How long have you been a REALTOR®? Share your career story.
I have been a REALTOR® for almost 4 years now. I started out as an assistant to a top producing agent when I was in college. He let me work part-time for him throughout my career as a police officer. After much contemplation, I decided that it was time for a career change. Soon after, I began practicing real estate full time and haven’t looked back since!

What motivated you to obtain your GRI designation?
My husband got promoted in his career field and that motivated me to want to pursue the GRI designation. I always wanted to add letters behind my name but didn’t know when I would. I made it a goal of mine in 2018 to get my GRI designation. I had one more class to take on a Monday and my son was born that Sunday so I had to postpone things for a bit. The birth of my son gave me even more motivation to obtain this designation. There is a level of distinction when you see someone’s title with acronyms behind it. There aren’t many REALTORS® in my office that are GRI certified and some of the top producing agents that I’ve spoken to have said that they wished they had gotten their designation. I didn’t want to be that agent that didn’t take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

What have you found to be the most useful information from the GRI program?
How to interact with the personalities of buyers and sellers throughout a real estate transaction has been very useful. We interact with people every day and it is important to pick up on the little things they say in order to tailor to their needs/wants. I know what to look for and what to pay attention to and how to make sure that the conversation is geared to the buyer or seller’s goals while providing me with the pertinent information I need to make sure those goals are met on their terms.

What do you hope to achieve now that you have obtained your GRI designation?
I want to pursue other designations! I also want to take more of a leadership role at my local office and association. It’s a little difficult for me as a new mom but that is something that I plan to work toward in the new year.

Why should other NC REALTORS® complete the GRI program?
I think it is important for anyone in their profession to continue to further their education. In real estate, we learn something new everyday. This industry is constantly changing and it is important to keep up. It is also imperative to continue to perfect the skills that we use on a day to day basis and that is what the GRI program helps you to do.