This past Spring, I was invited to be a presenter at a Virtual Career Day for one of our local elementary schools. I was nervous for several reasons, not just because it was my first time speaking at Career Day, but because the presentation was via Zoom to groups of children from Kindergarten through 5th grade. How do you talk about real estate to a 5 year-old or 12 year-old — over Zoom — without their eyes glazing over? How do you keep kids engaged about your career without talking over their heads?

I have to tell you — there are many hard things I do in a typical day in real estate, whether it’s contract negotiations or giving advice to clients in tough situations. Even with all that experience under my belt, the prospect of speaking to children about being a real estate agent had me a little intimidated. What helped the most was being able to identify what I loved most about being a real estate agent and sharing that part with them. Taking the time to reflect on what lights me up about working in this field — that’s what I wanted to be able to convey.

Most people don’t know this about me, but when I was younger, I really wanted to be a police officer. I started karate lessons when I was 9 years old because I wanted to protect people. There were other times in my life when I was excited about being a teacher and being a counselor. I wanted to be in a profession where I could help people.

As I prepared for my Career Day presentation, I realized that as a real estate agent, I get to be all three of those things: I protect my clients in negotiations, I educate and advise my clients through the real estate process, and I am there to counsel others through difficult life changes that are often associated with selling or buying a home. I get to do it all — and it’s already been 20 years!

As we move into the Fall season, I am grateful for each and everyone of you who have helped make these past two decades a reality. I feel so blessed to be in a profession where I can truly be of service to the people around me. Thank you for being part of my journey and for trusting me with yours.

- Michelle

Helpful Home Tips

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9 STATS ABOUT THIS WILD REAL ESTATE MARKET THAT MAY MAKE YOU WEEP GENTLY

There’s been no shortage of bad news over the past 18 months. While some things did seem to be on the upswing for a minute there, it’s important to note that the real estate market is still as hot as ever.

UNDERSTAND WHAT GOES INTO HOUSE PRICES IN A COMPETITIVE MARKET

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Market Update

Solano County Trends

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California Trends - July 2021

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One Last Thing...

In Case You Missed It: A Backpack Drive update

I am deeply moved by my friends, family and clients that have contributed backpacks, school supplies and money to the Solano County Foster Children Backpack Drive.

This is personal for me as I was raised in a foster home for most of my life. This drive helped me to reflect on my childhood and the limited resources that were available. A backpack filled with supplies can make a difference in one's confidence when going back to school.

Our Team's goal was to donate 15 filled backpacks. With your contributions, we were able to donate 27 backpacks to be filled with an assortment of many supplies and $420. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!