My Real Estate Journey

When I reflect on what sets me apart from the thousands of other realtors in Northeast Ohio, I always come back to two things: integrity and genuine care for my clients.

In the fast-paced world of real estate, it’s easy to lose sight of just how much those qualities matter. But I know, first-hand, that they truly do—because I’ve been in my clients’ shoes.

Back in 2009, when my husband and I were newly engaged, we thought buying a home made more sense than renting an apartment. So, like many people do, we reached out to a realtor we knew and began the process.

What I didn’t realize then was that this experience would mark the beginning of my own journey into real estate.

Unfortunately, that first experience wasn’t what we’d hoped. We felt pressured into making a decision on a house we didn’t love, in a location that didn’t feel right. Our agent insisted it was the best fit for us, but deep down, we knew it wasn’t. I’ll never forget the stress of having to choose between walking away or moving into a mint green house with a bizarre staircase—neither of which felt like "home."

Ultimately, we decided to rent for three more years. It was absolutely the right choice.

When we finally felt ready to buy again, we worked with a different agent—someone who approached the process with patience, understanding, and humor. Our budget was small, the houses we toured were far from glamorous (some even had serious mold issues), but we never felt rushed or pushed. We actually enjoyed the experience because we felt seen, heard, and respected.

Looking back now, I laugh a little at how much we put that agent through—but I also admire her grace. She never made us feel like a burden. She walked with us every step of the way, and we always knew she had our best interests at heart.

We ended up buying our first home—a fixer-upper that came with plenty of challenges. The process took six months, thanks to the fact that it was a short sale with three separate mortgages attached. But our agent and her husband (also a REALTOR) stood by us through every twist and turn, making sure we understood what was happening and felt supported.

That experience taught me so much about what truly matters in real estate—and it’s what I carry with me into every client relationship to this day.

Now, as a REALTOR myself with over a decade of experience, I always strive to treat my clients with the same care and patience we were shown. I won’t claim to be perfect, but I will always aim to do what’s right. I listen. I care deeply. And I want every client I work with to feel like they’re in good hands—because they are.

In the end, the person you choose to help you buy or sell your home matters. You deserve someone you can trust, who listens to you, who’s knowledgeable and kind, and who will walk with you through every step—no matter how long or winding the road may be.

I hope that’s the kind of experience people feel when they work with me. And I hope that’s what helps me stand out in a crowded field.