Her Story
About Zan
Zan Cheeks began her career in real estate in 1989 as a weekend leasing person while still in high school. Over the years she advanced to national leasing roles covering seven states and later founded her own company specializing in lease-ups, where she trains on-site teams before transitioning properties. She also works with a builder in Midlothian selling new homes, having sold 26 homes in her first year, and continues to handle both leasing and sales. Cheeks draws on skills from her time performing stand-up comedy to ease clients through the home selection process and prioritizes financial literacy education and honest guidance.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Zan
01What do you attribute your success to?
Staying grounded in my faith and having a faith-filled family is my most precious asset to being successful. If I don't have a tie to my faith in my family, I really have nothing to offer the world. Manifestations come from God, and not giving Him His props is dangerous because without faith you have more problems than you imagine.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Find a strong mentor who has been doing what you want to do for some years, not just six months. Spend time with them, shadow them, take your own notes and observations to get a real authentic experience. Don't just follow highlight reels on Instagram or TikTok because there is a lot more that went into that production than a 30-second glimpse. Real estate is not a get-rich-quick scheme.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The challenges are people are not financially literate. Regulations require bringing in three times the rent but that is not always safe. I help map out safer budgets considering utilities, amenity fees that can add $200 more. People see Instagram highlight reels and think leasing is just putting on a cute dress and high heels, but they don't consider walking the property in 3-inch stilettos or the behind-the-scenes work.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being truthful is the most critical piece. Telling the truth hurts but so does lying because I can't move forward if you are not truthful with me and I can't move forward if I'm not truthful with you. I tell customers the truth as I know it and correct it immediately if wrong. I frame it in a non-abrasive way because you can tell anyone anything depending on your tone and how you present it. Honesty is everything because I have to still live on this planet when you're gone and I don't want to contribute more to your mess.
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