Real STORY | Why I Do This

I enjoy it when I meet someone new and they ask me what I do for a living.

I reply with a smile, “I’m a Realtor.”

Their reactions vary—but most often, it’s some version of “Ohhh…” said about one octave higher.  Kind of like when a child tells you they want to be an astronaut.  “Ohhh…good for you!”

Let’s face it.  The average person has had some less-than-impressive experiences with real estate agents.  In an industry such as this—it’s not that hard to get a license.  Yes, it takes studying, a reasonable level of intelligence, and some fees—but it’s not like becoming a doctor.  Many get licensed, but a much smaller percentage really excel.

And, yet—I didn’t really know this.  Not really, really.

Because my Dad was a Realtor.  I grew up watching him dress in a suit and tie for work; visiting him at the bustling office where he spent many hours; pillaging the deli platters at his open houses (I’m a big fan of pickles).  He took tremendous pride in being a Realtor, was meticulous with contracts, and developed lasting relationships with his clients.  He didn’t mess around.  This might have had something to do with the fact that prior to becoming a Realtor, he spent 34 years in the Army and retired as a Colonel.

It wasn’t until I actually needed a Realtor, that I started to realize that my Dad was in that smaller percentage.  It wasn’t until I set off on the adventure of buying my first home that I realized that having a great Realtor can make a big difference (also, my Mom made sure to remind me, since my Dad couldn’t do it himself; he passed away a few years ago).  With all the technology that allows for searching and user-friendly websites like Red Fin—I thought I could search on my own and just find someone to help me with the negotiation of the contract.  Really, that was a combination of my naivete and arrogance. I mean—how hard could it be?

It wasn’t until I fired my first two Realtors that I found Colleen Horgan.  Colleen is one of the top agents in Riverside County and I’m now proud to say, my partner.  When we first met, I was a first-time buyer and she was the seasoned expert who knew how to get things done.  She knew people.  She had relationships and connections that proved invaluable as I began submitting offers and navigating the emotional experience of searching for my home.  Especially my first home.

We searched for months (I knew exactly what I wanted, and what I wanted was not the most common property available).  We submitted maybe 12-15 offers.  I fell in love with a short sale property and was thrilled to have the Seller accept.  Less thrilled that it took 5 months for the bank to approve it.  By the time they did so—one very important thing had changed.

I’d gotten laid off from my job at a marketing agency.

Really, less than ideal for my dream of buying a home.  Even though I immediately began free-lancing and generating income, there was no way a bank would approve a loan for me.  While Colleen helped me look at all my options, it was clear enough.  It was just not meant to be.  To say I was disappointed would have been a massive understatement.  I was heartbroken.

Colleen took me to breakfast shortly after.  This wasn’t unusual, as we’d sort of become friends in our 8 months of searching together.  Rather casually, she asked me if I’d ever thought of getting into the business.  She said she’d never had a buyer like me—a buyer who logged countless hours on Listingbook, poring over listings, making spreadsheets.  Looking up tax information, permits—drawing plans of exactly how I would remodel the kitchen if I were to purchase a particular house.  I was nothing if not passionate.

I was surprised by the suggestion.  Even flattered.  But I had never thought of it before.  Yes, my Dad was a Realtor my entire childhood—but I had spent 10 years in branding and marketing.  I was good at what I did.  I didn’t have an intention of pursuing a new career.  But, I’m smart enough to recognize when the Universe serves me up great opportunity on a platter.  Colleen asked me if I’d like to become licensed and work with her.  I told her I would think about it.

And so I did.  I started thinking about what I really enjoy doing.  That’s serving people.  Not like in retail—but serving people who are up to something big—supporting them, advocating on their behalf, and seeing them through to the end.  So, it wasn’t that much of a stretch for me to imagine myself doing so in real estate—especially with the knowledge and experience I had gained while trying to buy my first house.  As Colleen pointed out, my disappointment in not being able to complete the purchase of my first home would serve me well as a Realtor.  I would be able to empathize with my clients much more so, because of it.

Once that became clear, so did the path.  After getting my license, joining Tarbell, and getting down to business with Colleen—I started working with clients.  I was nervous and anxious because I wanted to do a great job for them.  I didn’t want to give them anything less than the best.  The good news is that so many of my skills from my previous career transferred readily to my real estate business.  Particularly things like listening, effectively communicating, and genuinely caring about my clients, their dreams and their experience.  This business is about people, not property.

That’s why I enjoy it so much.  I enjoy serving well.  It’s fun to meet lots of people, become a resource for them—and sometimes, even a friend.  It feels good.  And it’s never boring.  As Colleen likes to say, “no transaction is ever the same.” They are as unique as the people involved in them.

I don’t pretend to have anything that I don’t.  My life as a Realtor can be measured in months, not years.  Where I am still growing, Colleen is strong.  That’s why we make great partners.  I can bring my expertise in marketing, branding, and advertising to our partnership—and ultimately—to our clients.  My passion, integrity, and genuine interest in serving my clients well comes standard.  And, anyone who knows me, knows that I hold myself to a very high standard.

So, that’s it. That’s why I do this.

I love to serve.

I love people.

I love partnership.

Plus, I’ve always had a thing for homes.  From the time I was in elementary school, I loved spending Sunday mornings watching This Old House and The New Yankee Workshop with my Dad.

Maybe all of this is just what my friend Oprah likes to call a “full circle moment.”