How long have you been working in the real estate industry?
5 years
How did you get into real estate?
After a successful 31 year career in banking, my second career is real estate, which I chose because it is my passion. I loved buying and selling my own real estate so why not make it a career?! Excellence in customer service is also a passion of mine and I am grateful to be able to integrate the two. There is nothing more satisfying than looking at the faces of the sellers and buyers on closing day. All smiles.
What was one of your greatest challenges starting out?
The hardest transition for me was working the flexible schedule. At first, filling the time with meaningful activities was not natural for me, because in my prior work environment much of my day was spent problem solving and reacting to others’ needs and situations, and focusing on big-picture, long-term process improvements. Attending training and talking with other trusted agents, I learned how to structure my day to be successful.
What support or advice did you find most helpful when starting out in the industry?
Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself. Educate, participate, reciprocate. Above all, be professional and know your business.
What do you enjoy most about working in real estate?
I love the opportunity it provides for meeting new and interesting people.
What is your proudest achievement or favorite memory working in real estate?
Working with both of my sons on their home purchases. Helping them achieve the American dream was one of my proudest moments.
What advice would you give to someone new to the industry, or someone considering real estate?
You hear so many people say you have to be a type A personality to be successful. I didn’t find this to be true at all – being a helpful, educated, attentive, and caring individual can also lead to success, and attention to detail and urgent follow up is critical. DO NOT GUESS AT ANYTHING and do your homework. Success can be many things – make sure it makes you feel proud of what you do.
How has being a member of RASCW benefited you?
Being a member of RASCW has provided amazing support, learning opportunities, networking opportunities, and professional growth. Being part of the Professional Development committee has allowed me to see how interested and invested other real estate professionals are and how committed they are to keeping the industry fresh and current. I’m very impressed and proud to be part of the future.
How are you involved and making a difference in your community?
As I got more involved in real estate I could see there were gaps in assistance for first-time home buyers, those in underrepresented communities, and those with language barriers. I make it my focus to educate, inform, work on goal planning, and establish relationships to help those that want to achieve their dream of owning a home through the partnerships of other agents, lenders, and educators. It’s all about educating myself with what services are available in the communities I represent and then making the best use of them.
If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, alive or not, who would it be?
If I could have lunch with anyone, I would choose my mother. She was my greatest mentor and inspiration.
Outside of work, what makes you happy?
Spending time with my family and now my new grandbaby, Otto. I am blessed with choosing a career with enough flexibility to allow me to carve out time for all of them.
