The year was 2016 and Shannon Milligan was seriously contemplating opening her own real estate brokerage. Then her good friend and real estate colleague Clayton Gits asked, “Why would you want to do that? eXp can give you everything you need without the risk.”
> 15 reasons why independent brokerages are flocking to eXp Realty
Milligan listened and thought what’s the worse that could happen? She joined eXp Realty in December 2016 and says it’s the best financial decision she ever made.
“Revenue share has been a financial game changer for my family, helping us pay off our primary home mortgage and really gain an understanding of how generational wealth is accumulated,” said Milligan, a five-time ICON agent who operates as a solo agent in the greater Richmond, Virginia area.
Milligan got her start in real estate as a marketer for six offices in upstate New York. And when she marketed her own home for sale, doing a lot of the work and paying a lot of money, she thought, “I can do that.” She and her husband eventually moved to Richmond where she started her career with a Keller Williams franchise.
In terms of eXp Realty, Milligan praises eXp World Holdings Founder and CEO Glenn Sanford for keeping the vibe of the company collaborative and supportive.
“Back when we were only 1,500 agents, I was at an event, chatting with Glenn (Sanford). “We were discussing how special the brokerage was and his first thought was ‘how to keep the special-ness as growth was taking place?’ That spoke volumes to me about Glenn and his leadership.”
Learn more about Shannon Milligan:
Years in real estate: Since 2010
Gross sales and transactions in 2020: Approximately $19 million and 55 homes sold.
Brokerage history:
- eXp Realty (Dec. 2016-present)
- Jefferson Properties (2015-2016)
- Keller Williams (2011-2015)
Main territory: Richmond, Virginia metro areas: Richmond City, Midlothian, Chesterfield, Glen Allen, Henrico, Powhatan, Goochland, Hanover, Mechanicsville.
Main focus: Residential real estate sales
Number of people on team: Myself and a transaction coordinator
Accolades, accomplishments & awards:
- eXp Video Award 2017, 2018
- eXp ICON agent 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
- National Speaker: Inman Connect panels
When and why did you join eXp?
“I joined in December 2016. I was considering opening my own brokerage until a fellow agent in my market (Clayton Grits) introduced me to eXp. What I loved was the agent ownership component and the ability to run my business on my own but backed by the support of a national brokerage. Joining eXp was hands-down the best financial decision I have ever made for my family.”
What makes eXp special to you?
“The willingness of fellow agents to open up their business plans and freely share because when a fellow eXp agent wins, we ALL win.”
What is one thing about eXp that surprised you?
“The collaborative spirit and the way agents will rally around another when one is in need. However, this shouldn’t surprise anyone as groups of a feather flock together and we have attracted an amazing flock.”
What kind of collaboration have you experienced at eXp?
“I love the masterminding that takes place on Facebook, Workplace, and in person at the events. There is a real collective knowledge that gets passed around which betters an individual and that betters the company.”
Best tip to share with other agents:
“Know your role in a real estate transaction; you are a facilitator to a transaction NOT a part of it. Nothing is a personal assault against you, you are merely an intermediary.”
10 Fun Things About Shannon Milligan
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Sitting around a campfire with family and friends, laughing, reminiscing, all while enjoying a beverage and a peanut butter cup s’more.
Who is the person you most admire?
My dad. He taught me determination and hard work will trump “smarts” all day long.
One thing you can’t live without?
Ice cream, specifically a really great hot fudge sundae.
One trait that has led to your success?
My therapist likes to tell me I am “gritty” and I tend to agree.
What celebrity would play you in a movie or TV show?
People have told me I resemble Felicity Jones (“Midnight Sky”) so that would be a safe bet.
Pet peeve?
When people try to prove they are right by making you feel the same. For example, you ask a question and a person replies with, “as I said” or “as I mentioned before.” Just answer the question again; you don’t need to make someone feel dumb.
Little known fact about yourself?
I was a co-captain majorette in school and I can still twirl a pretty mean baton.
Song you never tire of?
Any song by Air Supply. Yes, I admitted it.
Favorite meal?
Pepperoni & banana pepper pizza with Adam’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory.
Your epitaph will say:
She gave a damn.
__________
Interested in jump-starting your real estate career? Learn how eXp Realty puts agents first.
