I have lived in Bellingham most of my life as a third generation Whatcom County resident. Twice, I tried to move away but realized how wonderful it was here, and came right back 'home'.
In 1994, I moved to Vashon Island and started my own computerized embroidery business. It was wonderful living on the beach, but island life was not meant for me, so I came back to Bellingham just one year later.
While I continued my business, I also helped a new dentist get started to get his practice up and running. From there, I took a job at the Port of Bellingham as the Secretary to the Director of Aviation. I enjoyed this quite diverse position, especially being involved with designing a new General Aviation Facility at the airport, however the position left no room for growth. After three years, I became a Zoning Technician at Whatcom County Planning and Development, accepting and issuing building permits. Again, it felt great helping people and interacting with the public and I loved it.
Subsequently, the architectural firm that I had worked closely with on the Port's General Aviation Facility project gave me an offer I could not refuse! After a three year period with the County, I became the Office Manager and Marketing Coordinator for Zervas Group Architects. Again, I enjoyed what I did, but this is when I knew I wanted to become a Realtor.
My daughter was in high school and it would be an ideal time for this demanding career. I worked four jobs for 18 months while attending Real Estate School to prepare for this endeavor. I passed my test in January of 2002 and began my dream career in real estate in May. Again, I was thrilled to continue my life-long passion with meeting and helping new people, this time buying and/or selling property. I closed my first transaction in early July, 2002 and sold a total of 11 properties by the end of that year. The following year, my goal was to double that amount and sell two properties a month. I closed 26 transactions in 2003 and achieved the International Sterling Award (top 25% of Realtors in the United States). The following year, I wanted to double that by selling one property each week and fell slightly short. I closed 46 transactions in 2004, achieving the Presidents Circle Award (top 10% of Realtors). My goal for 2005 was to attain the Presidents Elite Award (top 2% of Realtors) and I was successful. I was able to sell 64 properties and hope to increase my volume every year. I always strive to achieve more than the year before, not only in sales volume, but in customer service. I am thrilled with the success I have had in my career, but what I love most about my job is helping people start the next chapter of their lives. I am proud to say I have earned the following designations and awards:
· Graduate, REALTOR Institute (GRI), 2003
· Council of Residential Specialist (CRS), 2005
· Certified Home Marketing Specialist (CHMS), 2004
· Luxury Property Specialist, 2005
· Top 5% in sales of residential real estate every year since
· Spending time and traveling with my family and friends