Holly Carroll: Women Make the Best Real Estate Agents

REE #235 Full Video

[00:00:00] Holly Carroll: That is a self-belief. If I believe that, other people are going to believe that. And I just choose not to believe that. I know I'm a wonderful person. I know that people are going to like me because I care about them. And I think once people do meet me, they realize that I'm a normal person. It’s all about how you believe in yourself. If I feel like I’m too good for somebody, if I feel entitled, if I feel like having 90,000 followers is the biggest thing ever, and I start believing those things are who I am to the core, then that’s when you have to start making a shift.

[00:01:00] Tracy Hayes: Hey, welcome back to the Real Estate Excellence Podcast. Our special guest on the show is an amazing real estate agent with the agency in Muskoka, Canada. This former Miss Canada is now a top-producing real estate agent and author of Selling Secrets You Can't Afford To Tell.

[00:01:25] Tracy Hayes: To miss with over 90,000 Instagram followers, she is a real estate and lifestyle influencer. She was an international model for 17 years and believes deeply in empowering women. She’s a founding member of Women Empower Women Co and founded a company called Finding the Beauty Within, which helps young ladies build self-worth, confidence, and navigate the struggles of being a woman. Let’s welcome the real estate queen of Muskoka, Holly Carroll, to the show.

[00:01:54] Holly Carroll: Yay.

[00:01:56] Tracy Hayes: All right. Well, I’m glad you made it as you ventured—I imagine your mom lives in Canada.

[00:02:01] Holly Carroll: Yes, she does.

[00:02:03] Tracy Hayes: And you had to travel across Canada this morning.

[00:02:04] Holly Carroll: Yeah.

[00:02:06] Tracy Hayes: Five hours in Canada is kind of like five hours in Texas. You don’t really feel like you went very far.

[00:02:12] Holly Carroll: Yeah, exactly.

[00:02:14] Tracy Hayes: And just for the audience, I want you to tell us a little about yourself—young Holly and how you evolved in your career from modeling to real estate. Muskoka is directly north of Toronto, right? Did I get that right? You’re near Lake Huron?

[00:02:41] Holly Carroll: It’s north of Toronto, so you got that right. But it’s known for its 1,600 lakes, with the most famous being Lake Muskoka, Lake Joseph, and Lake Rosseau.

[00:02:52] Tracy Hayes: Aren’t those lakes connected? Maybe I misread the map.

[00:02:57] Holly Carroll: They are near London, Grand Bend, that area.

[00:03:01] Tracy Hayes: I see. I’ve seen some homes there on social media, but not many winter pictures. I imagine the ice gets thick in winter.

[00:03:16] Holly Carroll: It’s a very seasonal place. Up until the pandemic, it was mostly a summer destination, but now it’s a four-season area. Before, most clients only visited during spring, summer, and a bit of fall, but now they leave for warmer places in winter. It’s beautiful here in winter, though.

[00:03:36] Tracy Hayes: I grew up on Cape Cod, which is also seasonal. It doesn’t get as cold as Muskoka, but after Labor Day or Columbus Day, shops and restaurants close, and it’s just the locals. I imagine you love when it’s just the locals around.

[00:04:04] Holly Carroll: For sure.

[00:04:04] Tracy Hayes: So, tell us about young Holly growing up. I imagine you were introduced to modeling around 17 years old, right?

[00:04:20] Holly Carroll: Yes. Young Holly wanted to be a supermodel at age seven. I had big dreams and still do. My mom was a huge part of that, helping me get my foot in the door. At 11, I signed my first modeling contract, and at 14, I signed an international contract in Asia, and it took off from there.

[00:04:50] Tracy Hayes: Who inspired you when you were young? Who did you look at and think, “I want to be like her”?

[00:04:57] Holly Carroll: The familiar faces like Claudia Schiffer, for sure. Back then, there were true supermodels, which isn’t as common now. Today, anyone can become famous as an influencer.

[00:05:15] Tracy Hayes: I remember models like Christie Brinkley and Elle Macpherson from my generation. But now, I can’t think of any current supermodels that are widely known.

