Rising Guru Erica Mayfield with Keller Williams

Ian Arnold: 0:00

Hey, Rick, we had Erica may filled on their homeless of that wrong to copy enough for you. But so she was phenomenal. And the what do you think was one of the best things about this having her on?

Rick Ripma: 0:14

I really liked her stories about, about her life before real estate growing up in Carmel, you know, traveling the things that she did. And I also I really thought it was interesting to hear her job movement in real estate to get to the right spot for her and how appreciative she was of every spot she had worked at to that point.

Ian Arnold: 0:36

Yeah, you can see why she is a rising guru and the level of knowledge she has and the passion to find the that right team that worked exactly for her to help her grow is phenomenal. And she's doing well. Yes. So definitely, if you're like wanting to listen to something, this is the one to listen to. It she will enlighten you like you have never been lightened

Rick Ripma: 1:04

Welcome to India's real estate gurus your ultimate guide to the dynamic world of real estate in Indiana and I'm recruited by your hard working mortgage guy and I've been in real estate and mortgages for over 24 years.

Ian Arnold: 1:17

And I'm Ian Arnold, a loan officer on Rick's hard working mortgage. And we're both with advisors mortgage together will empower you with expert advice market trends is Bestival stories from Guru realtors and local experts. Whether you're a homeowner and investor or pro Join us as we navigate the thriving indie real estate market. Now get ready to unlock the doors of success. One episode at a time.

Rick Ripma: 1:44

Well, today we're really excited we have Erica man Mayfield. Almost Mayfield Yes. Right. And you're with Keller Williams, are you on a team? Or is it just I'm on a team and what's your what's the team name? So

Erica Mayfield: 1:57

I'm on the y's group, but we are part of Keller with Keller Williams in the metro north.

Rick Ripma: 2:03

Okay. Do you go into the office much Are you pretty much so I

Erica Mayfield: 2:07

go we have a smaller office called the hub, and it's actually in Geist. And so I do go over there. Okay, I usually go Yeah,

Rick Ripma: 2:15

I think it's a good I think it's good to go to the office. But let's get before real estate. So let's talk about your life before real estate. Where did you grow up? You know, I know you're from the area. But tell us your story. Yeah.

Erica Mayfield: 2:27

So I'm originally from Dallas, Texas, and we moved around quite a lot. And we ended up in Carmel, Indiana. So in 1993 is when we moved to there. So from junior high to high school is where I ended up. And then my husband and I got married in 2003. And we moved out to San Diego. So we were there for three years. And then we came back to he was in the military. Yes. So he was in the military. He was in the Marine Corps. And he was a drill instructor out there. So we lived out there for three years. And that's where our son was born in San Diego.

Rick Ripma: 3:04

I was in the Air Force. And I'll tell you I didn't like the drill instructors. Yes, it's worse than the Marines. Yes.

Erica Mayfield: 3:14

They have a goal. It's funny is my I grew up in a navy household. My stepdad was navy. Everybody was in the forces. I didn't like the moving around. So I didn't go in but my, my half brother went in. And I was like, curious. I'm like, Hey, so how was bootcamp and he goes, for us? It'd be it was simple. We're used to getting yelled at. We're used to get this. He goes long as you just do what you're told. And I was like, nothing. Exactly.

Rick Ripma: 3:43

You could you could have made it that. I don't do what I told I guess. I didn't like that. So you say you moved around, ended up in Carmel spent your what do they call it? The formative years really kind of here? Yeah. Went to Carmel High School. Yeah. And then did you meet your husband here? Did you meet him somewhere else?

Erica Mayfield: 4:01

Yeah, no. So we met here. We actually met when we were 17. Oh, really? Wow. He went to Pike High School. And I went to Carmel I had a friend that grew up in Pike. And so that's how we met but we didn't get married until four years after that. And so I don't know if you want me to share this or not. But when in oh three, like when the war was happening. I reached out to him because I knew he was in the Marines. And I just wanted to see if he was going over and he wrote me back and basically said he was in town. He had just graduated from the high school and so I met back up with him and I knew that he was just someone that I couldn't have not like had in my life again. So we got married two and a half weeks later, and it's been 20 years now. Congrats.

Rick Ripma: 4:50

You have some kids? Yes, we do.

Erica Mayfield: 4:53

So we have to I have an 18 year old son. He's a senior and then I have a 15 year old daughter. She's a sophomore. So and we live in fishers now so Okay,

Rick Ripma: 5:01

sorry. No it's great. It is and I grew up in Indianapolis. So they're, you know, fishers Carmel, Indianapolis. Noblesville, Westfield Zionsville the whole area I like Brownsburg, we really, we are very fortunate that in our the areas here in Indiana are in the definitely in the metro area. Very, very nice with great schools. Fisher's has great schools. They're all great. I agree. Yeah, I agree. I'm, I'm, I wouldn't say I'm partial to Carmel. I've just lived here for so long now. Yeah.

Erica Mayfield: 5:39

Well, and they've done so much. Yes. Like in the last 20 years. It's unrecognizable. You know, if you grew up here to what it is now, so, yes, it's beautiful.

Rick Ripma: 5:49

Yeah, my boys tell me the ones that don't live here. Two of them don't live here. And they tell me that they get lost because they they on a roundabout and it's like, okay, I don't know where I'm going

Erica Mayfield: 5:59

to be confused. Yes, definitely.

