Hondros Alum Named Rookie of the Year Finalist

Hondros College is proud to celebrate alumnus Sam LoFaso III, who was recently named a 2025 RISMedia Rookie of the Year Finalist for his outstanding achievements in real estate. This Q&A explores LaFaso’s journey from pre-med student to thriving real estate agent, highlighting how he built a successful career in just two years.

Key Takeaways

• Find Your Passion: Real estate can be a rewarding choice for those who are motivated by helping people.
• Flexible Education Is Key: A mix of online and in-person learning, like the options at Hondros, can provide the flexibility and support needed to succeed.
• Test Prep Matters: Comprehensive exam prep, including crammer courses and unlimited practice tests, is crucial for passing the state exam on the first try.
• Build Your Network: Success in real estate is heavily dependent on relationships. Joining networking groups and reconnecting with your sphere of influence is a game-changer.
• Perseverance Pays Off: The first few years can be challenging, but staying connected and persevering through tough deals will lead to long-term success and personal fulfillment.

A Q&A With Sam LoFaso

What got you interested in real estate?

“My dad is a real estate agent and owns LoFaso Real Estate. Growing up, I was always around it, but at first, I didn’t want to follow that path. I went to Tiffin University pre-med and even studied for the MCAT, but I realized I didn’t want to spend the next four years in med school. I wanted something different.

I’ve always been a people person, just like my dad, and I realized real estate was a better fit for my personality and skills. So after graduating college, I got my license right away. I got licensed in July 2023, so it’s been just over two years now.”

Was there anything about Hondros specifically that made you choose it for your real estate education?

“Honestly, my dad told me to go to Hondros. I started online, which was great because I could do it at my own pace, but if I was confused, I could schedule an in-person session. That flexibility worked really well for me.”

Can you talk about your experience with Hondros?

“I took most of my courses online, but it was really nice to have the in-person instructors as a resource. It was really helpful to have that option whenever I needed it. If I didn’t understand something, I’d go into class in person.”

Did Hondros help you prepare for the exam?

“Definitely. The crammer course and practice tests were huge for me. You could take unlimited practice tests online, and they really helped me recognize the types of questions and answers. On the actual exam, I felt confident because I knew what the questions would look like, even if they weren’t identical. I passed on the first try!”

What were your first couple of years like?

“Slow at the beginning—it takes time to build momentum. At first, I worked on company-generated leads to get some transactions under my belt. Then I joined a networking group in Medina called Synergy, which was a game-changer. I built a lot of relationships, got referrals, and had great conversations.”

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in real estate?

“Stay connected. Early on, I wasn’t as connected as I should have been—I had gone to college, wrestled, stayed busy, and lost touch with people. That hurt in the beginning. Once I reconnected with everyone I knew, it changed my business. If you stay connected from the start, you’ll hit the ground running.”

How has becoming a real estate agent changed your life?

“Freedom. In college, you think you have freedom, but in real estate, it’s different. It doesn’t even feel like work to me—I enjoy meeting people and looking at houses. Additionally, I’ve exceeded my income goals in just my first two years. Looking ahead, I’d love to keep growing, maybe even hit half a million in production one day.”

Start Your Real Estate Career

Sam LoFaso’s journey shows that with the right education and a passion for helping people, you can achieve remarkable success in real estate. Hondros College provided him with the flexible learning options and expert test prep needed to launch his career with confidence.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career in real estate, explore how Hondros can help you get started.