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Birth of a Company, Real Living Cornerstone

By
Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Realty @ Home 0225076822

Ribbon Cutting at Grand Opening of Real Living CornerstoneI own my company, Real Living Cornerstone.  I made the decision to open an office in October of 2006 at my 40th birthday party.   By January of 2007 the doors were open and I was ready for business.  This decision was mostly so I could do things my way in my town.  So I have and I do! 

I know people who think of me as only an owner of a company.  This usually occurs when I work on boards, groups that I donate to, and other business owners. I want to be respected and looked up to because I run a reputable business, because I am a giver, because they like what my company stands for and is becoming. This year I became certified as a SWMBA business and I let everyone know that I am a woman-owned business.  My goal as an owner is to stay connected to the community that has allowed me in, to give to the community that has supported me to keep me in business, and to grow my business to become a force in real estate in my town.

I am also a managing-broker.  I have this amazing group of agents who are all coming into their own.  I expect great things from them.  I hope that I can offer training and guidance that will provide them growth opportunities. I am encouraging them all to find their niche, to promote their strengths and to learn and be the best they can be.  I expect them to represent my name in an honorable and trustworthy way.   I want that they work for me, for my company to be an asset for them.  I want that to elevate them in the eye of their customer.  And in return I want people in the community to say, "He/she works for you, that is awesome!...you should be proud that he/she works for you..etc.".  I want to provide a great home for great agents.  I want a long-term relationship with my agents.

I am also a real estate agent.  Being an agent is my passion.  It is what makes my world go round in real estate.  I believe that I am good at my job, but even more importantly I respect what my job means. Actually in the pyramid of my office, being an agent is my first priority.  I had a period of time, where I thought I would one day only manage and own and that I wouldn't sell.  In reality, I don't see this ever happening.  I think I will always show and list.  I just love it too much.  The interaction of the clients, the feeling of accomplishment is too great to walk away.  1000s of tough days in real estate can be washed away by one successful story.  It just works that way for me.

I am so blessed to be in a position where I can do what I love, own a company, lead others, and really help people with their largest investment.  My family, friends and community have provided me with amazing support.  I couldn't have done this without their help.  I appreciate my circle and I hope I make them proud.  I see Real Living Cornerstone, becoming the cornerstone of my community for all of their real estate needs.

Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Navona, This is such a nice read on this beautiful Saturday morning. I can feel your passion.

The interaction of the clients, the feeling of accomplishment is too great to walk away. 1000s of tough days in real estate can be washed away by one successful story… is just how it works for me as well.

Feb 05, 2011 02:14 AM
Lori Cain
Own Tulsa - Tulsa, OK
Midtown Tulsa Real Estate Top Producer

Navana - the brokerage for which I work was started by a woman who later married her husband and business partner. She is one kick-ass broker/owner - always positive, always looking for ways to help her associates. I absolutely love her - you two sound a lot alike!

Feb 05, 2011 02:26 AM
Susan Thompson-Solomons
Monument Sotheby's International Realty - Solomons, MD
Southern MD Real Estate-Solomons Specialist

Navona, congratulations and the very best to you - what an accomplishment! I know Farmville well - my son attended a baseball showcase at Hampden-Sydney and went to Lynchburg College. I love your area and hope we will be able to find time to spend more time there.

Feb 05, 2011 03:10 AM
Joe Kenny
Realty Executive Midwest - Darien, IL
Better Than Your Average Joe

Navona, you are also a mentor to each of us here in the Rain and I look to your blogs regularly for help.  Keep up the good work.

Feb 05, 2011 05:47 AM
Navona Hart
Century 21 Realty @ Home - Farmville, VA
Selling the Best Properties in Central Virginia

Kathleen, the good days are what makes it work.  Hope you have a great Saturday too.

Lori, I think I would love to meet this woman who is my twin.  Hope your day is great.

Susan, when you come thru again, let me know, I would love to see you for tea or coffee.

oe, your kind words always make me happy.  Thanks for them, they mean a lot.

Feb 05, 2011 06:36 AM
Tamara Elliott-Deering
Central Metro Realty - Austin, TX

Navona,

It sounds like you've built exactly the company and the life you want.  Keep sight of that and don't let circumstances push you in directions you don't want to go.  And keep selling, I worked for a broker/owner who didn't list because she didn't want to compete with her agents, I think ultimately this led to the downfall of the company and certainly to the reduction of her personal income.

Tamara

Feb 06, 2011 12:44 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Navona,

It's an honor to know you via ActiveRain. What a GREAT contribution you are making to society and you're an excellent role model to other women!

Wishing you continued success in all that you do!

Feb 06, 2011 03:20 AM
Navona Hart
Century 21 Realty @ Home - Farmville, VA
Selling the Best Properties in Central Virginia

Patricia, Richard and Tamara~I look up to you and appreciate all that you contribute to me too.  Thanks to all of you.

Feb 06, 2011 05:24 AM
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty - Spring, TX
Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro

Navona, Congrats on your accomplishment!  I started my own brokerage in February of 2005 and have loved it. I have always worked out of a home office and that is still the way I work.  I always say it was a big change but not really as I was already doing it.  The only really big change was that I no longer had to pay RE/MAX almost $1000 a month to work out of a home office.

Feb 06, 2011 09:13 AM
Navona Hart
Century 21 Realty @ Home - Farmville, VA
Selling the Best Properties in Central Virginia

Marchel, I will add you to my associate list, I can never have too many broker friends.

Feb 06, 2011 09:50 PM
Brin Realty Associates Team At Bean Group
Bean Group | Brin Realty Associates - Amherst, NH
Amherst NH homes and Southern NH real estate

Navona, Congratulations on owning and operating your own Brokerage.  Its hard work, but so rewarding.  I wish you all the best in 2011 and beyond, I hope you continue to be fulfilled as you lead others along their successful paths as well.

Feb 07, 2011 09:58 PM
Navona Hart
Century 21 Realty @ Home - Farmville, VA
Selling the Best Properties in Central Virginia

Thanks Rene!  Working hard is what I do, and hopefully that will be the main ingredient for success.

Feb 07, 2011 11:04 PM