[00:05:39] Holly Carroll: I was an international model for 17 years, which shaped who I am and translated well into real estate. Modeling taught me about branding, self-promotion, confidence, and handling rejection—all of which help me succeed today.

[00:05:58] Tracy Hayes: Modeling is tough with lots of sacrifices. What did you learn about people during that time? I imagine you met both great people and not-so-great ones.

[00:06:24] Holly Carroll: That’s a great question. It definitely taught me how to protect myself and see things coming. Every industry has its dark and light sides. If you’re aware of the dark side, you can play in the light. I never wanted to become hardened by the bad parts. In real estate, you also deal with difficult people, and it’s easy to get discouraged. But I strive to create a positive environment and help others be their best selves.

[00:07:27] Tracy Hayes: Right. You mentioned training and assessments like DISC. I imagine modeling helped you learn how to read people and understand who’s genuine.

[00:08:03] Holly Carroll: Yes, and it’s also about knowing your self-worth. The more you trust and love yourself, the more you can see when someone else isn’t aligned with that. When you live authentically, it’s easier to spot bad intentions and decide whether to engage.

[00:09:02] Tracy Hayes: You mentioned earlier that now you only work with clients who align with you. Can you tell us more about that?

[00:09:56] Holly Carroll: Yes. I only work with good people who are aligned with me—clients who are spiritual and strive to be their best selves. It’s not just about wealthy clients or closing deals; it’s about being surrounded by good people and learning from every transaction.

[00:10:42] Tracy Hayes: That’s an interesting point. I recently saw a model-turned-real-estate-agent in Miami venting on social media about how difficult clients made her consider going back to nursing. It made me think of what you said.

[00:11:45] Holly Carroll: It’s a shame to let someone else’s behavior decide your future. Women, in particular, struggle with saying no or setting boundaries. We often think the client is always right, but protecting our energy and setting boundaries is essential because we’re the experts.

[00:12:34] Tracy Hayes: When did real estate come into the picture? You mentioned being in California at some point.

[00:12:34] Holly Carroll: Yes. Many people told me I should try real estate. When I was modeling in LA, I thought, “Why not?” I started my course and spent time with real estate people, noticing the similarities to modeling. Although I didn’t get licensed in LA, I moved home and started my career in Toronto. Initially, I struggled because my first brokerage wanted me to fit their mold rather than be myself. It wasn’t until I embraced my full identity—model Holly and real estate Holly—that my business took off.

[00:13:57] Tracy Hayes: What did they want you to change?

[00:14:01] Holly Carroll: They wanted me to tone it down, not shine as bright, and not look so glamorous. They were more traditional and older. It just wasn’t the right fit for me. Pretending to be someone else didn’t feel authentic and affected my confidence.

[00:15:00] Tracy Hayes: I imagine that being authentic is part of your brand now. How has your modeling background helped you in real estate?

[00:16:15] Holly Carroll: Definitely. Being in front of the camera and putting myself out there was part of modeling, and it’s essential in real estate too. Many agents find it difficult to be in front of the camera, but it’s an easy way to build trust before meeting someone. The confidence I built from modeling helps me connect with clients from all over the world.

[00:17:36] Tracy Hayes: How do you advise new agents who are hesitant about getting in front of the camera?

[00:17:36] Holly Carroll: Just start. You don’t have to be perfect. People like raw, relatable content. It shows you’re a real person. Just keep trying and show your true self.

[00:18:12] Tracy Hayes: Did you ever feel the need to make yourself more approachable?

[00:18:50] Holly Carroll: Yes, that’s a belief. If I think I’m too good for people, they will think that too. But I choose not to believe it. I know I’m a kind person

Here's the cleaned-up transcript with timestamps and names retained:

[00:18:50] Holly Carroll: Yeah, I totally agree with that. I mean, that is a self-belief. If I believe that, other people are going to believe that. And I just choose not to believe that. I know I'm a wonderful person. I know that people are going to like me because I care about them. And I think once people do meet me, they realize that I'm a normal person. So I think it’s all about how you believe in yourself. If I feel like I'm too good for somebody, if I feel entitled, if I feel like having 90,000 followers is the biggest thing ever, and I start believing those things are who I am to the core, then that’s when you have to start making a shift, right?

