Yvette StricklandExperience: 20 total. 17 years licensed; the first 3 years as an investor. Specializations: Maryland Luxury homes and DC vintage homes. Areas Served: Washington, DC, Prince George County, and Charles County. Q: What made you become interested in real estate? A: I've always loved helping people, and have always been in customer service. I watched a TV show, A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, or maybe it was Boomerang, but nonetheless, both ladies were Realtors who dressed and lived really nicely. I said I want to do that someday, but, for a while, I did my first love: beautician, which fell into the same category as I got to dress really nicely and help people. Q: What is the most interesting thing that happened during an open house you hosted? A: Once in 2002, I had a few couples come quietly offering to buy and asking that I end it right now because they wanted the home. However there were more than 2 families trying the same thing, which drove the price beyond my seller’s imagination. Q: What was your favorite moment in your career so far? A: I had a client whose husband had abandoned her and her 3 children leaving her to provide alone while she lived in a 2 bedroom apartment paying almost $1,800 a month in rent, not including utilities. She had no idea that she could own a home, and all of the benefits that came with home ownership. We found her a beautiful 3 bedroom townhome with a backyard, and she was paying less in mortgage with her utilities than she was in the apartment. Although this was a very small commision for me, it wasn’t about the money. Money will come. The happiness in this client and her children gave me priceless joy. It couldn’t be bought. Q: What do you wish you had known when you first got your real estate license? A: That real estate is more than a career; it's a business and like anything in life I have to build a foundation. Foundation is what holds everything together; without a firm foundation I can't, or, at least, I shouldn't be surprised when things tumble down. I am dedicating some of my time to newer agents on learning and knowing not to focus on the money. When you work with integrity, honesty and take your mind off the money, you will look up and the money will be there. This business is about relationships and providing the best service that you know how. Q: In what ways have you seen the real estate industry change since you started? A: For me, in my opinion, at this point change is the same; this is a cycle. Once you get it, you get it. Know that the interest rates determine the market, and we as agents have to be knowledgeable and ready to educate our clients on the current events. Q: What’s the most challenging part of your job? A: Making the cold calls. I don't mind doing it once I've started; it's just getting started. I love talking once I'm talking, but I'll find any and everything in the world to do other than do that. My coach would kill me if he knew; I haven't shared this with him (because he never asked) and I'm not so you'd better not. Q: If you could sum up being a real estate agent in five words or less, what would you say? A: I love what I do!
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