Rick Ripma: 6:02

It's amazing how things can change. So, so quickly, yeah. When you're not when Yeah, when you're not, not there and used to it. So you're doing that. Now? What was it that drew you to real estate? What usually there's a good story behind somebody becoming a real estate agent, what was it for you.

Erica Mayfield: 6:18

So when we lived in San Diego, I actually wanted to get into real estate at that time. But um, it's just always, I've always been drawn to it. And I just love helping people. And I feel like this was a way I can help people, I feel like buying a home can be an emotional, you know, purchase and even selling your home, you know, creating so many memories there. And I think I just like being part of that process. But I never got started in San Diego, because I got pregnant with my son. And then I had him we moved here. And my husband became a firefighter in Fishers. So if you understand that it's, you know, 24 out 24 hours on and then 48 off. But then sometimes they have part time jobs, and it would just wasn't really like the best situation for me to go get a part time job because all of my money would go to daycare. And so I put it off. And about five years ago, I was thinking about getting in real estate. But I was kind of nervous because I thought it was saturated. Like I have so many friends that are realtors, so I put it off for a few more years. And then my daughter and I went to Disney on a girls trip with my best friend and her daughter. And we were coming back. This was post COVID. So like 2021. I was like, I think I really want to do this. I need something for me. And my kids are getting older. And so I talked to my husband about it. And he was like, yeah, he goes, I think you'd be really good at it. And he goes, I think you should do it. And so I did.

Unknown: 7:47

That's great. Yeah, you're doing well. Yes. Yeah, it's

Erica Mayfield: 7:49

been better than I could expect. It would go. So it's fantastic.

Ian Arnold: 7:55

Yeah. So I do like to ask this question. So what was your perception? Before getting becoming a realtor? And now that you've become a realtor? What's the reality check?

Erica Mayfield: 8:05

It's a lot of work. Not that I didn't think it would be but it definitely, you know, you have to take your buyers to show them homes. And it's not like instant love the first time. And yeah, I would I think some people think that, you know, it just you just go show homes and write up offers. And it's not like that at all. There's a whole bunch of in between that, you know, and I'm very passionate about what I do. And I want to deliver a certain service to my clients that I would expect. And so I work really hard, you know, for them. Yeah, no, I mean, I think it's always interesting on specially people's reality check when they when they finally see, wait, this is not what it was. You're telling me HGTV is not correct. Yes. No, not three houses. And there you go. Yes, yes. Well, even

Rick Ripma: 9:00

just prospecting takes a lot of time finding customers that you know, people that you can help. In a way it's some some ways, it's kind of easy, because you just have to talk about real estate, everybody, you know, and everybody's interested in real estate. Right, right. And the other side, it's not, there's not there's, like you said, there's a lot of agents so it's your, you know, it's it's a it takes a lot of effort. And I think that's what everybody misses. And it's not just the prospecting it's everything. Even learning that and knowing I mean, you think about all the areas you have to know Yeah, it's a lot. It's amazing. Yeah,

Erica Mayfield: 9:37

constantly learning whether you know, you're helping someone or not you're training you know, it's just constant which I actually enjoy just because I have it I was a stay at home mom before this for about 16 years. And so I'm like threat you know, I'm thriving. I'm like, Yes, I have something you know, mentally to keep me busy. So it's been good Hmm.

Rick Ripma: 10:00

So when you when you as a real estate agent, how do you, at this point in time get your business? What? What do you do for prospecting? How do you do that? So

Erica Mayfield: 10:10

from the beginning right now, it's mostly my sphere. And I feel like I have been trying to build those relationships, because I feel like the people that are going to come to you are the ones that trust you and know like, they know you. And so that's really what I've been making a big effort is I want my clients or even future clients to know that I do care about them. Like, I want them to know that I am trustworthy and loyal, because I think that goes a long way. That's what I want, you know, and a service provider. So I tried to deliver that.

Rick Ripma: 10:43

So how do you do that? How do you keep in touch with those people? Or maybe reintroduce yourself to those people? How do you do that?

Erica Mayfield: 10:52

So I do have an event that I host, and I do. So I my husband and like our family, like our first responder family, like I do, try to plan an event for them once a year, we have a pool party. And then my team, we just did a Santa's night, which was amazing. It was our first one as a team. And I had some people come for that. And they showed up actually everyone that invited someone, they just loved it. So it's on an individual level, but then on a team level. But I just tried to stay in contact with text or you know, send them a card, or just, you know, reach out and say hey, how you're doing not because it's so much more than a transaction for me, it's not, you know, I look for quality over quantity. And that will always be important to me, because money will come and go. And of course, I do want to make money. But the relationships that are formed were more important to me in this business. So yeah.

Ian Arnold: 11:50

So tell us I want to hear about the Santa thing you guys split on. So tell us a little bit about that.

Erica Mayfield: 11:54

Yes. So we had this amazing Santa, actually, I believe it was Megan who hired him. I could be wrong. So I'm sorry if that's wrong. But his name is the Hot Rod Santa. And he came in, we invited everyone for cookies and cocoa. And it was at the hawthorns. And so we just opened it up. And everyone came and take photos with Santa and then we are sending them out sending them out to them. So yeah, was this with kids? Yes, kids, people could read pets. Although they didn't bring pets. Some of the firefighters came and took a photo. We had the Grinch there. It was so cute. But everyone just had such a great time. And I didn't realize how much Santa photos cost these days because my kids don't go anymore. And some people were seeing it was like $40 to sit down with Samsung. Really? Yes. So yeah. But anyway, so I was we were so excited to be able to provide this for our clients. So nothing

Rick Ripma: 12:54

stays cheap. No, it doesn't know how'd you get the Grinch?

