Today we’d like to introduce you to Leanna Carter.
Leanna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
All my life I have always been the one who is a little too loud or a little to everything that people mention to others. I have had many jobs in my life and they range from contracts analyst for IBM to door-to-door sales for ADT. None of these positions were ones that filled my cup. I have always wanted to find that place for myself but I am a mom first and to three great kids(and a dog mom) and a wife to a trucker, My husband is gone three to four weeks at a time and even from a distance he has supported all my dreams and is so proud of me for the journey I am on now.
I have wanted to be a realtor for over 10 years and I started the process with some training and an invitation to learn more from a friend at a larger firm. I loved all of it but was intimidated by the process of becoming a realtor and the test! North Carolina has the most difficult real estate licensing exam in the country. I manage my family alone as my husband is on the road. I took this chance during the pandemic to ask my kids to help me do this! I told them I could not do it if they didn’t help me. My children amazed me and I amazed myself. I passed the exam on the first try and I immediately found my firm, Grow Local Realty and I have not looked back even once. I have had so much support and my firm is full of veterans in this industry and they have filled my cup with information and support.
I have clients on all sides of this process… credit building, needing financial help, and ready to buy. I was trained in sales and recruiting so talking to strangers or asking for business has never been my problem. I love that part. I also am incredibly motivated to change my family’s future and so my work is multifaceted and very purposeful. I am working towards retiring my husband and real estate is the avenue to set a new precedent for my family as well as my clients. All the things that make me who I am, are perfect for real estate. I am a fierce advocate and I am loyal and believe in doing a job all the way. As a realtor, this process can be frustrating and also amazing and exciting but if you don’t have the temperament for challenges and making lemonade out of lemons, then this might be more than you can manage.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey to real estate has not been without bumps or learning lessons but most of it was self-imposed obstacles. I did not think I was capable or could manage it all. My children are 19, 10, and 9. My middle child is autistic and we have been learning and managing what makes his life the happiest for a while now. I wanted to improve my family’s life not make it worse. When I began this process my kids were not ready to share me with my clients or the time it takes to be a great realtor. They are now and they are my biggest cheerleaders!
I found a real estate school and due to some ethical concerns, I left mid-class and then redirected myself to an online school and managed to finish on my personal schedule. Managing my expectations for myself and what others can and will do has been a huge shift from being a stay-at-home mom. People talk about the market in our state like its tragic, I, however, embrace the challenge and have helped clients no one else wanted to because it was “too hard” and I won’t let the “market” stop me from helping my clients to the fullest of my abilities. I am always aspiring to be your last realtor and the one you call for all the things home.
As you know, we’re big fans of Grow Local Realty. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our firm is a local firm based out of Holly Springs, NC. We were founded and are owned by Brian Hargrove. He is the broker in charge as well as a remarkable friend and mentor We are local and our 42 agents manage businesses from all parts of NC. We are not afraid to help or pitch in to make everyones experience one they will always remember. Our firm is not a chain or a flashy named firm intentionally. Our clients receive personal service and return to our agents time and time again. We are building relationships, not just transactions.
Our firm has top notch technology and manages to sell and buy for our clients on multiple platforms. What we lack in size and name recognition, we make up for in wit and drive. I am privileged to be working with a team of people I respect and admire so much.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice for someone starting in this industry would be to find a firm where all the dreams you have can be embraced and supported. Paying for mentorship or paying for a desk you will never use, sounds great on a brochure but the people and leadership are what makes a new agent successful. I wish I had known I could do this when I first wanted to. I believe being tenacious and having integrity will take you as far as you wish to go.
Contact Info:
- Email: LeannaCarterRealtor@gmail.com
- Website: www.LeannaCarterRealtor.com
- Instagram: @LeannaCarterRealtor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeannaCarterRealEstateBroker
