Zara Malik's Real Estate Success Story
“Take a Chance on Me”
How Zara Malik Turned One Ask Into Her First Escrow
When Keller Williams Pasadena’s own Zara Malik joined the brokerage, she was brand new to real estate. Just a few months later, she closed her first transaction, working with experienced investors who chose her not because of her track record, but because she had the courage to ask.
In a recent sit-down with Team Leader Gabriel Cruz Perez, Zara shared her journey from training to escrow and the lessons she learned along the way. It’s the kind of story every agent, whether they’re just starting out or reenergizing their business, needs to hear.
The Power of the Ask
“Take a chance on me.”
– Zara Malik
It wasn’t a pitch. It wasn’t a hard sell. It was a conversation at a party where Zara casually let her friends, real estate investors, know she was now in the business. Weeks later, they called her on her birthday with a property they wanted to see. Zara showed up, followed up, and closed the deal.
Her takeaway? Your network really is your net worth. And more importantly, people won’t think of you unless you ask them to.
Lessons from the Field
Zara’s first transaction wasn’t without challenges. She initially lost out on the home, but stayed in touch with the listing agent. When the deal fell through, she was ready to jump back in. That follow-up made all the difference.
“Most agents never even called the listing agent. But Zara did. And that’s what got her the win.”
– Gabriel Cruz Perez
Through that experience, she learned one of the most important truths in real estate: The cleanest offer often wins, not the highest one. She also gained confidence in negotiation, contingency strategy, and buyer communication.
Growth Over Perfection
Zara’s mindset is what makes her stand out. Instead of blaming the market or dismissing missed opportunities, she chose to reflect and improve. One challenge she faced was understanding local comps and preparing effective comparative market analyses (CMAs).
“I just have to keep practicing CMAs and get better at it.”
– Zara Malik
That attitude—humble, honest, and growth-focused—is what Keller Williams calls the growth mindset. And it’s what we believe turns rookies into rockstars.
Final Advice: Be a Human First
While many new agents worry about being too salesy, Zara leans into authentic connection.
“I’m not trying to sell. I’m just being a friend. If you want to work with me, that’s great.”
It’s a reminder that great agents are often great listeners first. In a people-driven business, transparency, trust, and genuine care are the most powerful tools.
What's Next?
With her first escrow behind her, Zara is doubling down on building strong relationships within her network, staying visible, and sharpening her skills.
“Not every buyer will be as easy as my first. But I’m ready for the next challenge.”
And we have no doubt—she’s just getting started.
Interested in launching your own real estate journey with Keller Williams Pasadena?
Join us at our next Career Night to learn how you can get your real estate education for free with KSCORE® and become part of a supportive, high-performance team.
📩 Contact: gabrielcruzperez@kw.com
📞 626-204-3303
🌐 kwpasadena.com
Join Our Growing Brokerage
At Keller Williams Realty Pasadena, we are committed to fostering growth and excellence. If you are a non-Keller Williams agent interested in exploring new career opportunities and achieving your professional goals, we invite you to connect with us.
Contact Information:
Gabriel Perez
Team Leader
Phone: 626-204-3303
Email: gabrielcruzperez@kw.com
We are proud to have been voted the #1 Brokerage in Pasadena by Pasadena Weekly in both 2023 and 2024.
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