— Melissa Johnson
I grew up in Ft. Myers, Florida and moved to Orlando to attend the University of Central Florida where I received an Elementary Education degree. I taught for almost two decades and decided to trade in my educator’s hat for a job as a full-time home matchmaker, interior decorator, and sometimes counselor; aka: A REALTOR.
“I love who I’ve been, but I really love who I am becoming.” — Melissa Johnson
What can I say? If you had told me I would leave my teaching career to be a full-time real estate agent, I would have said, “Who me? No way! ” Real Estate was never on my radar. Yes, I love to visit open houses and watch my fair share of HGTV, but in no shape, form, or fashion did I think I would be a Realtor – JoAnna Gaines, maybe, but not a Realtor.
— Andre Rieu
However, after helping a few people buy and sell their homes, I realized being a Realtor is very similar to being a teacher. You see, selling your home or looking for a new one can be a very emotional process. It can be a big change for a family. And if you’ve ever talked to a teacher or two, they will surely tell you how emotional teaching can be! So, naturally I’ve been able to use the same skills I used in the classroom to navigate difficult situations and I know patience is KEY!
Most people will typically buy and sell a home once, maybe twice, in their lifetime. It’s not common for someone to understand the buying and selling process of a home. Just like teaching, I educate my customers throughout the process. Which means going at their pace, understanding the way they learn, and making sure they feel comfortable throughout the entire process.
And last, but definitely not least, trust. Trust may be the most important element to people looking for an agent. A home, for many people, is their safe place, where families grow together and make memories. In my classroom, starting from the first day of the first minute my students walk in the door they had to trust me. It’s an absolute. If you want any learning to take place, my students had to trust me and feel safe. I felt like my classroom was my students’ home away from home and our classroom was our family. Trusting that your agent is looking out for you and your best interest, along with becoming a part of your family in this process is essential. Just like my students, my customers need to know I’ll be there to support them through the entire process.
every day can end beautifully!”
At the end of the day, being a Realtor is very similar to being a teacher. It is all about building relationships and trust. And just like in the classroom and my students, I want what is best for my customers; and knowing that sometimes it takes a lot of hard work and a few extra hours.