Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise McPeters.
Denise, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My desire to start on this path was nurtured by watching my family, many of whom are business owners, work hard to achieve their goals. My parents immigrated to Dallas in 1977 and by the time I was born a few years later, my mother was pursuing a Master’s degree and career in psychology. My father had opened his own business and was becoming increasingly active in real estate investing. Through their example, I learned the value of education, persistence and experience.
After earning a B.A. from the University of Texas at Dallas, I completed two internships in public relations and spent the following years working in interior space planning and custom design. Along the way, my father taught me everything he knew about buying and selling real estate. I learned about researching foreclosures, purchasing property at courthouse steps, understanding the market, and of course how to successfully negotiate. At age 26 I purchased my first place, a townhome large enough for me and my dog, which I still own and rent out.
In 2012, I got my real estate license and joined Keller Williams. By the end of my first full year, I had nearly tripled my former corporate salary, was named Rookie of the Year and felt more professionally fulfilled than ever. In 2015 I received a Five Star Professional Rising Star Award for which I was nominated by my peers and clients. Today, most of my business comes from referrals, much thanks to my amazing clients and I’ve been fortunate to land consistently in the top 20% of my market for production.
An aspect of real estate I find to be most intriguing is that it is ever-changing and unpredictable in nature. We’ve all heard that buying or selling a home can be one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. In many instances, it centers around a major life change, some good and some not. I’ve had great fulfillment in assisting clients through these transitions, a responsibility I do not take lightly. The opportunity to work with new people and tackle new challenges continues to inspire me. What I never imagined I’d gain through real estate, however, are the relationships I’ve made.
A few years ago, a couple reached out to me after reading one of my online profiles and asked if I could assist them in their move to Texas. They made a few trips here to look at homes and learn about what different areas had to offer. We continued working together over the course of several months, even connecting on FaceTime as I previewed properties of interest for them when they couldn’t be here. Today they are among my closest friends. I can scroll through my phone and name multiple friendships that first began as a real estate transaction.
But in addition to the people and challenge, I love the idea that being self-employed means you have the ability to build a business the way you imagine it to be and to serve clients how you feel is best. With that, comes the benefit of no pre-determined earning potential as exists in many careers.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Certainly, I did in the beginning and still do experience challenges in my career. I knew that starting a business from scratch meant things would probably be difficult before they were good. I spent the first year focused on building my brand, marketing, earning people’s business and creating a solid foundation on which I could grow. I struggled to find business initially and capitalized on the success I did have in an attempt to create more.
A career in real estate can sometimes feel like a roller coaster ride in terms of stability, demand and expectation. There’s only so much you can learn in real estate school, and the rest comes from experience, so naturally, there have been growing pains along the way. One thing that has become incredibly apparent is that it’s my passion for what I am doing that has propelled me to work through obstacles in a way I otherwise may not have.
Keller Williams Realty – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I sell all across Dallas-Fort Worth but primarily focus on Collin, Denton and Dallas counties. I have worked with buyers, sellers and investors in a wide range of price points ranging from $85k to $1.5m. I also enjoy working with people relocating and introducing them to our city. For me, delivering great service means a long list of things including being easily accessible, short response times, professionalism, follow up and knowledge of both the market and types of transactions in which I am assisting.
I feel it is important to set initial consultations with clients, particularly first time buyers, to review the process, answer questions and set expectations. I meet with people time and time again that are unaware of what buying or selling entails and I have found they appreciate a more guided approach. I also believe that staying in touch with clients is important as I strive to be a real estate resource for them long after a transaction is complete. I am most proud that so much of my business comes from past client referrals which hopefully means I have gained their trust and confidence.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
At the beginning of each year, I create goals for my business. These can include number and type of closed sales, obtaining new certifications and continuing education, expanding my knowledge and experience in different areas of real estate, exceeding client expectations, growing my database, giving back to my community, etc. At the end of each year, I measure my success based on how well I’ve worked at meeting those goals.
Professionally, I plan to continue to grow my business in terms of team members and production. I am also expanding my areas of expertise and service by working with new residential developments. Personally, I hope to grow my investment portfolio and teach my son about real estate… as soon as he takes his first steps.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1002 Raintree Circle Suite 100 Allen, TX 75013
- Website: www.mcpetersgroup.com
- Phone: 214.675.6004
- Email: denise@mcpetersgroup.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/McPetersGroup
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
