From Corporate Hamster Wheel to Real Estate Freedom: Erica Schipani’s Story
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Ever feel like you’re stuck in the “wrong lane” of real estate or your career? Then this blog is just for you.
At Get to Know The Real Estate Ecosystem, we’re not just talking square footage and market trends. We’re talking people- the ones who zigzag, take detours, and still find their way forward one tough decision at a time.
Today’s spotlight? Erica Schipani, a Licensed Real Estate agent working at Keller Williams City Life Jc.
The Moment Everything Changed
For Erica Schipani, the turning point came during a yearly review. She had worked hard, delivered results, and envisioned growth. But when she asked about her ideal salary, her boss replied that it simply wasn’t possible.
That one conversation was enough.
“I felt stuck and stunted in my personal and cognitive growth. I was no longer around colleagues who inspired me. It felt like I was running on a hamster wheel Monday through Friday—and I wanted more.”
Preparing for the Leap into Real Estate
Instead of quitting impulsively, Erica made a plan. She reminded herself that staying meant losing both time and money. Over the summer, she took a real estate salesperson course to earn her license. She was determined to have something secured before leaving her old career behind.
Her entrepreneurial spirit came naturally. Inspired by her father—who built businesses from scratch, from a coffee shop to a New York pizzeria that lasted 21 years—Erica learned early that success is created, not given.
That mindset even led her to launch a mobile fashion app in 2022, called OutPin, which helped shoppers get real-time outfit opinions. Though she later pivoted, the experience reinforced her ability to take risks and innovate.
Facing Fear and Finding Support
Leaving her steady job wasn’t easy.
“I cried days after quitting, thinking, ‘What have I done?’ It felt like I had jumped into the deep end of the unknown.”
What helped Erica push forward was a powerful reminder: if she didn’t make the leap now, she might never do it. Add to that the unwavering support of her family and boyfriend, and she found the courage to move through the fear.
Learning to Think Like an Owner
In real estate, Erica quickly discovered her true purpose: helping people make one of the biggest investments of their lives.
Her first clients were a young couple expecting a baby. She helped them find a rental in a new city, making their transition smoother during such an important life stage.
“That’s why I made the switch,” she says. “To be more than a salesperson. To be an advisor.”
Erica’s philosophy is simple: anyone can learn contracts and sales skills, but not everyone can bring empathy. She never chases a paycheck- she chases trust.
In her first sale, she was even willing to give up part of her commission just to make the deal happen. As she puts it:
“Money comes and goes, but your reputation is everything. YOU are your business.”
Hard Money Lending: Creative Financing for Investors
Beyond traditional sales, Erica dove into hard money lending, a short-term financing solution where loans are secured by a property’s value rather than the borrower’s credit.
Hard money loans are ideal for:
Fix-and-flip investors who need quick capital.
Developers converting properties into multifamily housing.
Buyers looking for short-term financing alternatives.
Erica educates her clients about options like seller financing, assumable loans, and grant programs always looking for ways to keep deals moving forward.
The Jersey City Ground Game
Operating in Jersey City, Erica knows each neighborhood’s unique vibe:
Downtown JC → Luxury apartments, commercial spaces, and a prime commuter hub.
Journal Square → Culture, transit, and a hot spot for affordable housing development.
The Heights → Family-friendly, scenic views, and a growing community.
Bergen-Lafayette → Brownstones, pre-war apartments, and industrial conversions with huge growth potential.
Her advice to buyers? Get pre-approved before house hunting and know your monthly budget. Then, tour homes across different neighborhoods to find the right fit not just for today, but for your lifestyle long term.
Final Advice: Don’t Wait for the “Perfect Time”
When asked what she would tell someone considering a career change—or a first home purchase—Erica doesn’t hesitate:
“Make the move NOW. You will never have the time, so make it. We only die once, but we live every day. Make it matter.”
Her story is a reminder that fear and uncertainty are natural but they don’t have to hold you back. With the right mindset, support system, and a willingness to take risks, you can build a career and a life that feels truly your own.
Listen to her story here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyrSn_QZ4LA
Connect with Erica:
Instagram: eschipani.realtor (please check out my bitly in my bio to sign up for my monthly newsletter!)
KW Agent Site: enschipani.kw.com
Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-schipani-3041b469/
One Last Thing...
The real estate world isn’t just buyers and sellers. It’s made of people like Erica! People who’ve zig-zagged, grown, and brought their whole selves into the work.
Her story is your reminder that it’s okay to change lanes. It’s okay to start over. And sometimes, your best work shows up when you finally bet on yourself.
