Did I know I was going to be a Realtor? Nope. Should I have? Maybe.

My journey into real estate was an unexpected path, shaped by the experiences of my childhood and the twists and turns of military life. My dad, the owner of a plumbing and heating company, imparted invaluable lessons about home maintenance, while my mom fueled my curiosity with trips to open houses, pointing out architectural nuances and quality details. Growing up as renters, my family moved frequently, and the concept of a stable home felt elusive.

It wasn't until my husband and I, both products of a nomadic style upbringing, faced the challenges of house hunting after his injuries forced us out of the Army. Returning to Arizona, where we first met, we embarked on the daunting task of finding a home for our family of six. A seemingly overlooked listing with mediocre photos turned out to be "The One" – a new construction on an acre, meeting all our criteria. Grateful for our real estate agent's insistence, I realized the importance of quality photographs in the home buying process.

The journey of buying that first home was a roller coaster, revealing the complexities of the process. Reflecting on it, I recognized the need for education and guidance. In 2015, when we decided to move to Washington, selling our home became a new challenge. A previous attempt had left us frustrated, but a change in real estate agents brought success in just three days. The experience solidified my belief in the impact of knowledge, marketing, and positive energy in the real estate world.

Renting in Washington allowed us to understand Skagit County before committing to a purchase. Eventually buying the house we were renting; the process was smoother with the knowledge gained from real estate school and the support of an excellent agent. Joining Windermere, the real estate firm I admired, made the journey even more meaningful.

Becoming homeowners in Burlington, Skagit County, marked the transition from dwelling to truly feeling at HOME. My unexpected venture into real estate has given me a unique perspective, allowing me to empathize with clients navigating both the selling and buying processes. Guiding them through the challenges and joys, I find immense satisfaction in helping others find their own place called HOME. Looking back, it seems like I was guided towards this profession, and now, there's no place like HOME!