Meet Lori Hankins of Lori Hankins with Remax Trinity in Fort Worth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Hankins.

Lori, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always been interested in real estate and construction, probably because my dad was in construction when I was growing up. He was a fireman and needed a job that allowed him to take off every 3rd day so he could be at the fire department for 24 hours. I remember being so proud that my dad was a fireman. But what I remember most were the Sunday afternoons where he would drive us around town showing us the houses he’d worked on. I don’t remember him ever driving us around to show where he had fought a fire, but I remember him being proud of the work he had done on the houses where he worked.

When I turned 16 and got my driver’s license, I was probably the only teenager in town that loved to stop at open houses! As a realtor, I now realize that most agents probably wished I hadn’t wasted their time coming through the houses, but I loved looking through them and hoped that someday I could be just like those realtors.

I married and had my children young and chose to stay home and raise my daughter and son. And at the same time, our family moved to Northwest Arkansas; I was up there for 22 years until I moved back to Texas four years ago.

I decided that with such a life change, newly single, kids gone from home and moving to Fort Worth, I needed to make another life change pursue my goal of real estate. I’m so thankful I did, I get to wake up each day and do something I love! I moved my license to RE/MAX Trinity almost 3 years ago and love the office environment, the training, staff, support, and encouragement. I’m thankful for the wonderful clients I am able to work with every day and look forward to many more years in the industry.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has not been an easy one, it’s taken a lot of long hours and hard work, but it’s been worth it. I’ve had people ask me what I get paid for each house I show or what my base salary is or how much I make an hour. I’m surprised at the number of people who don’t realize that we work strictly on commission.

So, starting out, unless you have a spouse supporting you or money saved back to live on, finances are the biggest struggle. And like so many other realtors, finding clients is a constant struggle when you’re a new agent.

For me, trying to get organized and be disciplined was somewhat of a struggle as well. When you don’t want to pick up the phone and make a sales call, it’s easier to find “busy” work to take care of than what really needs to be done.

But to me, the biggest struggle and most important thing you need to master is your attitude and outlook on life. If you wake up every day looking for the blessings in your life and everything that is RIGHT in your life instead of what is WRONG….you’re already way ahead of the game.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lori Hankins with Remax Trinity – what should we know?
I work with homeowners to help them sell their homes and home buyers to help them find the perfect home for their family. I love working with first time home buyers, getting to help them through what is a stressful time and seeing the joy on their faces when we close on their new home.

I also work a lot with military families and retired military. I love helping someone who has sacrificed to serve our country find a place they can call home.

But, I love helping anyone that needs to buy or sell a home. I try to be proactive and take as much of the stress as possible out of the process. I’m always available to answer questions and love getting to know my clients. I also keep in touch after the sale and am available for referrals for anything from plumbers to painters. I like to be a resource to my clients so they know I’m not just collecting a check and then forgetting about them.

Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business?  If so –who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
I have been fortunate when it comes to encouraging people in my life. My mentor, Stacia Burnham was my lifeline when I first started. She helped me when I filled out my first offer and then went over it with a red pen… I felt like I was back in school! But it was great having someone who cared and wanted my offer to be filled out correctly.

When I moved to RE/MAX Trinity, my broker, Jaci Coan, hosted classes and I would attend every one of them. I soaked it up like a sponge. She’s been so supportive and encouraging, I wouldn’t have made it without her!

My coach, Melissa Dunn has been amazing, she recognizes my achievements while still pushing me to move outside of my comfort zone.

And I have to say, I have the best clients you could ever ask for! I always seem to work with wonderful people who love to laugh and have fun during the process of buying or selling their homes. They end up not only being my clients but my friends.

But my biggest supporters have been my family. When I have a bad day, my husband is always there to encourage me and remind me how far I’ve come. My mom & dad, grandmother, children, and my grandchildren are my biggest cheerleaders!

Contact Info:

• Address: 2600 W 7TH ST #146 Fort Worth, TX 76107
• Website: www.lorihankins.com
• Phone: 817-818-8869
• Email: lorihankinsrealtor@gmail.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorinoakeshankinsrealtor
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoriAnnHankins

Image Credit:
Lisa Torres, Ladies of Real Estate

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