Exploring Life & Business with Rocio Canteli, Real Estate Agent

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rocio Canteli

Hi Rocio, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I moved to Denver with my family in 2012. After spending seven years as a stay-at-home mom, and being new to the city, I felt that the best way to re-enter the workforce was by working at my children’s school, so I took a job as a paraprofessional. In 2014, after going through a divorce, I realized that a part-time paraprofessional salary wouldn’t be enough to support my children and myself. Determined to build a sustainable career, I began working my way up within the school system.

I knew I didn’t want to be a teacher, despite admiring the hard work they do, the job comes with significant pressure, is under-appreciated, and requires a degree in education, which I didn’t have. Additionally, I wanted to step out of the classroom setting, so I transitioned to a community liaison position. Although I tripled my income within a year, it was still not enough to support my family in a city that was becoming increasingly expensive.

A good friend, who is a successful real estate agent in Puerto Rico, encouraged me to pursue real estate, saying, “You’ll be great at it.” Without hesitation, I took my real estate license course over the summer of 2015 and began working in August of that year. The transition was not automatic, I was working two jobs at the same time while raising two small kids, all by myself, you can imagine. It was not until I decided to go full time, that my career took off. I often tell people, “If I had known how hard it would be, I probably wouldn’t have done it,” so I’m grateful I didn’t know. It has been perseverance and consistency that have brought me to where I am today.

My strong work ethic and commitment to putting my clients’ interests above my own have continued to attract them. When I help a client buy or sell their home, it isn’t just another transaction—it’s the biggest investment of their lives. I put myself in their shoes and think, “How would I want to be treated if this were my family’s future?”

This mindset drives me to go above and beyond to ensure every client feels supported, informed, and confident throughout the process. To me, success isn’t just closing a deal—it’s knowing I’ve helped someone achieve their dreams and build a stable foundation for their future.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road, but I reminded myself that many of the challenges were temporary. By staying focused on the end goal, I found it easier to push through. The first major challenge was building my real estate business while still working in the school system. My days often stretched from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and I worked seven days a week when needed. My kids, who were only 6 and 8 at the time, were with me most of the time as I didn’t have family in Denver and couldn’t afford a babysitter. This meant they often accompanied me when they were not at school—it was a juggling act.

Another significant challenge was building my database. Being relatively new to the city, my network was limited to the few teachers I knew from school. The silver lining was that they already knew my work ethic, which made it easier to earn their trust in my new role.

One of the biggest hurdles, which many new agents face, was managing my income. In real estate, we work on commission; if we don’t close, we don’t get paid. It was crucial for me to budget wisely and keep my expenses minimal so I could survive months without a closing, if it came to it. I didn’t wanna be desperate for money, after all, you can’t truly act in your clients’ best interests if you’re relying on a commission to pay your bills.

As you know, we’re big fans of Rocio Canteli, Real Estate Agent. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My slogan is “Opening Doors, Unleashing Dreams.” I specialize in residential real estate, guiding everyone from first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors. My primary goal is to educate my clients and help them build wealth through real estate. With 80% of my business coming from referrals, I often hear feedback from clients like, “She was patient, provided us with all the information we needed, and guided us every step of the way.”

One of my favorite success stories is about a family who was living in a dark, unpleasant basement. They had tried to buy a home in the past but had a negative experience, which made them initially skeptical of working with me. It was a competitive market, and as time passed, the husband started to lose hope. I encouraged them to stay patient. Eventually, they closed on a property with a small, uninhabitable ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) in the back of their home. While they weren’t thrilled about the house at first, I explained the potential it held. They renovated the ADU and rented it out, and today, that rental income covers more than 50% of their mortgage.

Many of my clients remain in touch with me long after our transaction is complete because they know they can always reach out for real estate advice or guidance whenever needed.

My knowledge, experience, and negotiation skills are significant assets that I bring to the table, but my clients value me most for my trustworthiness. Buying or selling a house can be intimidating for many, since it’s a major life decision. My clients know that when they work with me, they’ll hear what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear—ensuring that they are fully informed and confident in their decisions. This honest, straightforward approach helps them navigate the real estate process with clarity and peace of mind, knowing they have an advocate who truly has their best interests at heart.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Personal growth has always been a topic that I’ve been naturally drawn to. In my early twenties, I began reading authors who inspired me to become a better person and to better understand and appreciate the world around me. This passion for self-improvement has remained with me to this day. Since beginning my career in real estate, I have expanded my reading to include motivational books, entrepreneurial literature, and insightful podcasts to keep me driven and informed.

Some of my favorites are:
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, Atomic Habits by James Clear, You Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt.

Music always gets me going, but I’ll listen to the Brian Buffini show from time to time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://DenverDigs4Sale.com
• Instagram: @rociocantelirealtor
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DenverBienesRaices