Erica Mayfield: 12:59

I think that was someone who had some, like, I don't know, they were able to pull some strings to get him to come so yeah, I love the like the hit. He was he hit? Yeah.

Ian Arnold: 13:12

Yeah, that's my daughter's favorite. Like literally in her room she has all this great stuff doesn't come down. Doesn't matter if it's Christmas or not. That stuff does not come down. She's obsessed with the grid. It's

Erica Mayfield: 13:24

funny you say that? Because there were a lot of people that came in he was their favorite. So I didn't realize how popular

Rick Ripma: 13:32

it was. I thought it was popular when I was a kid. But you know, you can't really tell I just this the show. Yeah. But then then what was the guy's name? Jim Carrey? Did that I think that really helped. Yeah. Yeah, and yes. So what about as you as you look at real estate, what would you say your superpower or super powers are as it relates to real estate?

Erica Mayfield: 13:59

It's a good question. I don't know if I have like a really good answer for that. I think. I don't know. I think it's more personable for me, I don't even know. As far as like buying or selling. As far as buying for clients. I want them to pick some theme that they want, you know, they're going to love and because they're going to be the ones that end up living in this house, you know, for X amount of years. And then selling you know, I want to be able to provide a service to my clients that they'll be happy and they'll be glad you know what they make from the sale of their home. But I think it's just reaching people on meeting them at their level, I think really understanding what they want in a transaction,

Rick Ripma: 14:46

because real estate's really relationships. Yes, really.

Erica Mayfield: 14:49

I do. I feel that way when I feel like even as Realtors like we're all trying to reach the same goal. So let's help each other out. You know

Rick Ripma: 15:00

I think that goes along with every top agent we've ever talked with. All the Guru's say the same thing. They're all willing to help the help anybody. Yeah. Because they care about the industry, they care about taking care of the client, they realize that if they can help somebody who's new, if they have a deal with them, you have it, you know, it's just things go better.

Erica Mayfield: 15:23

Yeah, I agree. And I'm, it's funny you say that, because I am learning that through my mentors is that they think that way. And so it makes me excited that, you know, I'm glad to be surrounded with people that already have like the same thing.

Ian Arnold: 15:37

So I want your mentors be impressed by you. So if there's somebody out there listening to this right now has, has questions about real estate, whether there's buying selling or just need to have a conversation, what's the best way they can get in touch with you? So

Erica Mayfield: 15:50

they can call me? My phone number is 317-670-0304. Or they can email me it's my first initial E. Mayfield, ma y f i e, ld@kw.com.

Ian Arnold: 16:08

That's a pretty one easy one. We got some people with a huge long one. Here's a pretty easy,

Erica Mayfield: 16:14

I tried to make it simple.

Rick Ripma: 16:16

That phone number, can they text that or just

Erica Mayfield: 16:18

call it yes, they can text or call text is usually better. Just if I'm on the road or anything like that. I can usually respond, what's the number again? 317-670-0304. Perfect. And

Rick Ripma: 16:31

to get a hold of Vienna, I go to HardWorkingMortgageGuys.com That's HardWorkingMortgageGuys.com. Or you can give us a call at 317-672-1938. That's 317-672-1938.

Ian Arnold: 16:44

All right, so now we're gonna take a little sidestep where you're gonna get to know you a little bit more not not the real estate part. So what do you do for fun?

Erica Mayfield: 16:53

Oh, that's a good question. I don't really have a lot of time for fun. I have, I feel like I am in the car. Most of the time driving my kids around. My son does have his license. He just doesn't have a car. So if I am it's just usually sitting down watching my trash TV.

Ian Arnold: 17:15

What's your favorite favorite show? Do you just lose your mind to

Erica Mayfield: 17:19

this is gonna be really I want to give this like, I watched 90 Day fiance and it. I think it's because it's it's just an escape. I don't even because sometimes it like is upsetting watching it, but I still watch it. It's just like, it's like a train wreck. Like you can't look away.

Ian Arnold: 17:40

Yeah, but I will say, I mean, we all have our shows that we watch or do something, but it's an escape. It's something to break us out of. Alright, you know, I gotta think about this. I gotta think about that. No, I just want 30 minutes to an hour just to turn my mind off and just watch something

Erica Mayfield: 17:56

dumb. Yes. Yeah. And I think that's what.

Ian Arnold: 18:00

Trust me. Rick comes in here and tells me some of the shows he's watching. I'm like, Are you kidding me?

Rick Ripma: 18:05

I do not. I don't watch any show. I'm not a TV watcher. I watch Netflix and things like that. But I don't really watch. Yes. I don't really watch TV very much. Yeah,

Erica Mayfield: 18:15

I'm the same. I don't really have time. But if I knew that's what I'm watching.

Rick Ripma: 18:20

And I will tell you, it's when when our kids got old enough. Like not not years, when years leave the nest, you know, really when they leave. It took about six months. And my wife and I were looking at each other like I'm bored out of my ever live in mind. Yeah. Because your your whole life is running them around, going to their sporting events, going to school for whatever they're in doing, whatever, you know, your life is around them. And all of a sudden, you got to change. Yes. So you're smart to actually recognize that already and starting to look for things to do like whatever that I've never heard of the show. So

Erica Mayfield: 18:59

it's really what I have nothing to do. I'm watching.

