What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
Clothing Designer
Where did you grow up?
All over! Born in Texas but we started moving when I was 10, so I grew up in Arkansas, New Mexico and Colorado too before graduating high school.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
I wanted to be a designer or an actress and have done both so I feel very fulfilled!
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
I have trained myself to go the gym, working out is really the only way I can calm my head! I am working on getting better at meditation and having more stress reducing habits!
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Ooh! I’d meet Steve McQueen and go for a ride on his motorcycle! I’ve been obsessed with him my entire life!
What is Houston’s best kept secret?
I don’t feel like there are any secrets in Houston! I have never lived anywhere where every restaurant is always packed! I’m not good with waiting so it’s crazy to me! My new favorite find is probably El Topo on West University, I love every single detail in the place and the food is amazing.
What do you love most about the industry?
Helping people! I have worked with a LOT of realtors in my life (I’ve lived in over 50 homes!) and almost ALL of them were shady in some way. So when I got into this by accident, I realized I could be the realtor that I wished I’d always had and I LOVE IT! I get so excited helping a family get into a home or making a deal come back together that was falling apart. Thinking outside the box is my superpower and I have saved so many deals without my clients even realizing how close they were to losing their house or the sale. It fills my cup with joy!
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Getting any free time. I have children and want to spend uninterrupted time with them too. I may be the only person who misses the days when there were only landlines and not everyone has your phone number!
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Let people know you are a realtor and share knowledge with them. When I started, I didn’t tell anyone I was a realtor. It was my secret! Once my neighbors and friends realized I was and started asking me how the market was doing, they were impressed with my knowledge and immediately started telling their friends and coworkers. I am now proud of the work I do and tell everyone: Uber drivers, store clerks, everyone! And I get lots of leads this way. Almost everyone knows SOMEONE who has mentioned buying or selling!
I also think you should work with a team or another realtor for the first few years to build up your business and just learn all the craziness that comes in real estate. The worst transactions I’ve ever had were with newer agents who got their broker license and never trained with anyone. They make so many mistakes and jeopardize the transaction for their clients and mine. Spend time soaking up the knowledge from someone and you will learn more ways to get leads at the same time.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to?
I’m in a Compass book club and we are reading The Unteathered Soul right now! I’m also reading Ryan Holiday’s new book Discipline is Destiny. I’m a huge fan of the Morbid podcast, I love the old stories and the hosts are hilarious.
What’s your favorite meal in Houston?
My favorite meal is currently Butter chicken from Mayuri Express! It’s a tiny hole in the wall place but we pick it up every Friday night and it’s pure heaven to me.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Houston?
I’m currently obsessed with The Post! I just recently went for the first time and those staircases!! I love them!
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
My teammates can tell you I’m known for weird things happening to me. They often say I am my own comedy sitcom. I’ve walked in on many people asleep in houses that “forgot” the showing was happening. I had an AC fall through the roof the night before the final walkthrough once and opened the door to a house full of water and a giant AC unit sitting in the living room. I’ve ran into an actual bull (longhorn) in a backyard with a client from NY once, it was so very Texan! I could go on and on!
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I am very girly at the moment and love heels and big, giant hair, so most people seem to assume I’m very pampered. I come from a family of contractors and a mom that can do ANYTHING, so I’m actually the handyman in my house! I have taken a home down to the studs, replaced all the electrical and plumbing and built it back…all from reading a how-to book.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
Last summer we spent a week in Wimberley, TX and I loved it! Relaxing, fun things to do, yummy restaurants and A WHOLE CACTUS STORE. I’m a plant freak so I was in awe! My family has never been more bored.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Join. A. Team.