What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
I worked at a photo lab, developing photos, making enlargements and helping our professional photographer. We had an appraisal company who would bring their photos in (before digital cameras were a thing) to be developed for their reports and we would assist them. They were a growing company, offered me a job and that is how my real estate career started.
Where did you grow up?
Conroe
Growing up, what did you want to be?
A fireman. It runs in the family and the brotherhood is amazing. Thought it would be a great job but glad it didn’t work out … much harder mentally and physically than what I thought.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
I like to sit on the back porch and read.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Andy Andrews. He is just an incredible writer and I love learning from his stories. He really touches his audience with his books, so I cannot imagine how wonderful it would be to meet him.
What is Houston’s best kept secret?
I think it is Lake Conroe. There are so many things to do here, like watching the sunsets, boating to restaurants for dinner, enjoying the national forest on the north end of the lake or just floating at the dam or Ayers Island.
What do you love most about the industry?
My favorite thing is that we are always learning and no two days are exactly the same. A very close second is the face that a buyer makes when you know you have found the right home for them. It is so rewarding to help someone find such an important part of their life and see the joy.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
The most difficult part is that you have to be very intentional about turning off to rest. This job can be 24/7, and I enjoy the fast pace most of the time, but taking time to reset is the hardest thing to do because there is always a task that needs your attention.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Work you sphere! Your friends and family like you and they are the best cheerleaders that you have. I think there are a lot of agents who are not comfortable asking people who are close to them for business and those are more than likely the easiest referrals you can get.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to?
I just watched “Yellowstone.” I was a bit late to the party but I now understand all the hype and the “train station.” It was great I’ll be watching the spin-offs.
What’s your favorite meal in Houston?
My new favorite is Perry’s pork chop on Friday at lunchtime. It is so good, and what a great deal.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
I think one of the weirdest things that I have been a part of is realizing that a property was worth more without a house on it than it was with one. Watching a back hoe take a 3,000-square-foot home down to the ground and being placed in a dumpster is just mind-blowing. In the end, it was a huge win for the client and they were happy with the results, but you just would not think that would make sense.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I am a bit of a tomboy and I love old cars, so some of my favorite memories with my dad are underneath several 1964-1967 Ford Mustangs. I don’t mind getting my hands dirty and I would not trade those times with him for anything.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
We have been blessed to be able to visit Bakers Bay on the island of Great Guana Cay a few times. Some friends have a home there and when you go, there is not a crowd, the island is beautiful and you get a bit spoiled with all the amenities that are offered. Plus you can play golf barefoot.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Work hard, get your hands dirty and earn success.
What are your social media handles?
Facebook: Wendy Welsh Realtor
Instagram: @wendywelshrealtor
LinkedIn: Wendy Welsh
X: @RealtorWelsh