Five Years In Real Estate: From Legacy Dreams to Leading with Purpose

I didn’t get into real estate because I thought it would be easy.

I got into real estate because I wanted freedom—for myself, and eventually for my kids. I was looking for a path that allowed me to create something bigger than a paycheck. I wanted to build a legacy, something that would not only support my children as they step into adulthood, but also give them an opportunity to learn, to lead, and to leverage what I’ve built.

Almost 30 years ago, I graduated college into a very different world. Today, things are tougher—cost of living is higher, jobs are more competitive, and opportunities don’t come with a guarantee. I didn’t want my kids to struggle through life without a backup plan, so I made one. I saw real estate as the perfect combination of hustle, heart, and long-term growth.

So, I made the leap.

The first few months were a whirlwind. I was blessed to land a deal just a couple of months after getting licensed—huge win. But then…crickets. For months. That was my welcome into real estate: high highs, followed by long stretches of learning the hard way. It’s a rollercoaster, and the ride has not let up since.

Over the past five years, I’ve worked with challenging clients, dream clients, and everyone in between. I’ve had the privilege of turning some of those clients into lifelong friends. I’ve lost money. I’ve spent money—a lot of it—just to stay licensed and keep growing. I’ve taken classes, sat through webinars, studied contracts, cried over transactions that fell apart, and celebrated like crazy when those closing emails finally came in.

And here’s the truth: I still don’t have it “figured out.” But I’ve learned to trust the process.

Because while real estate is far from easy, it’s absolutely worth it.

My style isn’t fast or flashy. I’m not trying to close 50 deals a month or run a mega team. I don’t have a team. I’m building something steady and intentional—for my family, for my clients, and for the future. My work is personal. My clients get me—not just someone passing paperwork. I show up, I care deeply, and I touch every part of the transaction. I know it’s not the easiest way, but it’s the right way for me.

And then, something shifted.

A few years into this journey, I joined The VIBE Brokerage—and everything clicked. It wasn’t just a place to hang my license. It was a space where I could use my background—15 years of corporate leadership, years of coaching adults in fitness, and a deep love for helping others—to actually make an impact.

At The VIBE, I’m not just growing my business. I’m helping other agents grow theirs. I get to pour into people again, train, guide, and mentor in a way that feeds my soul. It’s been the most fulfilling part of my career so far. Because when I help agents win, their clients win. And that ripple effect? That’s legacy work, too.

So here I am—five years in. A mom of three, two in college (in opposite directions!), one soccer star in high school, married 18 years to a husband who invests alongside me. We’re building something special. It’s not always pretty, and it’s definitely not easy, but it’s ours. And I’m so incredibly proud of how far we’ve come.

The last five years have aged me—whew—but I wouldn’t trade them for anything. They’ve shaped me, stretched me, introduced me to people I now consider family, and reminded me that the journey is just as important as the destination.

Here’s to the next five. To more growth. More impact. More legacy.

Let’s keep building.