Why I chose Real Estate - North to Alaska To Home(s)

 This synopsis of my journey into Real Estate underscores a sense of adventure that helps me better understand who I am today, and how I got here. Why I chose Real Estate - The road starts somewhere North to Alaska...and leads to home(s).

North to Alaska

My dad moved our family to Alaska a few years before it became a state in 1959. Imagine my young parents mustering up the courage to move - with two little girls in tow - to a territory far from home. 

What I remember about life in Fairbanks is moose in the back yard,  darkness for most of the day in the winters, and conversely, bright sunshine at night during the summers.  It was scary, no make that titillating, in a wild sort of way.

Our family survived in Fairbanks on a beginning policeman’s salary, so there wasn’t a lot of extra money. No matter, we found our entertainment in the outdoors. There were many camping and fishing trips within a few hours of home.  Life was pretty good.



The Juneau Years

When I was about seven, my dad was promoted to Captain of the Alaska State Troopers. We had to move again. This time to Juneau, the state Capital. Don’t let that designation fool you, with a population at that time, of about 9700 people, it was hardly bright lights, big city.

With its many inland salt-water channels and bays, it’s a natural for boating.  So, we got a boat. Dad taught us how to put herring on a hook for salmon fishing, pull up crab pots and halibut from the deep, dark water, and how to drive a boat properly across the chop and roll of rough seas.

We lived life surrounded by eagles soaring above the treetops, bears lumbering across beaches and huge mountains that seemingly fell into the sea. The Alaska adventure continued, and life was pretty good.

The Kodiak Years

After college, two young kids, and a failed marriage, I moved to Kodiak with some friends to purchase a radio station.

Kodiak is a remote island in the Aleutian chain, so most of my family was pretty disappointed with my decision. Heading off with two little boys for a place far away - kind of crazy. Yet, somehow familiar.


Happily, it was a good move and set me up for a long and successful career in broadcasting. I also discovered that I enjoyed being on the air much more than I liked the stress of being an owner-operator. And I moved again.



The Portland Years

This time, I moved to Portland, Oregon, where my sister and parents were now living. That too, proved to be a good move.

Finally, we were once again close to family, and I landed a great job at a popular radio station.  I quickly moved from part-time to full-time in a couple of months.


I worked primarily for one station in the market after that, as a morning co-anchor and newswoman. It felt right, paid well and life was pretty good.

One of my favorite parts about radio is the sense of community.  Therefore, I especially loved it when we’d take our morning show "on the road" to some neighborhood, place or event.

One of the most memorable of those, was a series of broadcasts from the Portland Street of Dreams.  There I discovered my affinity for construction and all things "housing" related. I actually hosted the event annually for several years thereafter.  If I had to pinpoint a moment in time, when I got bit by the Real Estate bug-that was the one.

Several years later, I finally got my license. However, I continued on the air for another three years before eventually deciding that Real Estate was an acceptable alternative to radio. The the hours were more attractive, (believe it or not!)  plus, I was pretty good at it.

Camas - Years
We now live in Camas Washington where my husband and I have access to lots of recreation to keep us happy.  We have four fabulous adult children and my parents live next door. It's a pleasant way to share in life's responsibilities.

Much of our free time is spent on a very spoiled dog.  McKinley is a two and a half year old white Golden Retriever who keeps us on the run - literally.  Optimally, about four miles a day.

I have been actively involved in Real Estate for about nine years - six of those full time. I currently work for The Carl Group, a boutique real estate company that specializes in the Camas, Washougal and Fisher’s Landing areas of Clark County.  I sell residential homes and land, and, when my broker is involved in developing a new project, new construction.  It feels right, I love meeting and helping new people, and life is pretty good.

Don't you just love happy endings? Me too. That's why I love Real Estate and selling home(s).