I never planned on becoming a real estate agent. Most kids dream of being a fireman, doctor, or police officer, but I had no clear calling. As a teen, I was the friend people leaned on, a good listener who enjoyed giving practical advice. I thought I might become a therapist or counselor one day. But growing up in Northern Virginia, I naturally followed a familiar path after graduating from James Madison University, landing an analyst role with the Department of Defense. The job paid well with great benefits, yet staring at data and writing reports all day left me unfulfilled. I longed for that "vocational sweet spot" where what I am good at meets what the world needs and what brings purpose.
In my free time, I stumbled upon a book on real estate investing. It sounded incredible: find motivated sellers, buy apartment complexes at a discount, renovate, refinance, and earn big returns. But in Northern Virginia, mom-and-pop apartment deals didn’t exist. My search led me to wholesaling, where you find distressed sellers, put their property under contract, and assign it to another buyer for a margin. I hired a coach, stuffed and hand-addressed thousands of envelopes, and got a few dozen calls, yet no one I could truly help. Looking back, there was a disconnect between who I am and that model. It didn’t fulfill my desire to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Months later, a good friend from church who had started his real estate career encouraged me to get licensed. It wasn’t what I initially envisioned, but I took the leap part-time while still working my government job. With no phone access at the office, I was limited to evenings and lunch breaks. In six months, I helped two groups of tenants find rentals. It wasn’t buying or selling yet, but I loved guiding people to a place they could call home. Through a series of providential signs, I decided to go all in, quitting my government job without a backup plan.
Over 10 years later, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have helped hundreds of families buy and sell homes and witnessed the tangible impact of my work on their lives. People often assume I must "love houses" because I am an agent, but the truth is, I love people. My role is part strategist, part negotiator, part therapist, helping clients make wise, life-changing decisions. As a follower of Jesus, I get to live out my faith, praying for and sometimes with my clients, serving them with integrity and care.
Whether it is a first-time buyer, a luxury seller, a family upsizing or downsizing, or a military relocation, I count it a blessing to walk alongside people during one of life’s most important chapters. Real estate is not just my career; it is the calling that allows me to make a real difference, one family at a time.
