How long have you been in real estate?
12 years
What made you want to pursue real estate as a career?
I was working multiple jobs, working 35 hours a week at a temp job, bartending four nights a week, and on Friday’s working as a receptionist/recruiter with a brokerage in Sun Prairie. My temp job ended and my broker suggested I get my real estate salesperson license. So, without much thought, I used the vacation pay that I received from the temp job to pay for my real estate classes and license.
What was one of your greatest challenges as a new agent?
I am a transplant from Minnesota, and in 2008 I was a single mother working multiple jobs and living on state assistance. I had limited support and didn’t have many resources or connections. To help, I became an active member of the RASCW Affordable Housing Equal Opportunities Committee (AHEOC) and other daytime committees and chambers. I produced a TV show with the Sun Prairie Media Center called “The Home Extension” that aired for four years and established relationships with different trades in the housing industry. And when my daughter got older, I became a Sun Prairie Lions Club member and attended different evening network events.
What do you feel were some of your greatest accomplishments early on?
#1 – Passing the real estate exam my first time – I’ve struggled with the challenges of having ADHD and dyslexia. #2 – Receiving the Minority Scholarship. #3 – In 2010 I had enough business that I was able to quit my part-time job as a Teacher’s Aide and concentrate on real estate as a full-time Realtor®.
What motivated you to apply for the RASCW Minority Scholarship?
Having nothing in my savings and living paycheck to paycheck.
What did receiving the RASCW Minority Scholarship mean to you?
It was a huge relief, expense-wise, and in return I wanted to help others. I didn’t have the money to contribute but I had the time, so I became an active member of the AHEOC for several years, speaking to new members on Fair Housing and about the committee, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, etc.
What helped you the most as a new agent?
Take designation classes! It helped me think outside the box, and gives you and your clients a better edge on marketing, negotiations, etc.
What didn’t you have or know starting out that would have been helpful?
If there was an option to be on a team, I would have taken it. Learning from a team could have helped me financially with lead sources and been another avenue of support.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a new REALTOR®?
If you’re motivated, a go-getter, personable, organized, detailed-oriented, dedicated, flexible, and a problem solver, this career is perfect for you! It takes time to train someone, as a lot of what you learn is not in the books. Set money aside for slower times. Don’t compare yourself to others, and work on yourself and what you can do. Always educate yourself and give back.
How has being a member of RASCW benefited you?
I’ve met so many amazing people with common interests, and I love knowing that I am a part of an organization that helps others. I attend the social events, am an active member of AHEOC and the Orientation Committee, and have been nominated to join the Board of Directors.
What has been most rewarding about being a REALTOR®?
I’ve made personalized closing gifts for many of my clients throughout the years, and the best reward is when they call me back to list their home and the gift that I made them is hanging up by their front door.
