Taylor Corey is a Realtor associate with Coldwell Banker and is principal of The Corey Group.

Every week, we ask a real estate professional for their Short List, a collection of tips and recommendations on an essential topic in real estate. This week, we spoke with Taylor Corey, a Realtor associate with Coldwell Banker and principal of The Corey Group. Taylor recently received the New Agent Achievement award from Coldwell Banker for her stellar first year in 2013, when she closed more than $8 million. The National Association of Realtors placed Taylor in the final 50 of its “30 Under 30” list. Originally from Atlanta, Taylor lives with her twin sons in Coral Gables. Since becoming a Miami resident, she has been an enthusiastic promoter of the city’s reputable standard of living, and to that end, Taylor works diligently to provide homebuyers with the best properties Miami has to offer. She has subsequently become a leading specialist in a wide variety of communities and properties, with her expertise extending to real estate investment, luxury real estate, Coconut Grove real estate, Coral Gables real estate, Miami Beach real estate.

4. Confidence is key. By the time I walk through the door of a listing presentation or have my first meeting with a buyer, they are already wondering, “How old is this girl?” I have had several clients confess to me (after closing) that upon first sight they were nervous about hiring me based on my age. I am 25 years old and I have been known to tell a potential client that I am a “rock star.” I know that I am great at what I do, and when I say I am the best for the job, it’s true. By the time I leave, they know it, too!

3. Dress for success! I know you’ve heard it 1,000 times, but this is important. I understand that sometimes you may work from home or have an “office day”, but if you are walking out the front door and will be face to face with the public, dress the part! When a potential client meets you, they picture you representing their home that they have spent countless hours decorating and cleaning. It is crucial that you are dressed appropriately. If you can’t sell yourself, then you can’t sell their home. What is the first rule when putting a property on the market? Make sure it is clean, staged and ready to go; do that for yourself as well!

2. Know your facts! Unfortunately, due to your age, you’re going to be questioned more than expected. Every potential client may be sold on your confidence as mentioned above, but if you don’t know your stats – market area, average price per square foot and the size of the pool at the home 5 blocks down (yes, I mean it) – then you must be “too young!” Get up and get on the MLS; check your area and see what has closed and what is listed; drive around, go to open houses, KNOW YOUR MARKET!

1. Embrace your age! At 25, I know a great deal about online marketing, SEO, social media, pay per click, etc. That is a huge advantage. Many agents that have been in the business for 30-40-plus years are still catching up to today’s online exposure. I may be young and I have been in the business for a few years, but my listings are being found all over the world because of my international marketing; are the other agents doing that? I doubt it.