Today we’d like to introduce you to Laine Haugstad.
Hi Laine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I recently moved to DFW from a small farm town located an hour north of Seattle, WA, called Stanwood with my husband Drew, our one-year-old Deus, and our two dogs Otto and Gunnar. At 18, I left home and went to college at Washington State University. Go Cougs! I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. From there, I became a Juvenile Victim/Witness Advocate, Juvenile Corrections Officer trained in Defensive Tactics and finally a Case Manager for Truant/At-Risk Youth.
My career took a shift, and I received my real estate license and became a Realtor for Windermere in Stanwood/Camano Island. My husband Drew and I went to high school together, and in the fall of 2018, we began dating. A short eight months later we were engaged! We were married on 5/4/2019 on the beaches of Stanwood. We welcomed our son into the world in April 2020 and have loved every moment of raising our son.
We had been wanting to move to Texas for so long! I had randomly seen a reel on Instagram that my friend Raquelle Judge had posted and messaged her hoping she could help us find a home in the DFW area if/when we moved down. Shortly after reaching out to Raquelle, she offered me a job with her in real estate, and Raquelle and her husband Chris Judge hired my husband as a new Project Manager for the Judge DFW Group.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Moving across the county definitely has its challenges! And as someone who loves to be in control, I had to learn to relax and go with the flow as we moved. We loaded up our SUV with our one-year-old, two dogs and a top carrier and took off! We had to learn to be flexible on the road! So many stops, diaper changes, dog potty breaks. 🙂 But it was so worth it! We got to drive through states we had never been to and met up with family in Utah along the drive.
Another challenge would be leaving family and friends. Washington State is absolutely breathtaking! With so many amazing mountain ranges, topography, the Puget Sound and more, it is hard to leave the only place we have called home behind. Plus, many many loved ones who were sad to see us go. But luckily, our family and friends were supportive and wanted to see us achieve our dreams! We wanted to explore and experience something new, so here we are! And we love it!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My husband and I work for Judge DFW Group! Raquelle and Chris Judge hired my husband as a Project Manager and I am currently getting my real estate license in Texas! Unfortunately, Texas doesn’t offer reciprocity for real estate license’s, so I am starting over in the DFW area. I am currently licensed and have been for five years in Washington State and I can’t wait to start my real estate career in Texas!
Judge DFW specializes in building and designing custom homes in the greater DFW area. They offer real estate services, represent buyers and sellers and design custom homes!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My husband has been the biggest supporter for me. From the day we started dating, he has been the light of my life. Drew is such a strong man and always lifts me up. He has been there next to me while I study for my real estate license in Texas and is behind me 150%. Drew is incredibly positive and such a go-getter. He is such a positive role model for our son, and I thank him daily for being the best husband and father.
My parents and siblings have always been there for me, day and night. They have cheered me on since day one and are still there for me today, always. My mom is my rock. She has been fighting Multiple Sclerosis for 11 years, and watching her go through that while being there for her four kids and four grandchildren is truly inspiring. My dad worked incredibly hard in the Criminal Justice world and has taught his children many incredibly life lessons throughout his life. He shows continuous love and support for his children and watching him become a Grandpa is his true calling in life. My sisters are my best friends and we talk every single day. From being in the same sorority to enjoying many girls trips full of wine, they are my everything. We were all pregnant together and get to go through motherhood together, and it has been amazing! My brother is a true gem and for sure our family favorite. 🙂 He loves and supports his entire family and his free spirit and outlook on life is something we all can benefit from.
Huge support and shoutout to Raquelle and Chris Judge for taking a chance on my husband and I, for hiring us and helping get us to Texas by offering us such a great opportunity!
Contact Info:
- Email: Lainedaly@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/the.laine.louise
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laine.louise.9
