Realestateinvestmentswallawalla’s Blog

What finally drives someone to buy a home?  With everyone the scenario is different.  My personal experience is one that has driven me into making a career choice of becoming a realtor.  Many years ago I was a newly divorced mother of two.   My children were young, 3 and 6 years old.  I had no real “steady” income.  I was a full time mom by choice.  However, I was broke…flat broke ,with children to raise and be an example to.  I had absolutely no food in the cupboard, unless you count the oatmeal…oh boy!  A close friend suggested I go to the local food bank and then sign up for welfare.  I was too proud to turn to family but  I needed to feed my children.  So, on a cold western Washington day I gave in.  I found myself in a line of hundreds waiting to receive bulk butter, eggs and bread.  I prayed to God promising to make any changes he asked of me.  I just needed a break!  The kind people at the Food Bank seen my despair and begged to find me more assistance.  I refused, due to pride and faith, that this would be my first and last visit!  We prayed together that cold day, three women, perfect strangers and I. 

Two weeks later I found a card on my front door.  From a broker/owner of a real estate company.  He heard I needed a job, mutual friends had given me great references.  Real Estate I thought…I know nothing about it!  Nothing!  But I made the call and set up an interview, I needed a job desperately!  A week later I was in a full time position as administrative assistance.  I was as green as one could be and thrown into a situation that had serious details.  I opened the office every morning at 7:0 A.M. to clean.  That included, bathrooms, floors and windows!  This was extra cash for day care.  The office was opened at 8:00 and I was on full detail.  I emersed myself  in every detail of the industry!  Many evenings I worked into the wee hours to stay ahead of the demands of the job.  My two kids would sleep near my desk in their portable bed rolls.  Finally, it clicked! 

I must be a slow learner but I knew I was there for a reason.  I talked to every agent, buyer, seller and lender that came in the office.  I learned what made the successful realtor and what fell short of one.  I read every book I could get my hands on.  Within 1 year I bought my first house.  A grand total of $60,000!  You could fly a kite in it.  The windows were single pane.  There was only two wall heaters.  BUT, it was sound!  I spent the next 2 years painting, land scaping and just getting it to a decent living standard. 

Then I took the plunge.  I became a full time realtor.  Leaving my cleaning and office job AND steady pay check behind.  I did this from faith.  What I learned I wanted to share with everyone!  How to break out of whatever situation your in and make it!  And make it I did.  I sold my first home for double what I paid.  I shared this with every seller and buyer I came into contact with.  Within the first month of business I was the top agent in the office.  I wore my boots and jeans and went to work for people just like me…people trying to make it!

I am much older now…several houses and investments later.  Two children graduated from high school and in college.  I still wear my boots and jeans and don’t mind at all getting dirty to help a client get their house ready to sell.  My favorite charity, of course, is local food banks and children network services.  My driving force is not the commission…my driving force is giving back what was given me…knowledge!  Also, breaking the fear of taking that step into home ownership and independence.

It is not just for the elite, homeownership.  I am a prime example of that! Buyers today have an opportunity I never had.  I was faced with high interest rates…above 10%!  Today a buyer can realize a loan for under 5%.  With the right realtor and lender, buyers can break out the constant financial drain of renting. No other time in history, except the great Sooner rush of Oklahoma, has there been a better time to buy a home!

So, dust off those boots and strap on some faith for spurs!  Let’s start your story too!  I’d love to be a part of your success!