Mastering Real Estate and Motherhood

achieving balance and helping others find their dream homes

Success in real estate demands resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to personal and professional growth. For Ifunanya Anusi, widely known as Ify, this journey has been both a career-defining and life-changing experience.

Since entering the real estate world in 2016, Ify has transformed her side hustle into a thriving business while balancing life as a mom of four. Her story is one of grit, innovation, and a passion for helping others find their dream homes.

Recently, I had the honor of hosting Ify on The Success Builders Podcast, where we explored her strategies for success, her insights on balancing motherhood and business, and her advice for aspiring realtors.

Let me take you behind the scenes of our conversation and share the most inspiring takeaways from Ify’s incredible journey.

Tune in to our full conversation:

A Side Hustle That Turned into a Passion

Real estate wasn’t always part of Ify’s plan. While pursuing her MBA, she dabbled in the industry as a side hustle. But what started as an experiment quickly became a passion. Her determination and work ethic propelled her from being a newcomer to earning awards like the Rotary Agent of KwaZulu-Natal during her first year.

Ify explained that approaching every opportunity with authenticity and commitment will produce positive results. Over time, her dedication earned her consistent recognition, including multiple “Agent of the Month” and “Agent of the Year” awards.

What sets Ify apart is her emphasis on building trust with her clients. She expressed that real estate involves more than just selling properties; it is about addressing challenges and assisting individuals in realizing their dreams. A key element of her strategy is collaborating with mortgage brokers, simplifying the process for her clients, and creating a seamless experience.

Thriving in Pine Town’s Dynamic Real Estate Market

Ify has built her expertise in Pine Town, KwaZulu-Natal, a market rich in diversity and opportunities. She describes it as a region with something for everyone:

Affordable Homes for First-Time Buyers: With properties starting at around R600,000, Pine Town is an ideal entry point for new homeowners.
Luxury Living Options: Upscale neighborhoods like Tynesville Park and Manos cater to clients seeking high-end homes.
Market Trends: Although the real estate market has fluctuated recently, Ify remains optimistic about future growth, particularly given 2025’s promising economic outlook.

Her strategy is to prioritize consistency over unpredictability. Instead of focusing solely on high-value properties, she chooses to work with a range of mid-level properties, allowing her to help a wider client base while maintaining stability in her business.

The Art of Balance: Juggling Real Estate and Motherhood

achieving balance in motherhood and real estate career

One of the most remarkable aspects of Ify’s story is her ability to manage a demanding career and life as a mom of four. She calls motherhood her grounding force, reminding her of why she works so hard daily.

Here’s how she keeps the balance:

Family First: When she’s with her kids, Ify gives them full attention, whether attending school events or simply spending time together at home.
Clear Boundaries: She ends her workday at 6 p.m. sharp to maintain balance. “Evenings are reserved for my family and self-care,” she said.
Self-Care as a Priority: Ify stressed the importance of self-care, whether through exercise, meditation or simply unwinding. She clarified that you cannot give what you do not have.

For Ify, success is about more than professional achievements—it’s about creating a life where her family and career can thrive.

Building Success on Strong Foundations

When I asked Ify about the core principles behind her success, she shared these invaluable insights:

Exceptional Service: Ify believes her clients deserve the best, and she makes it a point to guide them at every step so they feel informed and supported.
Honesty and Transparency: Whether working with first-time buyers or experienced investors, Ify believes in giving honest advice. It's not about the most expensive home but the right home.
Strong Relationships: Ify shared that many of her 2016 clients still refer her to friends and family. Building trust is at the heart of her business.
Lifelong Learning: She mentioned that this industry always has something new to learn. From podcasts to market research, Ify stays ahead of trends to offer the best advice to her clients.

Leveraging Technology Without Losing the Human Touch

Ify admits that embracing technology wasn’t easy initially, but she’s learned to use it to enhance her business.

Social Media as a Game-Changer: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok allow her to connect with clients creatively. She shared a memorable moment when a TikTok video led to a property sale!
Email Campaigns for Targeted Outreach: Ify uses email marketing to generate leads and attract new buyers for slower-moving properties.
Experimenting with New Ideas: She’s even considering launching her podcast to share industry insights and expand her reach.

As Ify pointed out, technology enhances human connection—it doesn’t replace it. By combining digital tools with personal relationships, she’s built a business that thrives on innovation and trust.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Realtors

If you’re considering a career in real estate, Ify’s advice is simple yet powerful:

Set Goals and Stay Focused: Success starts with a clear vision and the discipline to stick to it.
Be Flexible and Resilient: Real estate is unpredictable. Adaptability is key.
Find Your Motivation: “Your passion and purpose have to come from within,” Ify said.
Build Relationships: Trust is the foundation of a successful real estate career. Treat your clients well, and referrals will follow.

Ready to Build Your Own Success Story?

My conversation with Ify reminded me that success isn’t just about numbers or accolades—it’s about relationships, balance, and finding fulfillment in your work.

Ify’s journey proves that anything is possible with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn. Whether you’re an aspiring realtor or a seasoned professional, her story is a testament to what you can achieve when you combine hard work with heart.

Ready to feel inspired? Tune in to Success Builders Podcast

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