Ever since I was a small girl, I knew I wanted to be a Realtor. I would take my stuffed animals and dolls (my potential buyers) in a little wagon down the sidewalk and show them all th houses available to them (every house on the street). This line of work has always been my destiny.
Ok, that’s not true.
In elementary school, I wanted to be an art teacher. In middle school, I was heart set on becoming a veterinarian. In high school, I shadowed a vet clinic and then promptly decided to go to school for Actuarial Science instead. I attended UW-Madison and ended up with a Theatre degree. After graduation, I worked for a year with the City of Madison Police Department. I then moved back home and finally landed in Real Estate.
Why did I end up in Real Estate?
Partly because I love paperwork.
(No seriously. That IS true. I actually won an award while I was with the Madison Police Department for improving system processes regarding paperwork. I know. I know. I’m kind of a nerd.)
The other reason I got into real estate is because I am one of those people who get emotionally attached to THINGS. Not in a hoarder situation type of way, at least not yet.
It’s more in the way of things holding memories the same way a photograph might.
I have the playbills to every single show I’ve been to. I have a small piece of every theatre set I worked on in college. I still have the light-up plastic shot glass from my 21st birthday. I have every stuffed animal I’ve ever received (although that one might be because I’m not totally convinced Toy Story isn’t real).
Houses fall under the thing category for me.
In middle school, my parents sold the only home I could remember living in up until that point. I cried for days (that must have been so annoying. Sorry Mom & Dad!). The last day in the house, I made my parents and two younger brothers sit in a circle in our empty living room and share their favorite memory of the house. I wanted to try to hang on to as many memories as possible because I was afraid that once we left the house, they would be forgotten forever.
Ok great. You were a sappy 7th grader, but what does that have to so with real estate?
I’m so glad you asked!
I understand that a home is a VERY personal piece of property. You could be moving for good reasons such as a new job or a new relationship, out of necessity or want such as you need more bedroom or want that giant yard you’ve been dreaming of. Or maybe the reason you are selling your home is due to a not so good reason such as a death in the family or a divorce.
No matter the reason, the home sale process is a very emotional one. The house you are selling is not just a ranch with 3 bedrooms and granite countertops. It’s where you celebrated Christmas with your family every year and where you became hooked on This is Us. It’s where you laughed so hard milk came out of your nose during family game night and where your husband broke his arm trying out your son’s ripstick. You aren’t just selling a house, you are selling a home.
And when you are looking for a house, you aren’t just looking for a two-story with hardwood floors close to work. You are looking for a home where you will have heart to hearts as your children grow up. The yard you want isn’t just about size, it’s about having a place to throw the ball with your four-legged best friend and a firepit to roast marshmellows with friends. You aren’t just looking for a house, you are looking for a home.
Some real estate agents can forget that. After processing transaction after transaction, they can become desensitized to what a big deal and how stressful buying or selling a house can be.
I wanted to get into real estate to help buyers and sellers through a rather emotional and stressful process in a empathetic way that makes them feel confident during their transaction (Having a little fun throughout the process isn’t off the table, either!).
Because I deeply understand the connection to things (and I also love that paperwork ;) ).
If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell a home in the Fox Cities area, please email me or pass along my information. Let’s start a conversation about your real estate goals and how we can achieve them.
If you or someone know is looking to buy or sell a home, but not in the Fox Cities area, please still email me or pass along my information. I have access to a great network of agents all over the state and country. I will be able to connect you to a reputable agent with an excellent track record!
