Today we’d like to introduce you to Juanita Smith.
Juanita, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My first interest in real estate came about 15 years ago when I went to work for a residential builder. They were developing a new subdivision and needed a sales manager. With my MBA behind me, I felt that if I didn’t like it, I could always return to the corporate world. So I went to work for them and I learned a lot about what a subdivision shouldn’t do more than anything but it was a great experience that peaked my interest in real estate nonetheless. I wanted to see the commercial side of things so I worked in commercial property management for a few years before I decided to go full time into residential sales. I built a solid career in Tulsa as a full time Realtor working primarily with investors and helping my clients build their portfolios. After so long, however, I honestly wanted a change of pace and a little more room for growth so I decided to relocate.
While considering places like Atlanta and Florida, Dallas-Ft Worth flew to the top of my list. Its corporate friendly environment keeps the metroplex growing – essential to what I do. Plus the cost of living is still reasonable compared to going east/west. So I took a leap of faith and came to Dallas and started from scratch. If I was going to have to start all over as a Realtor, I needed to be in a place that was growing. So I moved here and built my business up over the past 8 years, one client at a time. I love calling DFW home! Plus, being a Realtor allows me to see a lot of DFW. My clients’ needs and location preferences are just as diverse as they are. We have something for everyone in DFW and I love helping people find their place here. It is my business.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Self employment comes with its own set of unique challenges. Add moving to a new place and it can certainly be a struggle. I didn’t know anyone except a few distant relatives but that was about it. I was also learning a new real estate market. Although I sold a couple of homes in my first few months, it took more time than I anticipated to get a steady pipeline of clients. At one point, I was working for a local commercial real estate firm and still building my real estate business. I met some great people and had a wonderful experience. However, it was such a relief to go back full time as a residential Realtor. It’s not always easy to work for yourself, but it is very rewarding in a number of ways.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a full-time, full service Realtor but I am not in the house business. I am actually in the people business. I specialize in helping people find the right place wherever they are in life. It can be their first home or they could be building a multi-million dollar estate. I also of course help my clients sell their properties. This ranges from them liquidating an investment, moving because they need to size up/down or relocating with a new job. My clients appreciate me most, I think, for being a trusted and competent resource for their real estate needs. These are huge transactions that require a dedicated professional to ensure things are done properly and as smooth as possible. My commitment to service is one of my biggest differentiators. My resources and team are there for the benefit of saving my clients time and money.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was the youngest of nine and slightly spoiled as the baby. I was somewhat of a nerd in school but quite friendly. I loved to laugh, hang out with family, travel, watch movies and eat great food. Not much has changed!
Contact Info:
- Address: 5960 Berkshire Lane
Ste. 700
Dallas, TX 75225 - Website: www.soldbyjuanita.com
- Email: juanita@soldbyjuanita.
com - Instagram: @soldbyjuanita
- Facebook: @juanitatherealtor
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