Rick Ripma: 19:04

I didn't know real estate agents ever had nothing to do. I've always had something. Yeah.

Ian Arnold: 19:10

It feels that way. So let's talk about let's get more of the real estate. Sorry. So who has mentored you and gave you all their expertise? You

Erica Mayfield: 19:22

think? Well, I feel like I've had a lot of different people. Kind of it's been kind of like a stepping stone my whole career. So when I initially started, my friend Josh McNair helped me and he was graceful enough to let me come and work for his brokerage and it's just him and so I was able to do that for a little bit and he really did take me under his wing and helped me and then I moved over to REMAX for a little bit and I feel like everybody there was like a great help. And then Megan, really helped me a lot. These last six months, I have a listing in Cambridge. And I just, it's a luxury listing. And it's my first luxury listing. And I kind of didn't know where to go with it. So I reached out to all of the realtors in that area. And she was the only one who got back to me and took the time just to talk. And she didn't try to recruit me anything. She was just trying to offer me her help. And I was like, this is really, this is how I want to be, I want to be a person, or a realtor that can offer help, especially to someone new, and without expecting anything in return. So a couple of months ago, we sat down and had coffee. And she was just telling me like talking to me about stuff. And I was like, man, I was like, I wonder if she's looking, you know, for anybody to join her team, because I would love to and she just happened to mention it. And I felt like the stars were just aligned, because she really does mirror the type of agent that I want to be. So I think, who's had the most impact on me in the shortest amount of time would be her? So yeah. Megan,

Rick Ripma: 21:09

what? Wise wise? So that's the wives group?

Erica Mayfield: 21:12

Yes. Yeah. Okay. Yep.

Ian Arnold: 21:15

It is nice. When you find the perfect group. I mean, just because we all get a job. And one, we don't know anything about it to a point. I mean, you're learning but then you find out, wait, it can be done this way. Or it can be done this way. And there's many different ways, but trying to find the right team to work with can be hard for especially newer agents at the start. And it's awesome that you found the right one for you.

Erica Mayfield: 21:40

Yes, thank you. Yeah, it. I just yeah, it happened. I don't know how to explain it. They all they're all the same. They all have that good energy. And everybody really does support everyone. And I'm really thankful to have found them so early on in my career. So yes,

Rick Ripma: 21:57

well, I want to know, and this is off the subject a little bit, but your husband's a firefighter now. So how do you deal with that? Because now, that's got to be scary at times. Yeah.

Erica Mayfield: 22:07

So it can be it has been hard, I will say, just the time wise. Because he works so much. And thankfully he has you know, has been able to provide for us as us and stuff. You know, me staying at home wasn't a luxury, it was just something that we had to do. And it can be difficult, like, you sometimes feel like a single parent, you know, raising two kids, it was harder when they were younger. But now that they're older, it's easier because they can do things on their own. So yeah, but I do appreciate his job and everything. He loves his work. And so I never want to like stand in the way of that, especially when he was in the military. It's very hard when you come out of the military to find a job that matches kind of that same work ethic, I guess you could say I couldn't see him sitting in like an office job. So this definitely

Rick Ripma: 23:01

did he have withdrawal symptoms. But Can everybody yell out?

Erica Mayfield: 23:06

No, but I'm sure he wanted to.

Ian Arnold: 23:12

He has kids, he has somebody to yell at doing something wrong at one point in time.

Erica Mayfield: 23:17

So funny because he is like not he can turn it on and off. And so that part of him at work, never came home. And so I admire him for that. Because, obviously, like the type of type of job Yes, did you he has to be able to do that. So anyways, I'm talking about him too much. I do love him a lot. So that's probably why

Rick Ripma: 23:37

I think it's interest is a great job. I had a customer who I call them. And I hear the siren right. Yeah. And he's, he's on a run. I just, you know, I figured they were concentrating on what they were doing now. He picked up the phone and he was talking to you. I thought, wow, that's that's interesting. I don't know if I do that. No, yeah. But probably never

Ian Arnold: 24:01

when he does it all the time. There's a difference. I mean, that's just the norm. That's him going to go and get bread at the store. I mean, that's nothing.

Rick Ripma: 24:10

So what is your life, like the daily grind of a real estate agent?

Erica Mayfield: 24:16

It is work. Basically, I feel like I'm working 24/7 And it is always on my mind. And I'm constantly you know, if I'm helping clients, I'm constantly looking for homes that might match their criteria. I am, like, right now I'm doing classes, you know, during this time and trying to cultivate, you know, my sphere for the upcoming year. And it's just 24/7 always going.

Rick Ripma: 24:41

I would think it would be nice. Are you able to work with some of your husbands? You know? Yes,

Erica Mayfield: 24:47

I have. So that has been a blessing. And it's been exciting. So I'm glad that I can help them. And thankfully they have good things to say. experience so far.

Rick Ripma: 25:00

But it's important to I think to help the the first responders right, and that's a good, that's a good thing to do. And there's special programs out there for first responders. And so there's a lot there. So, you know, I think it's I just think that's an important thing. And it's, you're, you're obviously in the in that much more than I am. And you understand the value of, of helping that that group? Definitely.

Ian Arnold: 25:23

So let me ask if somebody's just listened to the show, what is one of the programs out there for first responders, so

Erica Mayfield: 25:30

they have the title company, I know, Meridian title has Hometown Heroes, and they offer them I think it's$100 credit or possibly more towards their closing. So that is one program that I do know of. Okay.

