I experienced many interesting things during my time as a VIP Host in Las Vegas.
North Bend, Oregon.
I love history and the idea of unearthing mysteries, so initially, the idea of being something like an archaeologist or a genealogist danced around in my young mind. My great grandfather was chief of homicide for many years and after watching movies like Seven and The Silence of the Lambs, I concocted the notion that if I had the ability to understand exactly when and how someone died, death would never scare me. Needless to say, I had a short stint where I entertained life as a detective.
By the time I was 12, I knew I was going to be a lawyer, and so did everyone who met me! Not much gets past me; I am a greater researcher, and I rarely leave a stone unturned. It’s what would have made me an excellent attorney and it’s what makes me a great agent. My family jokes that I should moonlight as a private investigator. It’s not so surprising that I landed in sales since the same traits necessary to succeed in the roles above are equally pertinent to success in sales.
Crank my headphones and walk, run or ride my Peloton!
Gosh, there are so many amazing, influential people over the course of history. There are several early presidents who I’d love to have met, not from a political affiliation standpoint, but from an early leadership standpoint. They say George Washington was best known for his ability to understand what needed to be done. I think that’s a great trait in anyone and also applies to real estate. Abraham Lincoln for his progress in equality, which I align very much with, and Ulysses S. Grant for his ability to unite Americans in a time when there was much disjointedness. Those stand out for me as important accomplishments and would make meeting any one of those people pretty interesting.
Also, whoever invented ice cream. I know it’s a little bit of a debate on who that was, but whoever it was, I’d love to meet them! Who wouldn’t want to meet the person who came up with putting a smile on everyones face?
Hmm, it’s not so much a secret, but I love the Underground Tour for the fact that it sheds light on how women essentially saved Seattle and restored the city after the Great Fire. It’s a part of Seattle history that they don’t really teach in school, for obvious reasons, but it is a cool piece of Seattle history not everybody knows about. Also, spicy salmon ahi poke from Met Market!
The community of agents I get to work with and the ability to work as hard as you wish without capping out against a glass ceiling.
There are many great agents in the area! Attention to detail, work ethic, grit, emotional awareness, willingness to go the extra mile, determination and ability to get along naturally with a wide range of personalities are some of the traits that allow me to deliver top experiences and outcomes to my clients.
The most difficult aspects are telling clients what they need to hear but sometimes don’t want to hear, and calling clients to tell them that they did not get a home they offered on. While it creates new opportunities to find a home that might ultimately be a better fit in some cases, it is still tough to share news you know is disappointing.
Be genuine. Be helpful. Be kind. Be willing to roll up your sleeves and do the non-glamourous jobs. Freely share your knowledge. Answer the phone, even if you don’t have news the caller wants to hear. I can’t tell you how often putting time into something simply to help someone has come back around.
Hands-down, being a great mother, daughter, partner and friend. Also, I was raised by a single mother of five who lost her parents young, so working hard to create a life for myself that allowed my mother to never have to worry about me also makes me feel pretty good.
Favorites lately: Mare of Easttown, The Undoing, American Rust, Dope Sick, Maid, and I always love This is Us for my feel-good show. I still tear up most episodes! Plus, I’m into genealogy and family history, so I love that aspect of the show. Oh, and who in real estate can resist Selling Sunset?
Local favorites: Spaghetti Finnochio at Carmine’s Bellevue and Roasted Chicken at Bis on Main. JOEY is a good crowd-pleaser for dinner with the kids. My favorite there is the seared salmon sushi roll. I am a sucker for sushi; I could eat it seven days a week!
I love historical buildings that have been restored. I find the concept of modernizing and giving new life to older buildings while maintaining structural integrity very cool. I really like the former Methodist Church in Seattle (now the Sanctuary) for this reason. I also really like the Smith Tower. In fact, I happened to sit in the Wishing Chair at the Smith Tower a couple months before my fiancé proposed. As legend has it, any single woman who sits in the Wishing Chair will be married within a year! I love that older buildings have history like that!
If I told you some of the things I’ve seen on the job, you wouldn’t be able to print this! Let’s just say I have seen my fair share of wild things over the years.
I wrote a letter to the Oregon State Employment Commissioner to get approval to work before I was 13. I had my first real jobs at 11-12. Working to achieve my goals has been on my mind from a very young age!
Hard to say! I appreciate so many different kinds of places and scenery and what each inspires in me. I love the history and culture of Europe. Love the anything-is-possible state of mind that comes along with NYC. Love the warmth and humanity of small, quaint towns. Love the laid-back nature of Hawaii.
Ask questions. Don’t sell yourself or your experience short.
Canva! It is not specifically a real estate app but it makes marketing so simple and is a great tool. Chicago/Ticor Agent One also have lots of great tools for agents.
Anyone doing cool things! I follow a lot of designers, stylists, fellow real estate agents, lenders, title agents, photographers, builders and brands/companies whose products I personally use and love.