6 minute read
October 2022 ~ Rising Star, Lindsey Houston O'Steen
Dreams to Reality
Rising Star: Lindsey Houston O'Steen
By Brandon Jerrell
Many people seem to find themselves stuck in life — finding that they are often confined to the limitations of where they come from. This perspective is deceptive and malicious. In truth, you can achieve whatever you dream when you do the right things to get there.
Lindsey Houston O’Steen with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty lives by this principle. “It doesn’t matter how you grew up or where you came from. You can create the future of your dreams by caring for others, learning and working hard,” Lindsey says.
GROWING UP WITH STRUGGLE
Lindsey was born and grew up in Jacksonville. More specifically, she grew up in Clay County and knows this area very well. “I am the oldest of four kids, so I was pretty much always babysitting growing up. I have two sisters and a brother. I am a super proud big sister and am very close with my family.”
“My parents worked really hard when my siblings and I were growing up. They always tried to provide for us the very best they could,” she shares. “I definitely had a work ethic ingrained in me at a young age.”
When Lindsey was 7 years old, her mother worked as a waitress. During this time, Lindsey would often help out with side work, such as rolling silverware and wiping tables. When Lindsey was 13, she helped her mom with cleaning houses. This is where she learned that “if you want something, you work hard for it.”
Lindsey’s father always told her that “you have your name, and you work hard to keep a good name.”
“I’ve always had the hustle in me to be better and do better,” she explains. “The way I grew up really shaped me to be a go-getter as an adult, and I wanted to have the freedom to change my future and my family’s future.”
Lindsey shares with us a story from her childhood. “One moment that really sticks out is when I was in fourth grade, I was getting ready for school and couldn’t find my shoes. My mom said they were in the car, so I went out to get them, and the car was gone! It had gotten repossessed.
“I didn’t want to have to struggle. I saw how financial struggles can create problems and arguments in a relationship, and I wanted my life to be different... I wanted to change the
trajectory of my life and leave a legacy for my family and my future kids. I’m nowhere near where I’m going, but there are great things in store.”
FINDING HER PASSION
Lindsey went to Clay High School and got her associate degree from St. Johns River State College. However, she quickly realized that she wanted to do other things with her life, so she decided to pursue growing her own company. First, she owned a cleaning company. “I really enjoyed that and have always loved people and creating relationships.” She says she met multiple agents as well as many other great people while owning her cleaning business.
While buying her first house, she discovered how the process worked, and she decided that she wanted to be a part of it. “It was a stressful time, and I understood just how important a knowledgeable REALTOR® is to help through all of the emotions and process of buying a home. I’ve always loved people and wanted to create those lifelong relationships helping with one of the biggest purchases in someone’s life.”
Lindsey goes on to say, “I really had a ‘come to Jesus’ moment with myself. I was doing well with my previous business, but wanted something bigger, something deeper, and more meaningful,” she reveals. “I wanted to create generational wealth for my future kids and my family. Both of my parents worked extremely hard when I was growing up, and I wanted to be able to have the means to take care of them if/ when I needed to. I didn’t want to have to check my bank account to see if I could afford something,” she explains. “Combine that with a love for homes and being a people person, I knew I was meant for real estate. This is my passion and what I am meant to do.”
MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE
Lindsey has been married to her husband, Sean, for just over two years. Their daughter, Cora, just turned 1, and Lindsey’s stepson, Alex, plays football at Furman University. “I love family time and getting everyone together. Being the oldest of four kids, I really try to gather everyone together for dinners and really any excuse I can to see everyone. My brother Matt and I are really close, and he recently had his first child, a daughter, Hazel. It’s crazy how everyone is growing and just so much love. I am truly blessed.”
Lindsey and Sean recently bought their first investment condo, and her mom is currently living there. “It was a really proud moment to really think of how far I have come,” she reflects.
“I love working out and recently have created ‘Date Days’ with my husband at the gym. I think in this business, you have to be so intentional with your time. My best friend, Jordan, has a pool, and we spend a good bit of time on the weekends grilling out and playing with our kids.”
It is clear that Lindsey strives to make the most of her life, and that goal constantly makes its way into how she interacts with others. Especially her business. “When someone works with me, they know that they are now a part of my family. I reach out to my previous customers all of the time. They are going to be invited to our customer appreciation happy hours, our Christmas dinner parties and everything in between.”
Congratulations to Lindsey Houston O’Steen, this month’s Rising Star. With Lindsey’s work ethic, kindness and constant care for others, her dreams are all within reach.
Website: theferiateamrealtors.com