Ian Arnold: 25:47

I just like, especially because if they're listening to this, they just did not know. And now, you know,

Erica Mayfield: 25:53

yes, yeah. Yeah. Well, especially if you're like a veteran, you know, obviously, there's the VA loans. And so there's a lot out there. Yeah.

Ian Arnold: 26:04

So let me just ask you this question. So, when you got into real estate, what was your ultimate dream?

Erica Mayfield: 26:12

Oh, my ultimate dream.

Ian Arnold: 26:15

I don't care how far out there it is. What was your ultimate? What's your ultimate

Erica Mayfield: 26:18

basically, in this is my wise to take the financial burden off of my husband, so he doesn't have to work so hard. And he, because he's like, you know, I don't know how to explain that he has done a lot for us. And I feel, I just want to be able to give that back to him, and then also get our kids through college and travel. So like, it's kind of like, it all encompasses, but that's mostly Yeah.

Rick Ripma: 26:47

When is he going to become a real estate agent? That tends to be what happens,

Erica Mayfield: 26:51

you know that I have a friend, that's what her husband is doing. I don't know. He definitely, he'll be my assistant. I don't know, he will get into the real estate field. So he loves living on the edge with his career, so we had

Ian Arnold: 27:08

we had one he retired, okay, for being a firefighter and then went into it, with his wife with his wife. Now, he wasn't I don't think he was the upfront person, the one you see and everything he did a lot, but there's many different fields that he could easily do, and just just to help you out, and to make it where you don't have so much burden. So we're gonna recruit him to help now.

Erica Mayfield: 27:37

You guys could talk to him.

Rick Ripma: 27:39

It helped everybody's, you know, every client is different. Yes. And, and you and I know this, we've dealt with many, many people, some people resonate more with somebody, you know, different people. Or sometimes you're like, I just not, I don't think I'm explaining this, but this person understands it. And then this other person comes in, and they can explain it because they they match better. Yeah, definite. Somehow they're able to do that. I think that's an important piece.

Ian Arnold: 28:03

Yeah. As soon as he noticed, she's not getting through them. He comes in and starts yelling like a drill sergeant. Do you get it? No,

Rick Ripma: 28:11

I don't think that's gonna work.

Erica Mayfield: 28:13

Well, and that's the beauty about real estate is that there are so many real tours. And so because everyone's not a match for someone. So you know, and that's what I appreciate about this business. You don't realize how many people there are until you actually like, get out there and get in it. So yeah, there's

Rick Ripma: 28:29

a lot. Yeah, but but there's a lot of real estate. That's, that's sold to Yeah, exactly. And, you know, it's a little, the markets go up and down and up and down. And there's different amounts of agents in there. But I think it's still the vast majority of agents don't do a whole lot. There. They're part time, you know, and then there's the group of full time agents like yourself that do a lot more. And, and that's, I know, there's value both ways. I think one of the big values is why we like to talk about the mentors. Yeah. Like one of the big values of a new person, in real estate fairly new person in real estate, is they have a lot more time for somebody, but some people would say, well, they don't have the knowledge. But if you have the right mentors, you've got all the experience you need, because you've got easy access to people. And I've been doing mortgages for a long time. I've been in real estate for a over almost 40 years. And there is there is never a day or rarely a day that goes by that there isn't something different that comes up even after 40 years because things change. Yeah. They change all the time. And are you finding that even in the time that you've been in real estate? How much it's changed in that timeframe? Yes,

Erica Mayfield: 29:44

because when I first started, we were having multiple offers and if you didn't have your offer, and basically that day, and you probably weren't gonna get it in and the house was already pending that night. And I feel like now lately it's coming Back around where you do still get multiple offers, but it's not as many as it was. And it's not as cutthroat, like, people aren't passing on inspections. And I'm kind of excited for that. Because then I can actually learn and negotiate a little bit, you know, get all of those, learn all of those things that I wasn't learning at the beginning. So, yeah, I and I, and that's what I think it's always changing. It's not the same. And I feel like we've progressed and we just keep moving forward, you know, so and I think that's why like, it's always changing. So yeah,

Ian Arnold: 30:34

that was the one thing that scared me during that time. Is people passing on inspections. Yes. I mean, I understand the reason why it happened. But it's, I just, I not spend that much money. Yeah,

Erica Mayfield: 30:47

I agree. I had first time homebuyers during that time. And it was down to their offer and another offer, and it was they wanted them to pass the inspection. And I said, you guys can do what you want to do. I said, but I would highly recommend that you get an inspection just you don't especially as first time homebuyers. You don't know what you're getting into. So

Rick Ripma: 31:09

you never know what you're getting? I have I've had people tell me, Oh, this house, we're having an inspection. But we don't need one. This house is perfect. Because on the outside, everything looks great. The inspection comes in, and it's like, oh, my gosh, look at all the things that are wrong. And they end up backing out of the house. Yeah. So you never know. And it can be expensive.

Erica Mayfield: 31:30

Yes. Yeah. Can you don't know if your whole H back system? You know, right. They don't get in there or plumbing. So yeah, we're talking

Rick Ripma: 31:39

about how things are expensive. Yeah, H back is really expensive. Now. It's unbelievable plumbing. It's just everything is very expensive. Yes. So you're better off having somebody who knows what they're doing, do an inspection. And then you know what you're getting exactly are much better idea.

