Active Rain Newbie **the official introduction**

Hi Everyone!

I had been given an introduction by Gene Wunderlich, the agent who introduced me to ActiveRain. I guess it is time I made my own introductory post so you can know a litle bit about who I am and why I came into this career.

I am fairly new to being a Realtor, but my family has been in the industry for a long time.  My sister was an agent in San Diego and my Niece has been doing mortgages for many years.  I finally decided two and a half years ago that I would pursue my dream of becoming an agent.  It was the passing of my mother that made me realize that family needed to come before career.  I had previously worked in Casino in management and food service where you work all holidays, birthdays, etc. 

I love seeing new homes and learning new things every day.  I especially love helping others realize their dreams.  I guess I am a real sap since I usually tear up a bit when I hand over the keys to a new homeowner, particularly when it is a first-time buyer.  I know the fear, joy and freedom I felt when I got the keys to my first home!

I am currently married to the most supportive wife in the world, Susan!  We have been married since 2001 (my second marriage) and she is always there to encourage me and support me when the market gets tough, or things get tight.

I also have a beautiful daughter, Annelise, who keeps me on my toes...in so many ways!!

 My parents met in the South, so I was born in Plant City, Florida in 1967, but we moved out west while I was still very young. Having lived in the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs, CA area) since 1972 as well as Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree for a short while I know the area very well and can guide buyers to homes that may suit their needs outside of the home as well.

Being on here a short while I have been noticing that there are some local agents on here as well! It is nice to see a local group with people I may actually meet some day.  I will keep this short and sweet since I have become addicted to this ActiveRain community and am spending a lot of time on here :-)

Thanks to all of you for the welcoming atmosphere, blog comments and tons of information!!

Thanks to Gene for inviting me here!

Special Thanks to Kathy of CELLing Realty for forcing me to make this post. lol

See you in escrow!!

God Bless,

Mark Hawley