Corpus Christi Real Producers - May 2022

DONNA TESTA & CHRISTINE BELIN

Coldwell Banker Pacesetter Steel REALTORS®

>> real mom and daughter team

By Ruth Gnirk

Photography by TresPiña Photography

I love our time together, and it is a pleasure to work alongside my daughter in the industry that I have enjoyed for so many years. We respect each other and have a very close relationship in work and play. We always put our clients ahead of our needs, and we both continue to educate ourselves to find the best way to serve our clients. While I don’t mind slow times, Christine is always on the go and can’t wait for the next client to come along who needs help. She inspires me to keep loving the profession we are in with fresh ideas, market updates, and new technology.

My mom taught me two lessons that I have passed on to my daughters as well: live by the golden rule, treating others the way you want to be treated; anything worthwhile is worth doing well, so do it to the best of your ability. They both live this way, and my proudest moment with Christine was when she was recently selected REALTOR® of the Year by the Corpus Christi Association of REALTORS®, the same honor I was chosen for 20 years ago! My life and career have grown inexplicably through this wonderful partnership. When one is unavailable to assist a client, the other always steps in to help out. Our time together is invaluable.

-- Donna

My mom was selling homes when I was a child, and she used to bring home floor plans of the new homes that she was selling so my sister and I could play Real Estate! I still remember the last hug from my mom when I was leaving for college in 1985. I left my hotel career in 1995 to help my mom with her real estate business, serving as a licensed REALTOR’s® assistant. It also gave me the flexibility to become a stay-at-home mom while working with my mom every day!

She taught me to have a positive attitude and do things I believe in. It is wonderful to work together and have fun when we do! We are both very supportive of each other. My mom is the rock in the ring and has always been a positive role model, working hard and balancing home life with her career. She encourages me to continue to pursue education and designations and keep updated with what is going on in the real estate industry.

Mom, thank you for always being there for me and supporting all of the decisions that I have made in life! You molded me to follow you in so many ways, and I am thankful for all you have done for our family and me! I love you, MOM!

-- Christine