Ian Arnold: 31:57

All right. So since you have all this knowledge now, and you want to give it to everybody, I want to be able to call you. What's the best way to get in touch with you. They

Erica Mayfield: 32:05

can call me at 317-670-0304 All

Ian Arnold: 32:10

right. See, she makes it nice and easy. All these people recently have had easy numbers. Oh, 304.

Rick Ripma: 32:16

But that was that was caller tax. Right? Yeah. What was the number again? I can't remember.

Erica Mayfield: 32:20

No, you're fine. 317-670-0304 Perfect. And

Rick Ripma: 32:25

to get a hold of ena, I can't remember our own number. Go to HardWorkingMortgageGuys.com. That's HardWorkingMortgageGuys.com. Or you can give us a call at 317-672-1938. It's 317-672-1938.

Ian Arnold: 32:39

All right, so now we get into question of the week. And this is always a hard one. Well, what was your first car?

Erica Mayfield: 32:45

Oh, I don't remember the make that I know is a stick shift. And I was so excited. But it was so scary to drive because there used to be a hill it's just past 31 Where O'Malley as was okay. And when I had to go up that little hill in with a stick shift. I thought it was gonna go backwards or my car was gonna stop anyways, I can't remember the make but I just know is a stick.

Ian Arnold: 33:11

I had the same. My second car was a stick. Yeah. And I was coming home from IUPUI. And this like the second night driving. I haven't had any hills. And I basically tried to avoid them. But I forgot about this one. I'm stuck in some guy gets right on my bumper. I go. I'm gonna hit this guy. I'm gonna hit it. I'm either going to stall or roll back. Luckily, I just gunned it and yeah, hit hit it just right. And I just took off. So I'm like chess, but I still thought I was hitting the guy. I know it's

Rick Ripma: 33:39

I had sticks. I didn't. I didn't have that problem. But my wife. Yeah, when we were dating. I had a Jeep Wrangler. At the time. They're called CJ five was a CJ five. I've had several so I had to remember. And she she actually had to put the emergency brake on Get out. Let me take over because she was just on a little tiny Hill out in the country. There was somebody behind her and she just couldn't do it. Yeah. scared her to death. That's it for even today. She will not drive a stick because of that.

Erica Mayfield: 34:08

Really? Yeah, I get it. Although sometimes like I just want to drive a car with that's like an automatic but are not an automatic Manual.

Ian Arnold: 34:17

To ask you what sticker you drive nowadays. They're hard to find.

Rick Ripma: 34:21

They are but they're hard. You can't people won't steal your car. They don't know how to drive. Right. I've read things where somebody they were going to carjack somebody. Yeah, driving.

Ian Arnold: 34:33

Yeah, there you go. Good security system. Yeah. All right. So I got a really tough one for you. Okay, even harder than that question. So we've all been at new jobs. And we've all had a learning process where we're like, oh, shoot, and then you just never made that mistake again. So what is one lesson you have learned?

Erica Mayfield: 34:54

I don't know if I have an answer for this question. But sounds really bad. You're putting me on the spot. Oh, wow,

Ian Arnold: 35:01

she does everything perfect. So you guys definitely need to call her.

Erica Mayfield: 35:05

She'll know about that about perfectionism.

Rick Ripma: 35:10

There's so much. It's hard to remember, it's very hard to remember everything that's going on. I think we've had some pretty good stories of people have had things happen to him.

Erica Mayfield: 35:20

Yeah, I think that is I think I just have like, a mental block. There's so much, you know, yeah, yeah, yeah,

Rick Ripma: 35:27

there's just so many, there's so many things. So what what is, like your main goal for the next few years?

Erica Mayfield: 35:35

I would like to grow my business in all forms, whether it's with clients, you know, being able to sell more and buy more. I think it's an all encompassing goal. I want, you know, I want to be able to provide a good service to everyone. Yes.

Rick Ripma: 35:56

Do you have a Do you have a niche yet? Or are you kind of, I'm still trying to find your niche,

Erica Mayfield: 36:02

figure it out. I love working with first time homebuyers. I'm learning the luxury market. I don't, I don't really know. I think families is my niche, I think because I love my family, like helping families. And I kind of can relate to those more. I'm open to helping anyone. But yeah, I feel like I'm just trying to figure it all out. Still. I mean, I've been in the business for two years now. So and I've grown more than I thought I ever would be. And I think I've had a lot of success for the short amount of time. Yeah. So I feel like I'm still just trying to navigate my way, you know, through, it

Rick Ripma: 36:41

doesn't really change much after 30 years, either. Try to navigate your way through

Erica Mayfield: 36:45

Well, that's good. That makes me I like that, you know. And as

Rick Ripma: 36:49

long as you're always learning, you know, that's what we've noticed when we talked to all these gurus we have on. And most of that, well, all we had was how 52 years? Yep, 52 years, he had been a real estate agent. And he still was learning. And his assistant had only been with him. 40 something years.

Erica Mayfield: 37:09

Wow. Yeah. That's amazing. It's just crazy

Rick Ripma: 37:13

how, but it's kind of how real estate is. The other thing about real estate is most people never quit. They just because it's a I think it's because you build this relationship with these people. Yeah, with your customers. It's not they're really not clients. They're their friends. Yeah, yeah, you want to work with them, and you want to help them and then so it's a hard thing to stop doing.

