S
arah Abouchleih, a 2025 Northeastern graduate with degrees in finance and computer science, is turning the traditional real‑estate model on its head. Instead of cold calls and door‑knocking, she secures transactions through direct messages and Instagram Reels, tapping into the social‑media habits of Boston’s emerging homebuyers.

    After earning her license in 2022, Abouchleih began renting apartments during her sophomore year at Northeastern. The experience sparked her interest in the market, and by September of her senior year she joined EVO Real Estate Group. Her early success came from targeting clients in her own age bracket, a strategy she credits to the “new wave” of digital engagement. “If you’re not on the new wave, you’re doing old business,” she says.

    One of her first clients, Nour Shoreibah, a third‑year CS‑math double major, discovered Abouchleih in March through one of her Instagram house‑tour Reels. Shoreibah’s friends had already used Abouchleih’s services, so he reached out for help finding an apartment. “Working with someone I already know feels safer,” he explains. “Seeing friends in her tours made me trust her expertise.”

    Boston’s off‑campus housing market is sizable: in 2024, 39,012 students—42.3% of the city’s student population—resided in private rentals, split almost evenly between undergraduates and graduates. For first‑time renters, navigating this landscape can be daunting. Abouchleih’s approach simplifies the process. “I’m easier to reach than other agents because we’re already connected in the community,” Shoreibah notes.

    Graduate student Sara Shaikh, studying bioengineering, echoes this sentiment. She prefers Abouchleih’s Instagram‑centric communication over the email and phone calls typical of traditional agents. As a former renter herself, Abouchleih understands the specific needs of students seeking affordable housing near campus.

    Abouchleih’s rapid rise is partly due to her early sales success—she closed numerous deals in her first month, a feat uncommon among new agents. She attributes this to Boston’s robust market, especially around Northeastern, which she describes as hotter than BU or Wentworth.

    During her time at Northeastern, Abouchleih was active in clubs, including the Northeastern Real Estate Club. A guest speaker session introduced her to EVO, whose strong social‑media presence resonated with her. “I aligned with EVO because their digital strategy matched my priorities,” she says.

    EVO’s marketing tactics taught her how to boost engagement, target specific demographics, and leverage algorithms. “The first three seconds of a video must hook the viewer,” she explains. “Once you see who engages, you can tailor content to that audience. Consistency is key.” By posting educational reels that demystify the housing market, she builds trust quickly, even as a newcomer.

    When seasoned peers question her experience, Abouchleih remains confident. “If you make yourself indispensable to clients and developers, you’re valuable. I don’t let others bring me down.” Her confidence reflects a broader trend of younger professionals reshaping industries with tech‑driven methods, often creating generational gaps.

    Tamar Chamassian, a fractional chief marketing officer with over two decades in marketing, observes that authenticity beats trend‑chasing. “Connecting genuinely, staying relevant, and solving problems—those are the pillars of success,” she says. She values responsiveness over sheer creativity, noting that reliable partners are essential.

    Abouchleih’s story illustrates how emerging talent can challenge norms and earn client trust swiftly. “Decide if you want to work for yourself,” she advises. “If so, real estate is a great field. Master networking—that’s the biggest advantage.”