Q&A: Leah Anderson

The REAL Face of Real Estate

Q. Why did you decide to follow a career in real estate?

A. Real Estate is my second career. After an 11-year career in Finance, I wanted a career where I could interact intimately with different kinds of people at different stages of their lives and engage in my community. Real Estate checked all those boxes. On one hand, it can represent a major milestone in someone’s adult life. It can also mean the closing of one chapter to start a new one. It can be emotional and well as strictly business. Real Estate also allowed me to add value in areas of real estate that are negatively impacting the rich culture and long-standing citizens of the District.

Q. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in the industry? How did you overcome them?

A. The biggest challenge to this industry is developing yourself as not just a Realtor but a knowledgeable and resourceful Realtor. Being able to develop and become an expert in the field so that I am presenting the best analysis and best options for my client is of the utmost importance. As a Realtor, I never stop learning or exploring new opportunities or developments in real estate in which my clients can capitalize.

Another challenge was adjusting to how predatory real estate can be. One way I approached that challenge was to have free seminars on current home values to seniors and residents in neighborhoods that were experiencing “transitioning”. I also started a blog at that time that gave helpful insight into how development in certain neighborhoods were impacting the market value of its current homeowners as well as renters. I also participated in seminars aimed at educating lower-income buyers on the merits of homeownership and how to attain wealth through real estate.

Q. What does your experience in your previous career bring to your real estate business? How does that benefit clients?

A. What is real estate other than one HUGE financial transaction? My finance career brings the ability to forecast and provide financial data and analysis to my clients. I am also able to be that conduit between the real estate market and my clients by helping them understand the market value of their assets or the market value of their buying power.

Q. What drew you to your current real estate team? What were you looking for?

A. While I am not a part of a team, Long & Foster gave me the access to knowledgeable agents who were like-minded in the sense that they cared and worked for their community.

Q. How would you describe your business? Are you focused on sellers or buyers? A specific niche?

A. My “niche” is presentation and expert advice on how best to showcase your property or how to best present the buyer as a highly competent competitive buyer. A buyer will want my listing because it looks fantastic, and they can envision themselves there. A seller will choose my buyer because they have been presented as a strong buyer who will deliver on a contract.

As a 5th Generation Washingtonian, I love the District. My business is not just about buying or selling a particular property but contributing to and sustaining a living community. When selling a home, I focus on creative marketing that highlights the best qualities of a home as well as the neighborhood that comes along with it.

Q. What career goals do you have for the next 5 years? The next 10? Where do you see the peak of your career?

A. For the next five years, I would like to develop into a business brand that is known for integrity and that contributes to the community as a whole. When a client chooses me as their agent, they will know that they are contributing to a bigger picture of community building and growth

Q. What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day job?

A. I love getting to know my clients and how they choose to live. I enjoy the mobility and moving throughout the city. The creativity in preparing a property to be presented for sale is the highlight of my job

Q. Tell us about your first sale.

A. My very first sale/client was a Secret Service Officer who just moved from New Orleans with his wife. They were looking for a home to begin their family. I am beyond grateful to that couple because they entrusted me to guide them through the homebuying process. It was then that I truly understood, respected, and valued the enormity of trust that my clients give when you are working with them during one of the most important moments in their lives. They are the reason I have tried to continue to better myself as an agent and never stop learning better ways to serve my clients.

Q. What are some of your hobbies outside of the office?

A. Volunteering throughout the community for underserved communities as well as PAVE (Parents Amplified Voice for Education). Running. Soccer Mom Supreme.

Direct: 202-491-7077 | Office: 202-526-7147 leah.anderson@longandfoster.com | www.leahanderson.lnf.com