Sometimes life makes some unexpected turns. If you look for the opportunities that they present to you, those turns will usually take you in the right direction. I am grateful that my career presented me with some unexpected opportunities, and am thankful to all of the wonderful people who have helped me to make the best of these opportunities.
Real estate was not my original career. After graduating from the University of California at Berkeley with a Bachelor and Master Degrees in English (no, I wasnt a hippie or activist!), I returned to my hometown (Kansas City) and taught English at Shawnee Mission North High School. Also, I instructed homebound students in English, Spanish, History and gymnastics.
While my children were toddlers, I tutored and taught homebound students and made and sold “dough” art to various area boutiques. At that time, my interest in real estate was strictly academic; the subject simply piqued my curiosity, and I always enjoy learning new things.
My Real Estate Career
In 1978 I obtained my Missouri and Kansas Real Estate Salesperson Licenses; later I got my Brokers’ licenses. When asked if I would ever sell any homes, I said I never really intended to, but it might be interesting to try. This turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. Within a few years, I was one of the top agents in a local real estate office.
Did I regret spending all of that time and money preparing for a career as a teacher? Not at all. It is my goal to give my clients the best possible information so they can make the best possible decisions. I teach my clients how to interpret market trends and how to determine if a particular property or transaction is in their best interests. It might be easier to just tell them to buy a particular property, but I would rather have them acquire the knowledge needed to make a smart real estate investment. In fact, I won’t let anyone proceed with a transaction until they completely understand every nuance of the transaction.
At home with Skipper
Now my “classroom” covers mostly Johnson County, Kansas and southern Jackson County, Missouri. My students are Kansas City home buyers and sellers. Interestingly, I find that I am always learning things myself as the market shifts, construction technique evolves, and regulations are endlessly being changed.
For awhile I had my own real estate company called S&S Realty. I worked at a property management firm operated by my family. Since they purchase in large quantities for many apartment complexes, I’m able to help my clients save money on appliances, paint, carpet, wallpaper, plumbing supplies, etc. Also, I have names of workmen who are talented and reasonably priced.
I was associated with Eugene D. Brown Co. from 1982-1991 and was one of its top producers and a lifetime member of the Chairman’s Club (qualifying by being in the Million Dollar Plus Club for 5 years). I was the top sales agent in my office in 1988-1990.
In 1991 I joined J.D. Reece Realtors. The available staff and computer support give me the freedom to list, sell, and provide even better service to my customers. Reece’s impressive market share (currently #1 in the city, selling more than the #2, #3 and #4 companies combined) helps me sell my listings even more quickly. From 1991-1996 I was the #2 agent 5 times, and the #3 agent once. In 1997 I was honored as the #1 J.D. Reece REALTOR for all 19 offices and 1,100 agents, with over 120 transactions and $17 million in sales volume. The last few years I have ranked in the top 10 agents in Johnson County and Kansas City. In 2008, the Kansas City Business Journal ranked me as the #4 top area REALTOR® out of 11,000 agents.
I have helped with articles on Kiplinger Money magazine, appeared on Good Morning America featuring buyers moving to Kansas without transfer orders, worked on numerous seminar panels, and more. My name is very well known in the Kansas City real estate community.
It took a lot of work to earn this sort of recognition. However, all of the designations and awards would not mean anything to me if my clients were not happy. The designations by themselves do not bring me new business; it is word-of-mouth that brings the thoughtful and generous referrals from past clients and business associates. For me, a satisfied customer is a bigger feather in my hat than any sort of trophy or three-letter designation.
A couple of years ago I bought a Weichert Realtor® franchise and have about 30 REALTORS® in my Overland Park, KS office. With the market being so soft and prices rising, I have found it harder to make a profit as the owner of the company. My goal is to have my office owned by the realtors similar to a Hi-Vi, company owned business. I would like to give the agents leads, get referral income and sell real estate related products on my web sites.
Personal Background
As for my family background, I am the oldest of five. All but one live in the KC area. My sister is an artist and art therapist. My younger brother builds homes and does remodeling and my older brother manages apartments. My mother is a docent at the Nelson Art Gallery and will be happy to give you a private tour. I am a single mother of three daughters. They have been involved in gymnastics, theater, dance, horseback riding, and swimming. Our two dogs (a Bichon Frise and a Pomeranian Poodle) and two cats get along very well and get lots of attention.
Your Greater Kansas City REALTOR® for Life
Thank you for taking the time to get to know a little bit about me. I would be more interested in learning about you and your family’s needs in terms of neighborhoods and property. I will make every effort to ensure that your next real estate transaction helps you to attain your real estate goals.
Please contact me for a no-obligation consultation. If you simply want to chat about Kansas City real estate or the community, I would enjoy that as well. I’m here to help!
