2020 NEW JERSEY REALTORS® REALTOR® OF THE YEAR

Monks is a licensed real estate broker in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and is the managing broker of Berkshire Hathaway Home, Fox & Roach Realtors® in Princeton Junction. Since 2011, she has served on the Leadership Team and Board of Directors for Core Association of Realtors®, and as President in 2020.

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

If I could give advice to my 18-year-old self I would say, never give up. Keep moving forward no matter how many times you want to stop—there will be some really tough days and some really good days. Always remember, the really tough days will make the really good days that much better.

You will have some great people in your life, and they will give you some great advice. Continue to listen and learn, as they will have some incredible insight.

What is your favorite motivational quote?

“People may forget what you said, and people may forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

What do you love most about your work?

I love working closely with my agents and mentoring them. Seeing them fulfill their dreams fills my heart. Who inspires you and why? My husband inspires me the most. I greatly admire his perseverance and determination. He has the kindest heart and is always giving of his time. He is also my greatest cheerleader, always seeing the good in me and helping me through any challenges I face.

What’s your favorite spot in New Jersey?

I love the beach and traveling. For a quick getaway, my husband and I will go to Atlantic City where we can go to some amazing restaurants and walk on the boardwalk. Being by the beach gives me such a sense of peace. Locally, one of our favorite places to go is Uno’s Restaurant. My husband and I love to travel, yet when we get back home, we cannot wait to go to Uno’s to see good friends.

Do you have any tips for new Realtors®?

I would tell them to get involved in community events and more importantly, volunteer for your local and state Realtor® associations. You will get to know your neighbors and fellow agents at all levels and learn first-hand why we love what we do. When I started volunteering at my local association, I knew it would help me professionally, but I never considered how happy it would make me. I am forever thankful to our Realtor® family for all it has given me.