How long have you been working in the real estate industry?
13 years
How did you get into real estate?
I was a single mother on state assistance working multiple jobs. My full-time temp job ended and at the time I was working Fridays as an admin at a local brokerage in town and bartending. My broker at the time suggested I get my real estate license and told me about the RASCW Minority Scholarship. Knowing very little about real estate and computers, I decided to take a leap into real estate. The beginning was challenging as I didn’t get the best training to feel confident in what I was doing, until I switched brokerages and started taking designation courses that helped fill in the gaps and build my confidence.
What was one of your greatest challenges starting out?
Work/life balance. For many years I let my job dictate my life. As a single mother on state assistance and surviving on one income, I had to work multiple jobs and had a hard time being present. After a few years I achieved my goal and was able to quit all my other jobs and state assistance, and was able to concentrate on real estate. In 2017 I had a shift when I met my husband, finding a person who supported my career and chaotic lifestyle. I learned the power of self-care, created processes for better use of my time, and started taking time for myself and family.
What support or advice did you find most helpful when starting out in the industry?
1) Have a support – for me it was a supportive partner who understood the chaotic lifestyle of being a real estate agent. 2) Create a process to use when meeting new customers. 3) Brand yourself – I recommend taking designation courses, which help you think outside the box. 4) Do something outside your comfort zone – create a video, go to networking events, or join a committee.
What do you enjoy most about working in real estate?
Helping people achieve homeownership and assisting sellers achieve top dollar and terms!
What is your proudest achievement or favorite memory in real estate?
When I bought my first property in 2016 – after years of saving and waiting I was able to achieve homeownership.
What advice would you give to someone new to the industry, or someone considering real estate?
1) Find a brokerage/broker/mentor that will support and work with you when things arise – each brokerage is different. 2) Understand that it’s an expensive when starting up and to have cash reserves or a second income to assist you during the transition, as it takes awhile to grow your business. 3) Find a good CPA and/or remember to save money for taxes.
How has being a member of RASCW benefited you?
I had an interview with the RASCW Affordable Housing & Equal Opportunity Committee (now Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) and received the Minority Scholarship. Receiving the scholarship positively impacted my life, and I made it a mission to help others in my situation and joined the committee. I fell in love with the hands-on experience working on Habitat for Humanity homes, assisting in various non-profit events that the committee was/is a part of, and speaking in front of new members. Twelve years later, I was nominated to join the Board of Directors and then served as the Responsible Director of that committee. I was also on the New Member Orientation Committee and am now on the Professional Development Committee, where I have been strategically working on a Personal Development Series for RASCW members. I believe attending RASCW social events benefits you as an agent, as it’s a great way to catch up and meet fellow agents, throw ideas around, and get your name out there.
How are you involved and making a difference in your community?
I co-founded an Asian American meet-up group (where all are invited) called AMASIAN that aims to provide a supportive and inclusive space where the community can connect, share experiences, promote their businesses, and gain valuable insights to help them succeed in their careers. I am on the golf committee board for the Keep WI Cool/Warm Charity Golf Outing and the Madison Downtowners’ event planning committee, and I also support various non-profits and charities through donations or sponsorships. I created Self-Care Work by the Pool for people to come to relax, network and connect with others, or work from the pool at my house. My mission is to help support and inspire with a generous heart so that we can create a community where everyone feels like they belong and are valued for their own unique sparkle!
If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, alive or not, who would it be?
My bio-mother (I was adopted at 5 months). I would like to thank her for giving me life, as I’ve been able to help others by achieving their dreams in homeownership or motivating others by my life experiences.
Outside of work, what makes you happy?
Art therapy, gardening, traveling, entertaining, volunteering, being with friends and family, and kisses from Wattly, our English Bulldog.
