Well, I do not blog and I am still new to this but have a few things going on right now that I'd like to share.
My family has just made a military PCS move from Ft. Campbell, Ky to Ft. Lewis, Wa. Being originally from Western Washington the move has been good. Minus the few dozen hiccups along the way that come with any move.
We were stationed at Ft. Campbell for 8 years. It was a great 8 years. We purchased a home, I started a career and we watched our son grow up in the state that he really calls home. So we will come back when our soldier retires, whether that is 4 years or 14? Who knows.
Career ~ Well, I waited to start my career until my husband was nearing retirement because as a military spouse, I've seen 1st hand how starting a career at one duty station may not carry over to the next. So after much consideration on "moveable" careers, I decided to become a Realtor. Purchasing our home was so amazing. Wasn't as stressful as some of fellow homeowners made it out to be. We had a great Realtor and Mortgage lender who made the process smooth. (I think making a holiday dinner is more stressful than purchasing a home, at least for our deal) So I wanted to share our wonderful experience with whomever I could.
So on I went to school, was helpful, made it through and passed with flying colors. Now for the real test. Could I put what I learned into practice? Well only one way to find out. So I signed up with Exit Realty in Clarksville, TN. Great company, amazing agents, and just a wonderful place to work. There I was cruising right along when my first buyer comes along. CASH DEAL!!!! Holy crap! WOO HOO! So that was, lets say, an interesting client. Thats a whole different blog all together. That and the deal itself. Cash? Who said thats an easy deal.
So now I know that I can do this Real Esate thing. I'm on a roll. I'm really getting out there making contacts and things are going great. Whoops, I tore my ACL. Okay no biggie, I'll get it fixed and be on my way back to getting contacts and growing my business. Well being that we are a military family, the medical isn't as quick as one would hope so it takes a 4 months unitl the surgery and 2 more months of recovery and therapy before I can REALLY get back out there. Did my best with customers I was in contact with trying to drum up business.
Few months have passed and am stoked about getting back into the game. I've got a plan. I'm going to market this way, and I'm gonna advertise here and there. Phone rings, husband who is in Korea is on the other end. "Honey, sorry but I can't get my return assignment to Ft. Campbell, we will be moving to Ft. Lewis." Um crap. Scrap the advertising, scrap the marketing. Time for a change. This could be good........
So my son and I make the journey across the country to our new home. Well, the market is certainly different here in Washington. So I decide that I can do this....So off to take the test I go. Got that done and was looking for a new place to hang my license, so I drove around the neighborhoods to see what kind of inventory was out there and who has the inventory. Looks like John L Scott and Windermere. WOW!! Couple companies that I'd like to learn more about.
The research begins. John L Scott was the first to call and I met with the broker. What energy, what positive atitude, the feel of the office was amazing. I felt like this place was calling to me. So I did what any sane person does, I signed up. I have been welcomed with open arms and am so excited to learn more about the area and what the Real Estate business can teach me. Will I be here forever? Will we change our minds and retire here? I don't know.
For me the marketing and advertising will be interesting in the way I do it. How long will the army decide that we are needed here? Unkown. So how do I market that? Where to I begin? Lots of searching. Lots of learning. LOTS OF EDUCATION!!!! I'm excited, I'm nervous, I'm eager.
I have my 1st listing here in Wa coming next week. Some repairs need to be done and thats okay, the insurance company is taking care of those. Then when they sell they are going to pay cash for a house here close to the office. And there is no pressure for contingencies on them finding another house as they have someplace else they are living now. SOOOO stoked. The fire has definatly been relit for my career. I will forge through and meet as many contacts that I can so some time in the future, whether or not I am still here in WA, I will be able to help those people to move onto the next chapter of their lives by way of referral if I'm not here.
Being a military wife has taught me alot about finding my inner strenghts to adapt and overcome the obstacles that try to steer us off course. I am excited for the changes and challenges that my career as a Realtor need. Its about the client, not the money. I want to help those who are looking on to the next chapter in their lives. Let me share my knowledge. Let me learn from my clients, how to be a better agent, person, mother, wife, daughter, friend, coworker. Everyone we come across in life has a purpose. I'm proud to say that I am a Realtor with John L Scott and I have had the privilige and honor to hang my license in Tn with Exit. Two different parts of the country and 2 differnt companies. I'm excited to get out there and make this as successful as I can.
