Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Naylor.
Sarah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
At 30, I became a personal trainer. At the age of 35, I became a tennis pro. At the age of 40, I became a real estate agent. I tend to like new challenges. When I became an agent, I thought I needed to give it 24/7 and chose to give up training. I went 2 years without training and dove all in to real estate. Something was missing though, so I added early morning bootcamps and tried to keep that part separate from my real estate life. Somehow, and I truly don’t know how, my bootcamp clients learned that I was an agent and they started sending me their friends, family, and themselves to help them buy and sell their houses. I wanted a tagline for my real estate and liked the idea of alliteration. I landed on “Where Home and Heart Meet” and used it for a couple of years before I actually stepped back and realized that was exactly what I was made to do. Home=Real Estate and Heart=Cardio. God knew what would make me happy and give me the desires of my own heart well before I even had an idea.
Now I embrace my very unique skill sets and let the community know that I’m not defined as one. I host 5k’s and other fitness challenges as a realtor and use the proceeds for my nonprofit called “Home & Heart”. Home & Heart supports local first responders and their families. I want to express my appreciation for all those who serve me and choose to lay their lives on the line for my family, and community.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Real estate is filled with amazing professionals who have paved the way. Making a big or even a tiny wave in a very saturated field has been the biggest challenge I’ve had to overcome. Networking and providing great service is not enough to rise above. You have to take risks to try something outside the box and believe in it enough that you’re willing to keep trying even if the results take time to appreciate. Perseverance and tenacity are necessary. If I had given up on my unusual ideas, I would have been able to be an average agent, but I knew I wanted more. When I first became a realtor, my dad tried to gently warn me that he had a friend who had retired and went into real estate and didn’t even have a closing his first year. I know he was just trying to let me know that I shouldn’t get my hopes up. My dad passed away after I had completed two years in the industry and he saw me win trips both those years for my achievements. I was grateful that he could see my success.
Real estate requires incredibly thick skin, patience, negotiating skills, and a backbone. The emotional toll is intense and the hours are ridiculous. The industry isn’t respected by everyone and loyalty can be hard to come by. I wouldn’t change my career choice for the world though.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love serving my community. I love helping other small businesses succeed.
I love networking.
I love having a voice that makes a difference.
I love depth of character and conversation.
Contact Info:
- Email: sarahnaylor@kw.com
- Website: www.sarahnaylor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahnaylorkw/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/SarahNaylorKW/
