Revel in Real Estate

What originally sparked your interest in real estate and when did you begin?

Honestly, real estate is something I said I would never do. My mom sold real estate in Wichita when I was in high school and college. She was so busy that I didn’t see her much. At that time, Wichita had Lehr Jet, Beech, Boeing, Ratheon, Pizza Hut, and a number of large employers and she was kind of the queen bee for them all. In 2014 however, the office administrator at our C21 office left so I filled in until a new person was hired, which never happened, so I was stuck with the job.

Did you receive any higher education to become a realtor?

I received my real estate license in 2014 and my broker’s license in 2017.

What is your best advice for someone just getting started in real estate?

Get out and about! Wear a nametag. Let people know what you’re doing and don’t let them forget. You have to have a good sphere to pull from and you have to spend money advertising to keep your name in front of people. It’s your business and nobody is going to do it for you.

What is your favorite part of being a realtor and why?

Honestly, see the answer to question 1. Never say never….I worked in the office and did very few sales, just to close friends, until Jan 2022. At that time, I really started selling and was surprised I loved it. I don’t really feel like I’m a ‘salesman’. I hope what people see in me is a person who wants the best for them. Money is great and we all love it, but I would rather be poor with integrity, than rich without it.

What is your most memorable sell?

Easy….a very dear person who had had a pretty rough time for quite a few years in his life made a 360 degree turn around, went to trade school and is very successful in his trade now. His wife jokingly said, “You’ve gone from homeless to homeowner”. This really stuck with me. He’s such a great person who decided to be an overcomer. He is SO proud, and I am too. This is my favorite memory so far and will rank near the top forever, I’m sure.

What is something interesting about real estate the average person wouldn't know?

Contrary to popular belief, we don’t get to keep all the money we get at closing. Just some of our expenses for gas, car wear and tear, advertising (business cards, radio, mailouts, billboards, etc), realtor signs, lock boxes, laptop and office supplies. We are selfemployed so we have to get health insurance, no paid vacation or sick days. And, of course, taxes - lots of taxes. We also have to pay error and omission insurance and our brokers also take a portion of our checks to pay for office rent and utilities. We don’t get paid unless we sell something. We may show someone twenty properties and if they decided not to buy, we get zero for our time and gas expense.

Where is the furthest place you have sold a house?

Personally, I try to stay within 30-40 miles of Chickasha. I might go farther, but it would have to be the right circumstance. I think Norman, OKC and Fletcher would be the farthest for me. The great thing about Century21 is we are worldwide. If someone wants to buy or sell in another town, state, or country, I can refer them to another Century21, which is a luxury many realtors don’t have.

If you weren't a real estate agent, what would you be?

Ahhhh, I would own a marina. I love being at the lake, any lake. People are happy there and everyone is having a good time. I love to work, I love the sun, and I love to help people. That would be my dream job!