[00:19:33] Tracy Hayes: That’s a great answer. That’s a great reel right there. I love it. All right, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of real estate. Some agents get off to fast starts, but many struggle at different times. What were some challenges you had personally or in understanding the business? Many people get into the business, take the exam—whatever the equivalent is in Canada—but what kind of things did you have to overcome and learn in your first year of real estate?

[00:20:13] Holly Carroll: Well, my first real year in real estate wasn’t great. One reason was that I tried to do too many other things alongside real estate. I’m sure many people listening know what I’m talking about. You need to pay bills, but if you want to be in real estate, it has to be your main focus, not something on the side. The biggest thing I had to overcome was not listening to others and letting them determine my career. No matter how many deals I didn’t get or calls I missed, there was no doubt in my mind that I would be a successful real estate agent in Muskoka. It was only a matter of time. I built my brand before I built my business. I called myself the real estate queen of Muskoka before I technically was. But I acted the part—I drank coffee like her, talked like her. People believed it before it was even true. The biggest challenge was not letting others dictate my future.

[00:21:38] Tracy Hayes: That’s great advice. I’m going to lead into a question I prepped you with before the show, which I’ve been asking on recent podcasts. I often reference Angela Duckworth’s book, Grit: Passion and Perseverance, and I call it LLC—laughter, learning, and consistency. What is it about real estate itself that you truly love now, after all your years in it?

[00:22:16] Holly Carroll: It sounds cliché, but it’s the people. I’ve met some of my best friends who are now like family. I’ve built a team that’s literally my group of best friends. We have so much fun, even while doing deals with clients. My life is real estate because my friends and family are part of these transactions.

[00:22:38] Tracy Hayes: I love that. Laughter is important, and learning to laugh at obstacles is something I’ve embraced over time. You mentioned that your first year wasn’t glorious. You called yourself the queen of Muskoka before anyone formally put the crown on your head. You must have had moments when you went home, maybe even cried, but kept moving forward. Can you share a moment like that?

[00:23:12] Holly Carroll: Absolutely. This relates to what I sell—cottages in Muskoka. The sewage here isn’t handled by the town; it’s on septic systems. If you don’t know what that is, look it up. I didn’t include a clause for the septic to be pumped, either because I forgot or didn’t know. I remember my client saying they would not buy a house full of you-know-what.

[00:23:47] Tracy Hayes: Right, as a gesture from the sellers when they move out.

[00:23:50] Holly Carroll: Exactly. I remember thinking, “What have I done?” When you make a mistake in real estate, it feels like the end of your career. But I paid for it to be pumped, and everything was fine.

[00:24:09] Tracy Hayes: Consistency is key. What are some staples in your business that you consistently do to drive your success?

[00:24:25] Holly Carroll: I build and maintain relationships. That might sound cliché, but it’s true. Whenever I host an event or go somewhere, I invite my clients. I’m in frequent contact with them, whether through memes or casual messages, just including them in my life. I also work consistently on my personal growth and belief in where I’m going.

[00:24:56] Tracy Hayes: When you said you talk to your clients, I think many people hesitate to reach out because they don’t want to disturb them. Texts make it easier because they can read them at their convenience. But I imagine that over time, they enjoy making contact.

[00:25:24] Holly Carroll: Yes, it depends on how you approach it. I rarely talk about real estate unless it comes up. I focus on them—asking how they’re doing and talking about their lives. People love to talk about themselves. The goal is to stay connected and show you care. Real estate will come up naturally.

[00:26:04] Tracy Hayes: On one of your shows, you mentioned that women are better suited for real estate. Why do you think that is?

[00:27:10] Holly Carroll: Women naturally embody more feminine qualities, which are valuable in real estate. Nurturing, caring, and being receptive are key. The business often leans toward a hustle-driven, masculine approach, but that can sometimes hurt more than help. Women who balance both qualities make excellent agents.

[00:27:51] Tracy Hayes: You said something about essential habits. One thing I recall from a podcast was scheduling your days off. Why is that important in your career?

