How did you get into real estate?
I was in public relations and marketing prior to getting into real estate. In that role, I worked with developers, and I was impressed with the real estate agents and a little bit envious. I was a single mom of three tweens/teens at the time, and the idea of a career where I had complete control over my schedule really appealed to me so I could be more available to my children. I got licensed and joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices because they’re known for the best new agent training program, and I have never looked back.
What do you love about real estate and your job specifically?
I love what I do because it doesn’t feel like sales. Sure, technically I am selling. But really, I’m a matchmaker. I connect people and homes. I help people build wealth and chase their dreams. I’m with them for some of the biggest life changes they’ll make. It’s a career where you build real relationships and connections, so it feels like so much more.
What are the best parts of your job…and the hardest?
The best part is when we close on a client’s dream home! There’s nothing like wrapping up the successful sale or purchase for our clients and celebrate all the hard work, patience, strategy, and negotiation that went into making it all work with them. Their joy makes all the challenges along the way worth it.
The greatest challenge of real estate right now is our current market—it’s moving so quickly that when working with buyers, we have to be both creative and aggressive to win the bidding wars. And while we often do, sometimes there’s just someone willing and able to pay more, and when that happens, it can be very emotional.
What is one thing you know now, that you wished you had known earlier on in your career?
Earlier in my career, I often found myself hesitant to speak up, worried that my instincts might not be correct, or intimidated because I wasn’t the most experienced person in the room. I am so glad I’ve gotten over that! Sure, I’m not always right, but my clients and I are partners and collaborators, and sometimes a path not chosen is still a very important part of the process.
What are some words of advice for our readers?
It’s true what they say—find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. I love real estate. I’ve always been interested in people’s homes, design, architecture, and how people live, and I feel fortunate to work in this field every day. I can’t for the life of me remember the last time I dreaded a Monday. Find something you’re excited about and make it your career.
