Fall. How can you not love it? Cozy sweaters, crisp weather, and cuddles! For me, it’s a refreshing break from the hot, busy summers—the perfect time to retreat inward and shed [insert unwanted beliefs, habits, or relationships]. I get to hit the reset button and, in some ways, start something new.
Heaps of changes are happening in the world of Team Ray. With that said, we’d like to announce that our team is growing! We are having a baby! Everyone, especially Maya, is excited for its arrival in February—the perfect birthday gift for me and Maya.
If you didn’t know, I got licensed and became a real estate agent because we were pregnant with Maya. Coming from the restaurant industry, I really wanted to be a full-time working mama. I was literally closing my first deal as I was giving birth to Maya. After four months of maternity leave, I quickly discovered that real estate was the perfect career for me.
On top of learning how to be a real estate agent, understanding contracts, and navigating a completely foreign industry, I was nursing Maya at final walk-throughs, writing offers, bringing my family along to watch Maya during showings, and even bringing her into listing appointments with me. Being a mom did not stop me from becoming a successful real estate broker; it actually made me a better broker—and a better person in general.
Now that I’ve got the basics of being a real estate broker down, with a decent book of business, I had to make a big business decision. Do I invest in growing my business for more support, or do I find a brokerage that offers the support I need to do business just as well, or better?
To make a smart and sustainable move, I needed to really think about what Brian and I desire for ourselves and our family. While we both love business and entrepreneurship, our kids and their education are very important to us, as well as our own dreams of travel and experiencing the world. So, I asked myself three questions:
- Do you want to own a brokerage? No. (That was easy.)
- Do you want to start a team? Not really. I love coaching and contributing to others and their success, but I don’t want my success to be dependent on theirs. So, no.
- How much longer do you want to be a real estate agent? Not forever. In other words, our first (my bonus daughter) will graduate from high school in six years. After that, Brian and I can take the kids anywhere in the world—and I’ve always wanted to raise my family in a different country.
It became clear what I needed to do. Immediately, I reached out to a former colleague turned friend at a brokerage that I had been eyeing for a while. After speaking with the owner, it felt right. The next step was to meet in person. After that meeting, it didn’t just feel right; it was right. It checked every box, including the ones I hadn’t even considered. Within a week, I made the leap and landed at what I think is a super awesome brokerage.
Now, here I am writing this article for our October newsletter, inspired and ready to rock ‘n’ roll. There are lots of changes happening—and change is necessary for growth. I am reminded every day as my body prepares itself for another birth.
As usual, don’t forget to check out the list of events happening in the Puget Sound, along with holiday articles and blogs that may assist you on your own self-exploration. If we aren’t friends already, please add me on Facebook/LinkedIn and follow me on Instagram for updates or to stay connected!
