The Green Bay Press-Gazette visits with newsmakers in the business world each week in its Monday Conversation feature. This week, Marina Solo, owner of Marina Solo Real Estate Group, talks about coming to the United States from Russia, starting her business and the local real estate market.

Q. You came to the United States from Russia in 1995. Why did you come?

A. Unlike many who struggled in post-Communist Russia, I enjoyed a successful career in Russia. I was educated, worked as a chef and had a pretty good lifestyle. However, there were limitations for women in business. I believed the United States would offer so much more for me and my son, who was 5-years-old at the time we came here. The United States truly is the land of opportunity, and if you work hard and stay determined, you can be successful.

Q. What did you find the most challenging when you arrived in the U.S.?

A. My biggest challenge was learning a completely new culture and language. America is very different culturally from Russia, so it was a significant challenge to understand the culture, learn the language and adapt to it. It's almost like you're a newborn who doesn't understand the world (you're) thrust into. Although this is what I wanted to do, you can underestimate how difficult it can be. Fortunately, the Russian community was very welcoming and helpful. I didn't want to be dependent on that community forever, but it was good to have people who spoke my language until I began to learn English and understood the culture. Your confidence grows as you can converse with others. It made the transition easier.

Q. What advice would you give to others who are new to the United States?

A. Make the United States your home, not just a place where you happen to reside. Try to see all positive things in America and its culture — trust me, there are many. Not everyone here realizes how good they have it.

Yes, there are problems and challenges, but there are so many opportunities available here: the American system of government, its laws, the free enterprise system and outstanding schools that are not available in a lot of other countries.

If you work hard, get involved in your community and are a good person, it's much easier here to attain the good life — whatever that might mean to someone — than in another country.

Q. You started your own real- estate company two years ago. What advice would you give to people who are starting their own business?

A. If they are thinking about starting their own business — think twice.

By that, I mean don't just run off and start something. You need to do your homework and research. You must have a short-term and long-term plan and goals in writing.

You should also do some soul searching. You need to know your own personality, as well as business strengths. You must have core values and be willing to stick with them. It boils down to asking yourself if you really have what it takes to own a business.

You have to work harder than ever and take responsibility for people who will work for you. You must be financially strong (I strongly recommend six months of operating income in reserve.) You have to know when to ask for help. It's not easy, but it is rewarding.

Q. What do you look for when hiring real-estate agents for your company?

A. Of course, a good fit with our company culture is important. I want someone who is a good communicator, knows how to sell and is driven to succeed.

But you can't just rely on your own instinct in evaluating a potential agent. I use a test called the Ultimate Talent Scout that potential agents have to take as part of the interview process.

This test helps map out what their skills and abilities are, such as articulating values, branding, building relationships, drive, effective listening, goal setting, maintaining relationships, negotiating, systems, tolerance for financing insecurity and their finally overall potential for success.

It gives me a greater sense for what they're like and whether or not this type of work is a good fit for them and for my company.

Q. What advice would you give to people who want to get into real estate?

A. It is a hard business, but fun and rewarding. If you like helping people, if you like to work hard — welcome on board!

This is more than a sales position; it is about helping people achieve their dreams.

Q. The real-estate market in Northeastern Wisconsin has declined in the past year, but not nearly as much as in other parts of the country. Where do you see the market going?

A. According to statistics I've seen in regional and national Realtor magazines, the market will improve — maybe not this year, but probably next year. Overall, Green Bay's economy is projected to improve by 4.6 percent. That will help spur home sales. Nationally, we are expecting to sell more than 6.2 million houses this year versus 5.1 million last year.

People will say to me, "nothing is selling right now," and that's just not true. What is true is that people have to be realistic about pricing and the length of time it will take to sell. The days of the quick sell at top dollar, which we saw a few years back, really doesn't exist anymore. People often want to price their homes at levels they saw five years ago. That's not realistic. Prices are down about 10 to 15 percent from that timeframe. For now, you have to be priced right and have patience.

Part of my job is to educate people about the market and how to successfully sell their home no matter what the market is like.

Q. What else should potential home buyers know about the changing local real estate landscape?

A. The housing market declines about every 15 years for approximately three years. So while it may take patience and good pricing to sell a house right now, if you're buying, this is a great time.

First-time homebuyers can get a house at a good price and a very reasonable interest rate. The same is true for those looking to purchase a second home in a vacation area. However, now more than ever, it's important for buyers to have a good credit record. While interest rates are low, financial institutions are a bit tighter with their lending.

So if you're looking to buy, make sure your credit record is in good shape.

In general, remember that the economy and the housing market are cyclical. We're fortunate to live in an area where we haven't been as hard hit by some of the downward economic trends.

Things will rebound, and there are many reasons to be optimistic.

— Bob Van Enkenvoort/Press-Gazette