Why real estate?
Career change needed! I was exhausted spending hours behind a computer screen, tired of having my schedule dedicated and really tired of not being able to find opportunities that stretched my capabilities. I’ve had fits and starts with starting businesses in the past, so I know starting a business isn’t easy and depending upon what business you look to launch there can be a lot of logistics and CapEx investment before one can even hang the proverbial ‘Open for Business’ sign.
I am not the type to just dive-in. I consider and weigh and research and seek advice, and then come up with every concern to the point I convince myself not to do whatever it was I was thinking of doing. So, yes, I did all of that but this time I let the excitement of getting into a new business, the learnings that come with that, and the excitement around building a business win out! Some of the considerations I bandied about:
What business could launch with limited barriers to entry?
If you didn’t know, one can kick a real estate business off pretty expediently avoiding what can be hefty startup costs and months spent perfecting say, a consumer product. I should note, that real estate isn’t Field of Dreams… ‘Build it and they will come’ There is still the needed drive and hustle to find clients, but that is a grind that ALLL businesses face.
#2
What was I passionate about?
I first got an itch for real estate when I was Chief of Staff and needed to find new office space in NYC. I loved gaining access to buildings I would otherwise never see, learning their history, and glimpsing, and in some cases, outright staring and the tremendous views. But what hooked me were the discussions around best use of space, usability of the space, what different floor plans offered, ultimately, what are the mix of considerations that makes one go ‘yes, this is the spot for me’ I also have a tremendous affinity for art, design and architecture.
#3
Transferable skill-set?
Would my professional knowledge and experiences be a support in real estate or would they be largely cast aside? The majority of my professional life was spent in NYC advertising and design agencies. I’ve always worked for smaller shops which afforded me the opportunity to hold a myriad of roles from running client businesses to optimizing operations, and I must note, I worked for some amazing entrepreneurs. 5 years ago, I made a mini-career move and began working with startups and founders. So yes, I’ll go with transferable skills!
A key catalyst to even think about going through the discomfort of changing careers was a move to Palo Alto, CA. I quickly realized I didn’t want to try and keep pace with NYC from California, and with the discovery I get 6 months of my life back each year with no winter, I wanted to find something where I could move around (aka not be desk bound), meet new people, network and make good on a long-held desire to build my own business.
I can’t build my business without clients, so don’t be shy, reach out! I’d love to hear from you
Making Moves: My Real Estate Journey
Life is all about making moves—sometimes bold, sometimes unexpected, but always leading somewhere new. For me, that move was both literal and figurative. A cross-country relocation to Palo Alto set the stage for a bigger shift: leaving behind the structured world of advertising and startups to step into real estate.
This blog is about my jump into the deep end of a new pool. About learning, adapting, and building something from the ground up. It’s about moving into a new career, moving out of my comfort zone, and supporting clients as they make their own moves—whether that’s finding a home, selling a property, or taking a leap into something new.
Why I Chose Real Estate
A Career Shift on the Horizon
After years of being glued to a computer screen, I knew a change was in order. I was tired of a rigid schedule, and I craved opportunities that would stretch my abilities and allow for more freedom. Having dipped my toes in entrepreneurship before, I understood the challenges of starting a business—logistics, capital, time—but this time, I was ready to take the leap.
Real estate has always been on the back shelf of my mind because it presented a business model with fewer barriers to entry. Unlike many other industries that require heavy investments before you can declare ‘Open For Business’, real estate allows you to hit the ground running (after all the certification hours and exam taking!). But let’s be real—this isn’t “Field of Dreams.” Just because you build something doesn’t mean clients will flock to you. Real estate success still demands the same hustle and grind that any business requires.
Why Real Estate?
This journey began years ago when I was working as a Chief of Staff in NYC, tasked with finding new office space. I got an inside look at properties that most people don’t see, learned the history of buildings, and enjoyed some breathtaking views. What truly captured my interest were the strategic conversations—how to use space, what different floor plans offered, and, ultimately, what factors led someone to say, “Yes, this is the perfect spot.”
With a deep-rooted love for art, design, and architecture, real estate felt like the perfect blend of my passions.
Do My Skills Transfer?
You might wonder if my previous professional life—mostly spent in NYC advertising and design agencies—could benefit a real estate career. I believe it does. I’ve been fortunate to work for smaller, nimble firms that allowed me to wear many hats: managing client accounts, streamlining operations, and working closely with some exceptional C-suite talent.
More recently, I ventured into startups and worked alongside founders, which further strengthened my entrepreneurial drive. These experiences have equipped me with a skill set that translates well into real estate—strategic thinking, creativity, and an eye for potential.
The Move to Palo Alto
A move to Palo Alto, CA, was the catalyst for all of this. The idea of trying to keep pace with New York’s hustle from the West Coast didn’t appeal to me. Plus, let’s be honest—skipping New York winters was a big incentive. The weather in sunny California, triggered the pursuit of a career where I wasn’t tied to a desk. Real estate offered the flexibility I craved and the chance to meet new people, build relationships, and, most importantly, create something of my own.
I’m excited about what’s ahead, and I can’t build this business without you. If you’re looking to buy or sell, or simply curious about real estate, reach out—I’d love to hear from you!
Smart Moves. Bold Moves. Real Estate Moves.
Opinions and views are my own. The content in this post is for informational purposes only. Do not rely on this information for financial and/ or legal advice or to make any decisions about your financial and/or legal situation. Seek professional counsel for your specific needs.