Why I Work at Redfin: Jackie Colando - @Redfin

Why I Work at Redfin: Jackie Colando

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Updated on October 5th, 2020

Chicago listing Specialist Jackie Colando can be described as a Redfinnian through and through. Jackie transitioned from law to real estate in 2014 and has never looked back. Soon after passing the bar exam (which is no small feat), she took it to the next level and studied and passed the real estate exam. We were lucky enough to sit down with Jackie and discuss her transition to Redfin and how Redfin is disrupting the real estate industry.

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How did you hear about Redfin?

I had been working as an attorney for five to six years and I was looking for a change. My husband had just sold his home with Redfin and had a great experience. I remember him saying to me, “they’re going to disrupt everything with real estate.” He then encouraged me to apply for a part-time position as an Associate Agent. I read the job description and it seemed like a perfect fit.  

Was it hard to transition from law to real estate?

It was difficult because I was leaving a career as a “prosecutor,” and transferring to a completely new career. It helped that I had studied and earned my real estate license right after I passed the bar. So I was ready in terms of study, but not in practice.

What made you get your real estate license after passing the bar?

My parents both had a real estate license. My mom had worked as real estate agent and my dad used his occasionally. They always instilled the idea in me that you “just have to have it.”

That’s really amazing that they instilled that idea of a real estate license as a necessity. And it looks like it came in handy. But what about Redfin made you stay and not go back to your law career?  

It was more fun. But besides that coming from a government position, it was so exciting to be a part of a company that wanted each person to contribute to the success and future of the company.

When I started at Redfin, I began as an Associate Agent back in 2014. And I loved the work. I loved going to open houses, working on events and working with Redfin clients. I saw a future at Redfin. So, when the Listing Specialist position was posted, I jumped on it. I saw this as a good stepping stone and I could grow more with the company.

Can you describe a day in your life as a Listing Specialist?

I start my day by checking my email for all of my current deals that I’m working on. I then have a checklist for every listing I have. Then I go through all my listings for every deal to see if I need to follow up or check on anything. There is also a good chunk of time spent checking in on my own events, whether it’s a consultation, an inspection or an open house. I try to go to as many of my own events as possible; it helps me have a better handle on how the deal is going and all the moving parts.

I am also going to consultations with new customers and checking in with lenders and sellers. I am constantly following up to make sure my deals are progressing.

How do you use Redfin technology throughout your day?

I am a Type-A person and our internal system is so amazing. There are reminders, I can check to see if a deal is going smoothly and it helps me organize and manage my day. We couldn’t do as many deals as we do and I think we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without those internal systems. Redfin technology helps us be the most effective for the client.  

What do you love most about Redfin?

I love my managers. They are always available for you and they want you to succeed and grow. And they always have your back.  

I love the website and how we draw customers from Redfin.com. I don’t have to sell people on Redfin. We are working for the customer’s best interest. We’re transparent and we’re charging them a lot less for it. I think it’s a really honest and fair way to treat people.

So, Jackie before we finish up, what’s your favorite Redfin memory?

Every year we have a company retreat called Redferno. It’s essentially a conference that turns into a big party. But, on the first night there was this crazy setup with all these different food trucks and a huge dance floor. My whole team was dancing. We stuffed our faces and had a dance party!

Jackie photo Redferno

Do you have a question for Jackie about why she works at Redfin? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter @Redfin. And for more information on Redfin, and to check out open jobs at the company, visit Jobs at Redfin.

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Allison Dunmore

Allison is a PR Coordinator for Redfin. When she's not writing content for the Fun & Fabulous section, she's finding creative home projects to do in her own studio apartment. Her dream home would be a huge open loft with lots of room for entertaining friends and hanging out with her two cats. Redfin is a full-service real estate brokerage that uses modern technology to make clients smarter and faster. For more information about working with a Redfin real estate agent to buy or sell a home, visit our Why Redfin page.

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