From Agent to Austin’s First Nepali‑Origin Broker

From Agent to Austin’s First Nepali‑Origin Broker

There comes a point in many careers when adding more of the same is not enough. For me, that moment arrived when I realized other agents were calling me not just with questions, but with emergencies.

“Roshan, the appraisal came in low. What now?”
“Roshan, my buyer is panicking. Can you help me talk them through this?”
“Roshan, we’re two days from closing, and everything feels like it’s falling apart.”

These conversations happened often enough that I had to be honest with myself: I was already stepping into a leadership and problem‑solving role, even without the title. And for someone whose philosophy is “live and grow,” staying where I was no longer felt right.

That is when the idea of becoming a broker moved from “someday” to “now.”

In Texas, a broker is more than just an experienced agent. A broker is licensed to work independently, supervise other agents, and carry legal responsibility for the transactions under their supervision. It means having more training, more accountability, and more say in how the work is done day to day.

For clients, the difference is practical. A broker can:
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⁠Oversee complex contracts and ensure compliance.
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⁠Set standards for how agents in the office serve buyers and sellers.
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⁠Design systems that protect clients from errors, missed deadlines, or unethical practices.

For me, the decision to become a broker was driven by three things: responsibility, leadership, and impact.

When I earned my broker’s license and realized I may be the first Nepali‑origin real estate broker in Austin, I did not celebrate the “first” as a headline. I felt the weight of it. It meant:
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⁠A responsibility to lead with integrity, especially when it is inconvenient.
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⁠A commitment to raise standards, not just visibility.
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⁠A chance to act as a bridge between my community and the broader opportunities in Central Texas real estate.

My background in community leadership—such as serving on AREAA’s Policy Committee and working with the Greater Austin Nepali Society—shaped how I saw this role. It is not about being the most visible. It is about being a steady, reliable presence that others can trust.

As a broker, I want newer agents to see that you can build a meaningful business without sacrificing your ethics. I want clients to know that when they work with my team, they are not just getting one person—they are getting a standard.

Being the first Nepali-origin broker in this city is not a trophy to be won. It serves as a reminder of my responsibility to ensure I am not the last.