Have you ever wondered how the experiences of your childhood shape the path you take in life? As I reflect on my journey from a farm girl to a real estate professional, I'm struck by the intricate web of connections that led me to where I am today. It's a story of adaptation, resilience, and finding one's true calling amidst life's twists and turns.
The Seeds of Real Estate
Looking back, I realize that my fascination with real estate began long before I even knew what a career in this field entailed. As a little girl, I was unknowingly getting my first taste of the real estate world. My father, a man of many trades, was also a real estate broker. He'd often take me along when he went to list houses. While he talked business with the adults, I'd play with their children, absorbing the atmosphere of these different homes without even realizing it.
But it wasn't just my father's influence. My uncle was a developer, and I even worked for him during some of his projects. These early experiences were planting seeds in my mind — seeds that would take years to fully germinate.
A Lifetime of House Hunting
As I grew older, my interest in homes only intensified. It became more than just a passing curiosity — it was a passion. Even when I wasn't actively looking to buy or sell, I found myself drawn to open houses and property listings. It was as if each home had a story to tell, and I wanted to hear them all.
I remember a particular instance that highlights just how deep this passion ran. When my husband Alan was away hunting, I'd spend my free time looking at houses. I looked at so many that my realtor would often call me for advice. She'd ask if I'd seen any properties that fit specific criteria, and more often than not, I could point her in the right direction. "There are two houses down in Kent that have exactly what you're looking for," I'd tell her. "One's on this road, one's on that road. I don't remember the addresses, but they're perfect matches."
The Turning Point
Despite this lifelong interest, my path to real estate wasn't direct. I spent years working as an engineer, managing distribution centers across the country. It was challenging work that honed my problem-solving skills and taught me the importance of efficiency and logistics. But something was missing.
The decision to transition into real estate came during a pottery class, of all places. Someone asked me what I was going to do next, and without hesitation, I replied, "I'm going to go into real estate." They commented on how happy I looked — the happiest they'd ever seen me.
It was a moment of clarity, a realization that I was finally on the right path.
The First Year: Building a Foundation
Transitioning into real estate in my forties was both exciting and daunting. I was fortunate to have set aside income from my engineering career, which allowed us to live comfortably during that first year as I built my business. But more than financial security, I needed a strategy.
I knew I wanted to build a business based on relationships, not just transactions. This desire led me to attend a main event in Seattle, where I learned about the "By Referral Only" system. It resonated with me immediately. Here was a way to build a business that aligned with my values, focusing on creating lasting relationships with clients.
Starting from scratch in a new community wasn't easy. I knew nobody when I first went into business in Salem. But I was determined to build a strong, referral-based business. And you know what? We did just that. We built our business up, and I've never looked back.
Adapting to Market Changes
Over the years, I've seen the real estate market go through tremendous changes. We've experienced booming markets, severe recessions, and everything in between. Each change presented its own set of challenges but also opportunities for growth and learning.
One of the most significant challenges came during the 2008 recession. I remember feeling uncertain, wondering if I should go back to my old career in warehousing. But then, during a seminar, I received a piece of advice that changed everything: "Just call your clients." It was a simple suggestion, but it reminded me of the importance of maintaining relationships, especially during tough times.
This advice proved invaluable not just during the recession but also during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the market started slowing down, we doubled down on our efforts to stay connected with our clients. We called to check in, not just about real estate, but about their overall well-being. It was about being there for them as people, not just as potential buyers or sellers.
The Evolution of a Business Philosophy
As my career in real estate progressed, so did my business philosophy. Today, it's centered around a cause that's deeply personal to me: protecting and serving seniors in our community. This focus evolved from watching my own mother navigate the challenges of aging, including dealing with predatory scams targeting the elderly.
I've seen firsthand how vulnerable our seniors can be. They're often listed in phone books, making them easy targets for scammers. I remember my mom calling me once frantic because she thought her grandson was in jail and needed money. It turned out to be a scam, of course, but it highlighted the very real dangers our seniors face.
This experience lit a fire in me. I realized that my role as a real estate agent could be about more than just buying and selling houses. It could be about protecting and advocating for a vulnerable population. Now, I partner with advocates who are working to improve senior communities. I've visited most of the senior communities in our area, from Keizer all the way down to Albany, and I'm committed to ensuring that seniors are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Pay attention to the threads that have run through your life. Your true calling might be woven from experiences you never realized were connected. And when you find that calling, pursue it with all your heart.
Looking to the Future
As I look to the future, I see my mission evolving even further. Whether I stay in real estate or not, my commitment to helping seniors will remain. I want to be part of changing how senior communities work by raising the standards of care and protection for our elders.
This journey from farm to real estate has been full of unexpected turns, but each experience has shaped me into the professional I am today. The lessons I learned on the farm about hard work and problem-solving, the skills I honed in engineering, and the passion for homes I've had since childhood — all of these elements have come together in my real estate career.
But more than that, they've led me to discover a deeper purpose: using my skills and experience to make a real difference in people's lives, especially those who are most vulnerable. As I continue on this path, I'm excited to see where it leads and how many more lives I can touch along the way.
So, to anyone reading this who might be considering a career change or wondering if they're on the right path, I say this: pay attention to the threads that have run through your life. Your true calling might be woven from experiences you never realized were connected. And when you find that calling, pursue it with all your heart. The impact you can have might be greater than you ever imagined.