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 burnout

Caroline 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 job
02:00 – Inspiration to switch into real estate
03:30 – Getting licensed while working full time
06:00 – Classroom lessons vs. real-life real estate
07:30 – Expectations for her first year
09:50 – How athletics shaped her work ethic
10:30 – Why her first transaction took over a year
11:30 – Staying motivated through the grind
12:30 – Hitting her stride in 2023
13:20 – Networking, referrals & renters who became buyers
14:40 – Social media & staying authentic
15:30 – Coaching field hockey & community involvement
16:50 – Challenges of being a young agent
18:30 – Staying connected with clients (handwritten notes & personal touches)
19:30 – Advice for new agents: realistic expectations & confidence
20:40 – Why she loves real estate: people & variety
22:10 – The million-dollar client story that started with no commission
24:00 – What’s next: growing with RE/MAX Ready
25:00 – Caroline’s biggest success tips
26:30 – Lightning round: books, advice & mentors
31:10 – Where to follow Caroline online

Connect 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 **[UnlockingRealEstate@ColibriRealEstate.com](mailto:UnlockingRealEstate@ColibriRealEstate.com)** https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish