestic scenery while reflecting on life. She also goes on to talk about the deep and supportive relationship she has with her mother. With a smile on her face, Shirley explains the impact her mom has had on her life and career, describing her mother as a fierce and independent woman, sculpting her to be the same and giving her the courage to reach her goals. Shirley not only set her eyes on real estate, but she has also branched out into the construction world. In 2021, she created Eagle Home Improvement VA. She uses this knowledge to keep her clients up to date on the latest news on building and renovations.

What advice can she offer up-and-coming REALTORS® and agents? “Never give up and keep planting your seeds,” she offers proudly. She describes real estate as a relationship-based career, deeply depending on the bonds you’ve formed with your clients. With most of her transactions being referrals from previous clients, this information seems key to her success. With a mindset and dedication like Shirley’s, her goal of having 100 transactions in a year may be closer than she thinks.