A little about me and why I do what I do. I am a lifelong native of Des Moines. I was a single mom for 17 yrs and have been married now for over 20 yrs. I have three boys - grown and gone. I grew up in Beaverdale and have lived there off and on for 20 years - and recently moved to Ankeny. I have a master's degree from Drake University in Counseling and Guidance and worked in the mental health field for 28 years. I've always been someone who loves to help others. This has lent itself very well in helping people with real estate decisions which can be challenging, ranks right up there with getting married and having kids! I got into real estate 25 years ago - although I've officially been a realtor for nearly 10 years. When I was working as a counselor at the Young Women's Resource Center, I kept coming across an application for home ownership through HOME Inc - Housing Opportunities Made Easy - an organization that assists low-income families with home ownership (plus more.). At the time I thought it was impossible to own a home for my 5-year-old son and me. However, I applied without much hope as there were 75 applicants. Eventually, I got a call that I made it to the top 4 candidates! Sure enough, we were one of the first families - my son and I, that HOME, Inc. bought a home for in 1990! This was a defining moment for my son and I - home ownership. I wanted him to have his own yard and neighborhood, and for me, it was a good investment and something to call my own. We lived there for 8 years and I sold it, by myself, in four days. I could then afford a Beaverdale brick ranch for my son and me! Fast forward, I had married the love of my life and we lived in and gutted a big house in Waterbury for 10yrs. Once our three sons were starting out on their own we were ready to downsize. I began going to open houses and eventually met an agent who encouraged me to explore a career in real estate. I have always loved homes and real estate and considered a career in helping others buy and sell homes. I took the real estate classes and passed the exam on the first try! I recently changed brokerages to Realty ONE Group Impact! I am so excited to continue to happily put my counseling skills to better use by working directly with buyers and sellers. Someone bought a house for me way back when, and I feel like I am coming full circle every time I hand a key to a new homeowner. I get to see the excitement and smiles on their faces, sometimes tears of joy-whether they are first-time homeowners, "right" sizers, investors, or those that are transitioning and saying goodbye to their forever homes. So, what motivates me to get out of bed in the morning? It's to give back and pay it forward, knowing I am helping others with the life-changing decision of home ownership. Let me know how I can be of assistance, it would be a joy to work with you!
