My Journey into Real Estate

When I look back on my journey into real estate, I can't help but smile at the unexpected turns life takes. Here I was, a fashion design graduate with a young son, doing dressmaking and alterations from home. It was a life I had chosen to avoid putting my child in daycare. Little did I know that a single phone call from my father would change the course of my career and life forever.

The Early Days: Learning the Ropes

My real estate journey began in Richmond, Virginia, far from my dad's operation in Virginia Beach. I started with Bowers, Nelms & Fonville, which is now Long and Foster. However, it was in my second year that I made a pivotal move to Slater Realtors under the guidance of Earl Jackson.

Those ten years were a crash course in understanding homes from the ground up. I learned about workmanship, quality, and the intricacies of floor plans. I was given an opportunity to work in a new subdivision with five custom builders for ten years. It was during that time that I met my late husband Craig who enhanced my knowledge of construction and taught me more than anyone I had ever known in the business. Little did I know then how valuable this knowledge would become in my future dealings with clients, especially in an era of "flipped" homes and quick renovations.

The Value of Experience

Now, when I walk into a home with clients, I see beyond the surface. I can spot the quality of workmanship, understand the potential of a floor plan, and identify the pitfalls of poorly executed renovations. This knowledge has become my superpower in protecting my clients.

I remember one particular situation where I noticed several red flags in a flipped property my clients loved. When we got to the inspection stage, my concerns were validated. There were significant issues with water, mold, and rot that the flipper had glossed over. My clients were shocked but grateful. They realized that without my experience, they might have made a costly mistake.

This is why I always emphasize to my clients the importance of looking beyond the pretty picture. It's not just about finding a house — it's about finding a home that will serve you well for years to come.

The Mother Hen Approach

Over my years in practice, I developed what I call the "mother hen" approach. This isn't just a cute saying — it's a promise. I look out for you in every aspect — from where you're getting your financing to ensuring the house you're buying is a sound investment.

I respect that buying a home is a huge decision and a significant investment. That's why I look at your money like it's my money. I don't want to be spending where we don't have to spend. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when prices were skyrocketing, I felt terrible about what I had to tell people they needed to do to get a property. It felt ludicrous, but I always reminded my clients, "You're my peeps. I'm going to keep you safe under here."

This protective instinct extends to three main areas: money, the house itself, and the lender. I'm always conscious of my clients' financial situations, especially when dealing with single individuals or families on a tight budget. I make sure they understand the ongoing costs of homeownership — from potential repairs to the expenses of a well and septic system in rural properties.

My Philosophy: Patience, Communication, and Transparency

Patience is crucial in this business. Buying or selling a home is stressful, and I've learned that both my clients and I need to be patient. I always tell my clients to let me know what their issues are or what they're scared of so I can help them through it. "Relax," I tell them, "We will get through this."

Communication goes hand in hand with patience. I've had to work hard on my communication skills over the years. I can be blunt — a trait I inherited from my father — but I've learned to temper that with empathy and understanding. I'm constantly learning and improving, always trying to put myself in my client's shoes.

Transparency is non-negotiable for me. I don't play games. It's very unnatural for me to lie or be dishonest in any way. I am who I am, and I'm going to be honest about who I am. My clients can either accept me for who I am, or if they're not comfortable, I understand that too.

The Benefits of My Approach

My clients benefit from this approach in several ways. Through patience, they gain a deeper understanding of the process and their options. My commitment to clear communication helps them make knowledgeable decisions. And my transparency builds trust, which is fundamental in this business.

Trust, to me, means safety. It means helping my clients make good decisions that lead to happiness. When I reflect on the hundreds of people I've helped over my 38-year career, what's most important to me is their happiness. It makes me joyful to know I've helped them make good decisions.

Life is hard, as we all know. My goal is to make the home-buying or selling process a good experience, a bright spot in my clients' lives. I want them to feel safe, secure, and comfortable with their decisions.

Looking Ahead

My journey into real estate may have started with a simple phone call from my father, but it's evolved into a lifelong passion for helping people find not just houses, but homes. Homes where they can build their lives, create memories, and feel secure.

So, whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a growing family looking for more space, or an empty-nester ready to downsize, know that when you work with me, you're getting more than just a real estate agent. You're getting a mother hen who will take you under her wing, protect you fiercely, and guide you toward making the best decision for your future. Because, in the end, that's what real estate — and life — is all about.