It's been a wonderfully busy summer, so much so that I almost forgot to celebrate! A few days ago, I hit a milestone: two whole decades in Real Estate!
While I worked as a gym membership advisor and Spinning instructor throughout my 6 years at university - and loved it - Real Estate is my first and only career. There are some surprising similarities. It was not always easy keeping 15 - 20 class participants motivated to sweat it out with me for 45 to 90 minutes. But, I was their biggest cheerleader while pushing them to just one more sprint or one more climb. I have found myself keeping quite a few of my clients motivated, too, throughout the years: Yes, you absolutely can buy your first home! or I know it sucks to get outbid again, but we will be successful, we will find the right house for you! or Trust the process. Our marketing is working. We will get it sold!
Back in 2004, when I first got started, I was not only a rookie REALTOR® but also a brand new resident of the State of Maryland. I hung my license at a large national brokerage and worked LendingTree leads to get my feet wet. At the end of 2008, I switched to a boutique brokerage, family-owned and in existence since 1946! It is still my professional home.
If I were asked to describe the last two decades with one word, then I would choose growth. It was a steep learning curve at the beginning and in Real Estate the learning never stops. You've got to adjust to changing markets (quickly), adopt new technology, figure out how to solve Real Estate puzzles, and cut through all the noise that - now more so than ever - tries to undermine the value REALTORS® bring to the table.
I cannot count how many times clients told me that they couldn't do what I do. It's such a compliment! They see how hard I work, they know I am not a quitter. They trust that I will seek solutions and protect their best interests.
Over the last two decades, I have grown as a REALTOR®. I earned certifications and designations. I have refined my marketing strategies. I discovered my love for older homes and everything vintage. I have cultivated a trusted network of third parties and referral partners. I hand-delivered keys to clients in Berlin, Germany. I somehow survived a terrible car accident and the traumatic birth of my second daughter. I have raised two children by myself. I have grown as a home stager, taking immense pride in getting every listing to look its best before it hits the market. (catch a glimpse behind the scenes here). I sold homes as low as 114K and as high as 1.425 Million. But, the number I am most proud of is: approx. 70-80% of my clients are repeat buyers and sellers, and referrals.
Real Estate is a tough business and an expensive one, but I wouldn't want to do anything else. It's been a rewarding journey, incredibly challenging at times, but always rewarding. As much as I love looking at houses and staging and marketing them, being a REALTOR® is all about relationships. I've met so many incredible and inspiring people. I call many of my Real Estate peeps and my past clients friends. Throughout the last 20 years, I've attended housewarming parties, baby showers and graduations, weddings and celebrations of life. I truly understood that every client has a story. It's been a privilege to help author so many happy endings.
Will you please raise a glass with me (if you are local, let's meet for a beer!)? Cheers to the next 20! I have every intention of reaching REALTOR® Emeritus status. I am half-way there.
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