S2:E45 My First and Last Real Estate Transaction in 2021 | Moving States and Rebuilding a Referral Business
In this episode, Brittney gets honest about a slow season most agents don't talk about: one single real estate transaction in all of 2021. After a PCS move to Tennessee the week of Thanksgiving in 2020 and a new brokerage relationship with Century 21 Platinum Properties in Clarksville, she found herself convinced she had to rebuild her entire business from zero, in a new state, with a spouse who had transferred to a different branch of the military entirely. That one transaction, though, is a story worth telling. It came as a referral from a California agent whose retiring parents were moving back to their hometown roots in Paris, Tennessee. Brittney walks through the search, the small-town MLS hurdles, losing out on a sentimental family-home listing, and ultimately helping the family find a better fit on two acres, all while building a friendship that lasted well beyond closing day. Brittney also shares the biggest mistake she made trying to rebuild her pipeline: casting the widest possible net across every Army base in the country instead of finding her niche. It's the lesson that eventually became the foundation of her Elevate Freedom Training platform, and it's a reminder that focus, not volume, is what actually grows a referral-based business. Key Takeaways Moving your license across state lines is tougher than it looks, especially when a brokerage wants you there in person before they'll bring you on. A slow transaction year doesn't erase your reputation or your ability to earn trust in a brand-new market. Referrals can come from agents outside your usual world, not just from military connections. Small-town MLS systems and agent cooperation can make or break a home search. Buyers can fall in love with a home's story just as easily as its features, and sometimes a different house ends up being the better fit. Casting the widest possible net, like reaching out to every base in the country, is not a business strategy. Focusing on a specific niche or community inside a market creates real, consistent referral business. Genuine relationships with clients can outlast the transaction itself. 🎧If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with an agent who's rebuilding their business after a move or a slow season. Your support helps this podcast reach more military families and real estate professionals navigating these same transitions. Closing Chapters Podcast: Where Every Mission Has A Story Thanks for listening. We talk all things military real estate, my transactions, the mistakes, the wins, and simple plays you can use right now. Work With Me: Buying or selling near Fort Bragg & Moore County Agents, partner with me Connect With Brittney: 🌐 Website 📚 Training Platform 📺 YouTube 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 📧 Email: brittney@homeswithbrittney.com If this episode helped, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a friend in PCS season. Disclaimer: This podcast education only & is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Talk with your own pros about your situation. Opinions are my own. © 2025 Brittney Frye. All rights reserved. Realtor, license # 352197 in NC. Brokerage: REAL Broker l Military Division





