What My First Deal Taught Me About Real Estate

By Rebecca Durfey

Rebecca Durfey brings over 20 years of experience in real estate transactions within Maricopa County. Despite managing multiple clients simultaneously, her primary focus is to provide a personalized experience that makes you feel like her sole priority. Rebecca and her team are dedicated to efficiently achieving the desired outcomes for each client they serve.

I still remember my first deal like it was yesterday. I had just gotten my real estate license two weeks earlier, and I was still trying to find my footing. One afternoon, my husband was outside doing yard work when our neighbor’s mother stopped to talk. She told him her daughter and son-in-law were getting a divorce and needed to sell their home, but didn’t know where to start.

Without thinking twice, my husband said, “My wife just got her license. She can help.” When I walked inside, he looked at me and said, “You need to go out there right now. They need a Realtor.”

I froze for a second. I wasn’t ready. I didn’t have a mentor or a team to lean on. I barely understood the process yet. But he was right. This was my chance to start. So I took a deep breath, walked outside, and introduced myself. That single decision changed everything.

That first deal taught me more than I ever expected. Everything that could go wrong, did. I made mistakes, ran into problems I didn’t see coming, and had to figure things out one step at a time. I reached out to seasoned agents for advice, spent late nights learning the paperwork, and pushed through, even when I felt overwhelmed. When it was finally done, I realized how much that one experience had taught me, not just about real estate but about perseverance.

What I learned from that moment has stayed with me to this day. You have to be ready the moment you get your license because opportunities don’t wait for you to feel prepared. The truth is, no one ever feels completely ready when they start something new. But you can always choose to show up, do your best, and keep learning along the way.

After that deal, my business didn’t take off overnight. It grew slowly and steadily, one home, one client, and one referral at a time. I focused on treating people right, keeping my word, and doing everything I could to make their experience smooth and stress-free. Over time, my clients began telling their friends and family about me. Those referrals became the foundation of my business, and the relationships I built through them still hold great significance for me.

Now, years later, I look back and realize how every step mattered. That nervous first meeting in my front yard turned into a career built on trust, loyalty, and service. I’ve had the privilege of helping so many families find their next home, and many of those clients have become friends. I’m deeply grateful for the trust they’ve placed in me and the lessons they’ve taught me along the way.

As the year comes to an end, it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect. I’m thankful for every client who gave me a chance, every friend who referred someone, and every opportunity that helped me grow. Every home sold, every family helped, and every connection made has been a blessing.

Real estate has given me more than a career. It has given me purpose. It has allowed me to guide people through some of the most meaningful decisions of their lives. Whether you’re buying your first home or selling a place filled with memories, I’m here to help you every step of the way.

If you’re thinking about your next move or just need honest guidance, call or text me at 623-297-4536 or email me at rebeccadurfey@kw.com. I’ll help you plan with confidence and make sure your next chapter begins the right way.