Venturing into real estate during a financial crisis was a leap of faith, but I was open to embracing new opportunities and challenging myself in order to create something life changing. 

"I think you’d be good at real estate," my husband said one day. Little did I know that his suggestion would completely alter the course of my life. At that time, I was working as a waitress, having just finished school, amidst the 2008 financial crisis that had devastated the economy and job market. While the thought of trying something completely new was daunting, especially in such a competitive and volatile market, I also recognized that many people needed guidance on how to navigate real estate processes now more than ever. It was a daunting leap into the unknown, but I was ready to face the challenge head-on. 

Starting out, I joined a team to learn the ropes. However, the initial experience was challenging, and the first team didn't work out. It was a steep learning curve, but I didn’t give up. I transitioned to a smaller, two-person team, where I gained invaluable experience and developed my skills. One of the greatest challenges I faced was navigating the tumultuous market as a new agent. However, I didn’t know what a “normal” market was like. I quickly realized that perseverance and hard work were essential, and these values formed the bedrock of my business.

In the early days, without the convenience of social media, I relied heavily on direct mailers, phone calls, and maintaining personal connections. It was a slow process, and it took about six months before I closed my first deal. However, once I started seeing results, the momentum built. Every year was better than the last, and I steadily grew my business through hard work and determination.

Balancing my new career with motherhood was another challenge. When my daughters, Ainsley and Kate, were younger, they would often come with me to showings and listings. My clients were always understanding and often connected over my authentic, family-first approach, allowing me to be a great mother and REALTOR®.

The impact on my girls was even greater. They grew up seeing the dedication and hard work it takes to succeed in a self-driven business. Even as they got older, it wasn’t uncommon for them to help me prepare for open houses or to hear about my clients and their stories at the dinner table. These experiences have not only brought us closer but also instilled in them a strong work ethic and an appreciation for the value of helping others.

After several years, I made another leap, becoming a solo agent. It marked a turning point in my career where I had full control of how I ran my business. My approach has always been relationship-focused, and I believe that if you create strong relationships, the business will follow. This philosophy has served me well, as most of my business comes from referrals and repeat clients, which has led to incredible growth and many valued relationships that extend beyond business. It is great to have a profession I not only love, but also people I love working with!