Erica Mayfield: 37:35

Yes. No, I agree. I can totally see that happening. So

Ian Arnold: 37:40

have you thought about you didn't mention earlier that you use social media? So is that you're trying to get into it? Or? Yes.

Erica Mayfield: 37:48

So I am not one that likes to draw attention to myself. And but I am trying to build my social media presence. So I do have Instagram. And at the beginning of my career, I was trying to do like reels and tic TOCs. And I'm planning on doing that again. I just really haven't had time to do so. So yeah.

Rick Ripma: 38:11

Not the right age kids to help. I

Erica Mayfield: 38:12

know Yes, exactly. That my daughter she was she can tell me if I'm doing it wrong.

Ian Arnold: 38:20

It is something and I had to go through it too is it's difficult to stop using it. Like we my wife and I we use a split when it first came out. And then we got married. We were just like, let's just get rid of this. So we both deleted it. Yeah. Oh my goodness, it's so hard to get back into the to using social media. So I fully I fully understand where you're coming from. Yeah, it's hard to just keep making it a habit now.

Erica Mayfield: 38:46

Definitely. Yes. And I think really, like the biggest reason I have social media is to keep in contact with the people that I know. So turning it to using it to possibly like attract people is really hard for me, you know, isn't?

Rick Ripma: 39:02

Couldn't it be kind of one in the same? Because those same people? Here's how I've always looked at and I don't do a lot of social media, I hire somebody to do that. Because I'm not I'm worse than both you guys. But I for years, and still do. I work on. It's all it's all about getting the referrals, right and repeat business. So you got to stay in touch with those people. And that's it. Social media is a great way to stay in touch. When I as an example, when I graduated from high school. I basically don't know I don't know anybody from when I graduated from high school. Right? Right. They're all gone. Yes, my my kids graduated from high school, and they're still friends with a lot of the people they graduated from high school and they are even if they are friends, they still know what's going on in their lives because of Facebook and they're able to keep in touch. And as long as they know what you're doing right If they know you're a real estate agent, that's, I think the biggest. One of the big hurdles when somebody is new to any industry, if they're a new loan officer, they're a new real estate agent. People don't see you as a real estate agent. So that's what you have to do. Right? And so you just have to make sure everything out there. I don't think everything you put out has to be about real estate, but they have to remember, because they can't refer you if they don't remember what you do. Right. Yes. Right. Yeah. Yeah. And so you have to keep out there in front of them. And, and it doesn't cost anything, which is the beauty. It takes time. Yes, exactly. Right. Yes. But you have kids, right. That are young. Yeah. That can do it for you. That's

Erica Mayfield: 40:42

right. Yeah. Yes. Yeah. I know. Well, when you guys are asking me about my hiring my husband, I was like, I really need to hire my kids. Because they're at the perfect age.

Ian Arnold: 40:51

Yeah. So have your kids thought about I know you you're not you haven't been in for like 20 years, but have your kids ever thought about hey, maybe I want to do real estate? I

Erica Mayfield: 40:59

don't know. No, it has not come up. My daughter has mentioned she would help me like with my if I have graphics or something like that. She likes doing that type of stuff. My son. So but that's a good question. Yeah, I thought about Well,

Ian Arnold: 41:15

the one thing that Rick and I see all the time is you've watched, especially a lot of realtors men in it for a while their kids are anti it. They're like my parents grew up. I don't want to do it. They'll go off do something. Five years later, guess what goes back to real estate. They all do. Right? It's just an interesting thing that they were like, oh, yeah, I guess it was the right fit.

Erica Mayfield: 41:36

Yes. I could see my daughter possibly doing it. Whether I don't think she sees that. But I could see it. Just her personality. So

Rick Ripma: 41:46

your son sounds like he has some possibility of becoming a real estate agent too.

Erica Mayfield: 41:51

Yeah, yes, it will. He's very entrepreneurial. So yeah, yes. And he that's what he wants to have flexibility with his career were kind of like you, we were talking about your sons like being able to travel. And having that flexibility, which I'm all for, you know, I want them to be happy no matter what they do, you know, but make the money at the same time.

Rick Ripma: 42:11

You know, real estate is good for that. The weird part of real estate, you know, even better than I do is that you have freedom. In a way, right? Yeah. Not not total freedom. Yes. Yes. Like, yes, you work for yourself. But the reality is, if you're not available for somebody, then you don't, you don't help them, right. They go somewhere else, right?

Erica Mayfield: 42:31

Yeah, you just gotta be available.

Ian Arnold: 42:33

Yes. So you do a lot of first time homebuyer. So, Rick, and I like to ask this question, what is the benefit? Whether it's mentally or financially for our first home buyer getting a home?

Erica Mayfield: 42:47

I'm sorry, can you? Yeah. So

Ian Arnold: 42:49

what is either a mental benefit or financial benefit for a first time homebuyer actually owning a home instead of renting? Yes.

Erica Mayfield: 42:57

So I guess just building the equity in your home. So because if you're renting, that money is going towards someone else or to someone else. And so say you just want to stay there for two or three years, you can turn around, you know, and sell that home and have some equity built up. I would say that,

Ian Arnold: 43:17

yep. No, I fully agree with you. I mean, it's the funniest thing is, especially during this time, when the rates are a little higher than what they were, is you get all the people going this isn't a great time to buy. Well, for first time homebuyer it is yeah. And I actually my family members were just having a discussion and and they were telling me that no, it's not a good time for their my brother in law to buy home. I go no, no, this is a perfect time. Yeah. Because what happened is, now you're not you're not competing against everybody. And you're also not throwing out home inspections. And all this. You're not bidding 50 $60,000 over asking price for a home. Were first time homebuyers don't have it? Exactly. Yeah. And I'm like, No, this is a perfect time for him. Because all right, rates are a little higher. Guess what, you can refinance in a year or two and then be just fine. Definitely. Go. But what happens when the rates drop? It's gonna get busier again. Right. So this is the great time for first time homebuyers.

