This is my entry in the May 2025 Challenge: If I Had To Start Over... in which our Active Rain members Carol Williams and Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 invited us to participate.
If I had the chance to rewind time and start my real estate career all over again—with today’s tools, every hard-earned lesson, and the clarity that only hindsight brings—I’d approach things with sharper focus and deeper intentionality.
One of the biggest takeaways from my journey is that time is a non-renewable resource. Early on, I gravitated toward unique, one-of-a-kind projects—the outliers that captured my curiosity, I still love those. But in hindsight, I’ve realized that the most sustainable and successful momentum came from repetitive, relationship-driven work: leasing within the same multifamily community, selling homes within a few neighborhoods, or marketing commercial leases for familiar spaces. I would have spent more time seeking opportunities that compounded over time—not just creatively, but systematically.
If I had a do-over, I’d start by building stronger relationships with experienced investors and immersing myself in the investment side of real estate much earlier. Watching others build wealth through strategic purchases made me realize I had the same opportunity—I just needed to act on it sooner.
With the incredible tools now available, I’d immediately set up a smart, automated database that allowed me to stay in touch with my sphere with engaging, relevant content—the kind that builds trust and keeps me top of mind, not just during transactions, but throughout life’s seasons.
Marketing-wise, I’d lead with community events. They’re not just a strategy—they’re a way to connect, to build relationships, and to become a familiar, trusted presence in the neighborhood.
And finally, I’d be more mindful about work-life balance. In a career that never really "clocks out," it’s tempting to be available all the time. But balance isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for longevity and joy in the work. I’d create better boundaries, build systems that serve me (not just my clients), and protect time for the people and moments that matter most.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change the heart I brought to this business—but I would pair it with smarter systems, strategic focus, and the confidence to invest in myself early on.
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