Check Out Chirley Lima’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chirley Lima.

Chirley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved to the United States in 2012 after graduating from law school in Brazil. I had an incredible opportunity that allowed me to come here, work, pay for my English classes, and still support myself, which was a huge step toward building the life I envisioned.

Even with that opportunity, starting over wasn’t easy. I had to adapt to a new language, a new culture, and a completely different system. Everything that once felt familiar was gone, and I had to rebuild my confidence from the ground up.

In 2017, I decided to transition into real estate. At the time, I didn’t have the budget to buy leads, and I didn’t have a network of family or friends to refer me business. On top of that, I was raising two very young children , a 6-month-old and a 2-year-old, so failure was not an option for me.

I knew I had to be intentional about creating opportunities. I committed to hosting two open houses every single weekend. That became the foundation of my business. It wasn’t glamorous, long days, balancing motherhood, and constantly putting myself out there, but it taught me discipline, consistency, and how to truly connect with people.

Little by little, things started to change. Those open houses turned into conversations, those conversations turned into clients, and those clients turned into referrals. I began building not just a business, but a reputation.

As I grew, I naturally found my niche working with investors. That space challenged me to think differently, understand numbers at a deeper level, and see real estate not just as transactions, but as a long-term wealth-building tool. Eventually, I became an investor myself, which completely transformed the way I serve my clients.

Today, I sell a high volume of properties each year, I own rental properties, and I work closely with clients who are looking to build and scale their real estate portfolios. I currently have 42 properties under contract, 16 active listings, 19 coming soon properties, What I’m most proud of is not just the volume, but the impact, helping people create opportunities and financial freedom for themselves.

My journey has been shaped by resilience, consistency, and a willingness to start from zero without excuses. I truly believe that success in this business, and in life, comes down to showing up, even when it’s hard, and trusting that the work will eventually pay off.

Because at the end of the day, if I was able to build this from nothing, anyone can.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.

When I started, I didn’t have family around to support me. My ex-husband’s family also lived in another city, so we were really on our own. At the same time, I had two very young children, and balancing motherhood with building a career in real estate was incredibly challenging.

Real estate is not an easy industry to break into. It requires you to invest a lot of money upfront, including marketing, fees, gas, and time, all before you see any return. There were moments when I had to pay for a babysitter just to go show homes, without even knowing if that effort would turn into a closing. That was one of the hardest parts, putting money out when you are not guaranteed anything in return.

There were also emotional challenges. Rejection, deals falling apart, long days with no immediate results, all while carrying the responsibility of providing for my kids. It can feel very isolating at times.

But those struggles shaped me. They taught me how to be resourceful, disciplined, and resilient. They forced me to keep going even when things felt uncertain.

Looking back, those were some of the hardest moments of my life, but they are also the reason I am where I am today.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a real estate agent based in Toledo, Ohio, and I specialize in working with both buyers and sellers, with a strong focus on real estate investors. Over the years, I have built my business around helping clients not just buy or sell a property, but truly understand how to use real estate as a tool to build long-term wealth.

I also invest in real estate myself, including rental properties and flips, so I bring real, hands-on experience to my clients. I understand the numbers, the risks, and the strategies because I am actively doing it, not just advising on it.

I would say I am known for my work ethic, my consistency, and the level of service I provide. I am very involved in every transaction and very intentional about how I market my listings. I do not just put a property on the market and hope for the best. I invest in professional photography, video, and strategic marketing to make sure each property stands out and attracts the right buyers.

What I am most proud of is the fact that I built my business from zero. No network, no financial backing, just consistency and determination. And today, I am able to help others, especially investors and families, create opportunities and build something for themselves.

What sets me apart is that I truly understand both sides of real estate. I am not only an agent, I am also an investor. I speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese, which allows me to connect with a broader community. And I bring a lot of heart into what I do. I know how important these decisions are, and I treat every client’s situation as if it were my own.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple. I want my clients to feel confident, informed, and supported, whether they are buying their first home or building a portfolio.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The market isn’t slowing down. It’s growing up.

Buyers are coming to the table smarter, more prepared, and more patient than ever before. Affordability challenges have a way of doing that. And as inventory continues to build and negotiation returns to both sides, we’re finally seeing what a balanced market actually looks like.

AI and technology will keep streamlining the process, but they won’t replace what clients actually need most: someone who understands their goals, not just the transaction.

The bigger shift is in how people think about property. It’s not just a place to live anymore. It’s a financial strategy. More buyers are thinking like investors from day one, and that trend is only accelerating.
That means agents have to keep up.

Continuing education isn’t just about license renewals. It’s about staying sharp enough to actually serve people well. The market will keep changing. The best agents will keep learning.

The ones who will win the next decade aren’t just closers. They’re advisors who never stop growing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chirleyohiorealtor
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18U5Bn8dvE/
• Other: Chirley Lima, Realtor

Image Credits
Josiah Williamson first two photos David Riethmiller magazine and Josiah Williamson