Erica Mayfield: 44:14

Definitely when the rates were high like this, although I think they're coming down, come down. Yeah. They have come down from where they were. Yes. But I would say wasn't it 13 years ago, they were about that high like 7.75? I just remember that because we sold our house and bought a house and they were they were high at that time, but then we refinance. Yeah. And it was fine. So and I'm excited for

Ian Arnold: 44:39

you bring that up. So the funny question is, and we should even ask Rick, find out what his grandparents first house Oh, yes, interest rate was, but you ask either your parents or even their grandparents. So what was your house interest rate, and your grandparents will say felt 14%

Rick Ripma: 44:58

And it wasn't a 30 year X ray. No, no.

Erica Mayfield: 45:01

Yeah.

Ian Arnold: 45:02

So it's all relative. I mean, so you have to look at it that way. I mean, so even was it in the 70s? It was right around that 14%. Was that probably about 20 years ago? It was 10%. Yes, it's come down. Great. But guess what? It's not as bad as it once was,

Erica Mayfield: 45:23

right? Yes. And you always have those ebbs and flows. Yep. Yeah.

Rick Ripma: 45:27

And the reality is, real estate is a great investment. And while you're sitting on the sidelines, you're missing out on the equity that you would be building. And you're still if you're, wherever you're living, unless it's a free place to live, you're living in mom and dad's, your pain, right? And you're your, whatever interest rate, I have a friend who works for a big apartment complex. They invest in apartment complexes, and it's one of the hardest things right now. It's because all these low interest rates on those big buildings, they are short term loans, and all these, they're coming due. And all of a sudden, you've got this higher rate, and it's harder to make it work. They're gonna raise their rents to cover it. Yeah, right. Yeah. So it may not be looking, you know, you may not see it that you're paying seven, seven and a half 8%, or whatever the rate happens to be. But you are. That's just the way what's the rate

Ian Arnold: 46:24

on what's your interest rate on a rental? It's 100%. Yeah, right. I mean, you get none of that money back. Where, as you mentioned, and this is what Rick and I are numbers, guys, and I'm not very big emotional person asked my wife. But I'm not either. No, she's not. She's an accountant. And I do that. So we're both mathematic people. Yeah. So it's all about appreciation. And the longer the more you have a house, the average in Indiana, I think over the last 3040 years is roughly about 5%. Okay, so if you're getting that every single year, yes, there are ups and downs, for instance, oh, eight was, oh, 809 was a couple of down years, but then the rest were basically up. Why would you not take that, right? That's a huge investment over a five to 10 year period. Definitely.

Erica Mayfield: 47:14

Well, and if you're paying rent rent is typically higher than what you would be paying on a house and you're getting a smaller amount of space. Yep. So you can't

Rick Ripma: 47:23

customize it. No, it's not yours. And you don't have this. It's funny. You have such a different feeling when you own it. Yeah. overrunning it, right. And until you do that, you may not know but there's a difference. Yes.

Ian Arnold: 47:36

Yeah. Yeah. So I have to ask you lived in California. Yeah. So did you actually own a home in California? Or I will just kind of is there a big difference between that? And here? Oh, yes.

Erica Mayfield: 47:45

So it was cheaper when we live there. But we rented an apartment. And so the apartment that we had before we moved back here was a studio, and I think it was like 644 square feet. And we were paying around 1300 a month for that. And now it's definitely double that amount. So that's one of the reasons we came back to Indiana was because of cost of living. So there's no way like made it on one salary out there. It's all there. There's so much more to do out there. You know, yeah, the ocean and all of that. But anyway, so yeah, well,

Ian Arnold: 48:20

you have Indiana beach here. That's no it's not. I'm from Florida. Trust me. It's not people. It's interesting. People tell me that I'm like, yeah, no, I don't know what you guys are thinking.

Erica Mayfield: 48:32

Michigan Beach is nice. Or like, if you go up to the sand dunes. It is nice, but

Rick Ripma: 48:39

right now, no, not my boys go birding there this whole.

Ian Arnold: 48:44

Alright, so last time, I want people to get a hold of you. What's the best way?

Erica Mayfield: 48:49

Yes, you can call or text me at 317670304 And what was that one more time? Yes. 317-670-0304. And to get a

Rick Ripma: 49:01

of Ian or I go to HardWorkingMortgageGuys.com hold That's HardWorkingMortgageGuys.com Or give us a call at 317-672-1938 31767 to 1938. And please follow us for more India's real estate gurus.

Ian Arnold: 49:16

Reminder if you have any friends, family, coworkers looking to buy sell refinance, let us know more happy to help you. Erica, thank you for joining us. It's been a pleasure having you on our show. Thank you so much for having me. Yeah, we can't wait to see what you do and how you grow over the next few years. Rent

Announcer: 49:30

number 33041 report was in MLS NUMBER SIX. It's worth finding NMLS number 195469 equal housing opportunity some restrictions apply.