Today we’d like to introduce you to Zarema Kumukova.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I arrived in the United States with my family in 2016, not knowing good English and with no clear path for how I would build my life here. What I did know — deep in my heart — was that I wanted to work with people. People inspire me, they give me energy, and I was ready to give back by sharing my love, warmth, and positivity with others.
Soon after arriving, I was fortunate to begin working in a wonderful place — a medical office, owned and operated out of the Baltimore area. I will forever be grateful to the people who believed in me, even without the language skills. They hired me for a front desk position. They quickly saw how fast I was learning and encouraged me to go further. They offered to pay for my training and licensing to become a certified chiropractic assistant.
I passed the exam on my first try and proudly worked in that role for several years. I truly loved my job. Every day, I knew I was doing something meaningful — helping people, supporting their health, and connecting with them on a human level.
Eventually, the office closed, because of Covid, and I was faced with the question of what to do next. Friends and colleagues had often told me that I had a natural ability to connect with others — that I communicated with sincerity and ease, and made people feel seen and understood. They encouraged me to consider a career in real estate. It sparked my interest. I got my license. And that’s when this new chapter began.
Today, I’m a full-time realtor, licensed in MD, VA, and DC. And I absolutely love what I do. Helping people find a place they can truly call home — a place where they feel safe, understood, and happy — gives me purpose and joy. Every client I help is a reminder that, even with humble beginnings and many unknowns, it’s possible to create a life filled with meaning, connection, and service.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’m the kind of person who believes that everything in life happens for a reason. If we face challenges, it’s because they are meant to make us stronger. I am deeply grateful to this country and to the American people — not once did I feel like I didn’t belong. I always felt supported, treated with kindness, and met with understanding.
I’ve also come to love America for something else — here, if you have a goal and you truly want to achieve it, you can. You just have to keep going and never give up.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc?
I started my real estate career in a small brokerage, and I’m truly grateful to my broker, who taught me so much and helped me build a strong foundation. But in 2023, I felt it was time to grow further and take the next step. That’s when I joined one of the largest and most respected real estate companies in the U.S. — Long & Foster.
I became part of a large, supportive, and inspiring company. Here, I continue to learn every single day, because no two transactions are ever the same — each comes with its own unique challenges and lessons.
I’m especially thankful to my manager, Janice Raffel, who is always there for me. I know I can turn to her — and to the whole team — for guidance, encouragement, and support whenever I need it.
In a short period of time, I’ve achieved meaningful milestones: I became part of the Silver Team in the company’s prestigious President’s Club and also received the Bronze Award from the GCAAR Association of Realtors for my sales achievements. (I dedicate my GCAAE award to my mom, who passed away long ago but is still proud of me).
None of this would have been possible without the trust of my clients and the encouragement of my colleagues. I’m deeply thankful to each and every one of them for believing in me and walking this journey by my side.
What matters most to you?
It’s deeply important to me to improve not only my own life, but also to do everything in my power to positively impact the lives of those around me. When my clients choose to work with me, they place their trust in me — and I take that to heart. I strive not only to meet their expectations, but to exceed them. That’s what drives me every day.
I’m also very proud to offer free seminars for first-time home buyers in Russian. There are many immigrants who dream of owning a home but don’t know where to start due to the language barrier. My goal is to make the process clear and accessible. During these seminars, I walk participants through each step — how to prepare, what to expect, and how to begin. I make the entire process transparent and easy to understand.
My family means the world to me, and so do the relationships I build with others. The atmosphere around me — both in my personal life and at work — is incredibly important. I always strive to stay positive, no matter the circumstances. Helping others is a core value I live by.
Pricing:
- The buyer broker compensation is 2.5%
- The Seller broker compensation is 2.5%
- Free consultation
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.longandfoster.com/AgentSearch/ZaremaKumukova-13967561
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zarema_realtor_usa?igsh=MTltdjBydjZneWJtNw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19GxaDZdyj/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.zillow.com/profile/zuser20170213064056170#reviews