[00:28:13] Holly Carroll: Because if you don’t take control of your schedule, the industry will take control of you. It’s easy to keep going without stopping. If you don’t schedule time off, you’ll never have it, and we all need that time to recharge so we can come back with energy.

[00:28:51] Tracy Hayes: What do you suggest for your agents when they need to take time off?

[00:29:33] Holly Carroll: It’s important to understand that the culture teaches you to fear missing out, but the truth is the opposite. Taking care of yourself and being in a higher vibration helps attract business. At the agency, we help each other out, so we encourage taking that time off. Heck, I’ll even go on vacation with you!

[00:30:07] Tracy Hayes: Culture is a word thrown around a lot. What’s the culture like at the agency?

[00:30:36] Holly Carroll: It’s about kindness, support, and giving. It’s not just about getting together but about the quality of the people. We attract like-minded individuals who want to grow and help others grow. Someone else’s win is my win, and vice versa. It’s a tight-knit community.

[00:31:20] Tracy Hayes: My wife says women can only have four or five in their circle before drama starts.

[00:31:30] Holly Carroll: It gets messy, right?

[00:31:35] Tracy Hayes: You talked about sharing books or ideas in the industry. Have you noticed that top agents are always looking for the next high in learning and growth?

[00:32:16] Holly Carroll: Absolutely. It’s a natural high, and I crave it. In any business, you need personal development—facing your limitations and figuring out how to grow.

[00:32:46] Tracy Hayes: I want to discuss your philanthropy. You co-founded Women Empower Women Co. and created Finding the Beauty Within. Can you share more about these?

[00:33:12] Holly Carroll: Women Empower Women Co started with my friends and me during the pandemic. We needed support and figured other women did too. We held weekly calls on different topics, creating a safe space for vulnerability and healing. It evolved into a supportive community that meets for retreats and events.

[00:34:05] Tracy Hayes: What topics did you cover in these calls?

[00:34:19] Holly Carroll: Topics included limiting beliefs, manifesting, and even personal issues. It was a private, judgment-free space.

[00:34:32] Tracy Hayes: This wasn’t just for women in real estate, right?

[00:35:08] Holly Carroll: Right, it was for everyone. Initially, I wanted it for real estate women, but we opened it up to everyone. It turns out we all needed it.

[00:35:33] Tracy Hayes: Tell us about Finding the Beauty Within.

[00:36:00] Holly Carroll: It stemmed from being the role model I needed at that age. I had a wonderful mom, but sometimes you need someone else. The program is for girls aged 11 to 16 and uses confidence-building techniques, like walking in front of a mirror as if on a runway, to help them build self-confidence.

[00:37:24] Tracy Hayes: I have a young daughter, and I think programs like that are so valuable.

[00:38:15] Holly Carroll: I’d love to bring this to St. Augustine.

[00:39:03] Tracy Hayes: How has volunteering impacted your real estate business?

[00:39:03] Holly Carroll: While I didn’t do it for my business, it shaped me into a better person. Helping others gets me out of my head and fulfills me. I met many wonderful people and made lifelong friends through volunteering.

[00:40:07] Tracy Hayes: Volunteering brings you to new circles you wouldn’t otherwise meet.

[00:40:21] Tracy Hayes: You mentioned you’re working on another book.

[00:40:25] Holly Carroll: Yes, it’s called Closing Deals in Heels. I’ve been working on it for three years. It’s vulnerable and shares my personal struggles. It’s not just about heels; it’s about owning who you are and taking control of your business.

[00:41:31] Tracy Hayes: That’s great. We’d love to have you back when it launches. Let’s plan a visit to Florida for January and do a live podcast.

[00:42:31] Holly Carroll: I’d love that. Funny enough, when I say things on podcasts, they tend to come true.

[00:43:28] Tracy Hayes: Thanks for joining us today. I’ll share your social media links and reach out to some women I know who would benefit from following your journey.

[00:43:29] Holly Carroll: Thank you so much.

[00:43:30] Tracy Hayes: Thank you. We’ll talk soon.