11/28/2021
After becoming licensed in 1993 as a real estate salesperson working in a big major real estate office, I realized that one day I wanted to have my own real estate brokerage firm. I wanted to help people obtain the American dream of homeownership and build economic wealth. The biggest and most major purchase in one's life is to own your own home. And what I found then was that people who look like me were discouraged that this could even become a reality for them. I was determined that I would and could change this narrative not only for me but for anyone that I came in contact with. This ambition wasn't easy; however as a salesperson, I worked extremely hard to list and sale properties in a very difficult and often unwelcoming climate for a young smart Black woman. In this business, you have to have the fortitude to want to succeed and the ambition to work hard to overcome extraordinary challenges in a profession that you don't perfectly fit in.
With the help and support of my family, friends and community, I set out on a path to prove to myself and everyone that denied me that I could do this.
Where doors were slammed in my face, I found opportunities. I endured the racism that prevented me from belonging in the real estate community. My thoughts were if you didn't accept me, I would just build my own.
So I encouraged myself to go to complete my broker classes in one year, a process that normally took several years to do. I challenged myself to list, sale and lease enough properties to meet the required productivity level to even sit for the broker exam. After several grouling years, finally I was able to take the exam. Did I mention to you that this wasn't easy? I took one of the hardest tests of my life and passed. I became a licensed real estate broker in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I was ready to begin my dream now the only obstacle in my way was opening up an office and hanging those licenses. My then attorney a Black man came up with a plan. We opened the business and I was offered the opportunity to start my practice in his law firm. He showed me that as much as I believed in me he did too. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
When people see your determination to do good, be honest and have sound ethics and integrity along with compassion and commitment for others then people will reach out to help you help others. To all those who poured into me I thank you.
My clients and customers allowed me to assist in the sale or purchase of real estate believe in the fact that I work in the best interests of them, so much so that they referred their families and friends. It is often said that the best form of flattery is a referral.
A huge amount of gratitude is to those of you that have trusted me enough to allow me to work with you to obtain your real estate dreams and goals.
It is with great pride that I celebrate this month in this year being in business serving you for 15 years. Thank you so much.🏡
