Young professionals making their mark: Rising stars of Merrick real estate

Young, fresh perspectives are definitely something people should consider when hiring a real estate agent.”

Sarah DaSilva

Get to know the agents

Q: What are you most proud of in your career so far?

Sakin: Helping first time homebuyers. I’ve had two and the satisfaction you get when you see the smile on a first time homebuyer's face, how happy they are to purchase a house, it's one of the greatest things.

DaSilva: In my second year in the industry I did between $10 and $11 million in sales. I’m proud I was able to produce such a high volume for just my second year in real estate.

Q: If you could go back and talk to yourself before you became an agent, what advice would you have?

Sakin: Getting your first client isn’t gonna be a walk in the park. You really have to put your head down, pick up the phone and hustle, because nothing is given to you in this business. Real estate is a longer road but just be consistent.

DaSilva: Get tougher. Some more seasoned agents may treat you like a joke or say you look like a teenager, so be prepared. But also, go easy on yourself. It doesn’t really matter what age you are in this industry as long as you do well, succeed, and do right by people, you’re gonna be good.

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, the median age of a real estate agent ranges from 54 to 60 as many professionals enter the field after a previous career. But millennial and Gen Z agents are making their way in the profession — ready to shake things up with their social media connections and technological savvy.

The younger generations are finding great success, especially in the fast moving market of Long Island. 

A millennial mom looking out for her clients

Sarah DaSilva, 32, is a licensed real estate salesperson at Douglas Elliman’s Merrick office. A Hewlett native, she has experience navigating the markets on both the North and South Shore.

Prior to entering the real estate profession, DaSilva attended Manhattan’s LIM College where she earned a degree in fashion merchandising. She worked in various roles in fashion, from public relations to production and development. 

DaSilva was drawn to real estate after having a tough experience with realtors while looking for her own home. “I just went through so many,” she said. “I felt like none of them were out for my best interest.”

With a goal to help others, DaSilva got her real estate license in 2021 and joined Douglas Elliman.

While she recognizes that her peers have been in the real estate industry for a long time, DaSilva believes her technological expertise and marketing experience allow her to stand out.

“Young, fresh perspectives are definitely something people should consider when hiring a real estate agent,” she said. “People kind of overlook us, but we get the job done and we’re good at what we do.”

DaSilva said her biggest achievement as an agent has been gaining her client’s trust. “This could be their biggest financial decision and they’re entrusting me — a younger agent — to handle these things for them,” she said.

As she continues her career, DaSilva wants to become a trusted name in the local real estate market. “I want what every other agent wants,” she said. “To make a name for themselves, do really well and succeed.”

The Gen Z agent increasing efficiency with AI

Jake Sakin, 23, entered real estate right after graduating from St. John’s University. Originally from Brooklyn, Sakin and his family moved to Bellmore in 2022.

He was inspired by his grandmother to join the industry. “My grandma did real estate,” he said. “I vividly remember talking to her and saying ‘I’m gonna follow in your footsteps. I’m going to be a real estate agent just like you.’” 

Sakin interviewed with various brokerages before finding the right fit with Douglas Elliman. He spent six months working in Sea Cliff before moving to the Merrick office.

Sakin’s mentor is Paul Conforti, who provided Sakin opportunities to assist with open houses and showings before he was asked to join Conforti’s team.

“As a new agent it means a lot to have a full support system behind you,” Sakin said. “You really get to learn the ins and outs of the business, how to talk to clients, prepare paperwork, be personable, communicate and do everything real estate related.”

As a younger agent, Sakin brings his own knowledge and skills to the profession.

“Listing a house is more than just putting a for sale sign down, taking photos, and getting onto the MLS,” he said, referring to the Multiple Listing Service used to share active property listings. “Now it’s more about using social media to market your property.”

By using video to showcase a property or promoting an open house across social media, Sakin can achieve increased visibility and higher turnaround for clients. 

“I think there are more young agents getting into real estate because they think it’s so easy to get your license and start making money,” he said. “But it’s hard, it's a lot of work.”

Sakin credits his communication skills and personability for his success, but he is still working to be more consistent and available. “With the way AI is going now, I think that’s gonna be integrated into my workspace,” he said. “A lot of the work I’d do at my desk I could hand over to AI, which leaves me more time to be out in the field with clients.”

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