Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Weston.
Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I graduated high school on 2011 and immediately went to a trade school to earn my Paralegal Degree. Eighteen months later, I graduated with my associate degree and began work as a paralegal for a criminal defense attorney. I absolutely loved my career! Unfortunately, after several great years doing what I love, my boss got disbarred, and the law firm crumbled. I tried my hand at several other paralegal jobs, but nothing came close to how much I loved doing criminal defense work. At that point in my life, I decided to have my first baby and became a stay-at-home mom. Let me tell you, that was hands down the hardest job I ever had. I was just on the brink of losing my mind when a friend of mine told me I should become a realtor. She had recently gotten her real estate license and thought I would be good at it, too. I had little hope at first – I didn’t really think I would be good at it. We had recently had a terrible experience selling our home, and I thought it was all way above my skill level. But my husband and family encouraged me, so I began my classes. I’m the type of person that once I put my mind to something, I go all in. So, I jumped into getting my real estate license head-on. I worked hard and studied my butt off, excelling at all of my classes and passing my licensing exam on the very first try! Once a became an official realtor, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Luckily, my sister and brother-in-law took a chance on me and let me sell their house just days after getting my license. That first transaction was tricky; I can still recall the agent on the other side yelling at me for things I did wrong. But I kept pushing forward and learned from my mistakes. I had an incredible group of mentors and colleagues who helped me figure out what I was doing and taught me what sets a good realtor apart from a great one.
So, after my first transaction, I thought I might sell a house or two here or there. And hey, at least I sometimes got to talk to other adults during the day and not just my toddler. But after closing my first deal came another, and another, and another until…I was a full-blown realtor! I was busier than I ever could have imagined, lugging my little assistant with me wherever I went. And then something magical happened, I realized I loved real estate! For the first time since my very first paralegal job, I have a career that I am super passionate about. I thought I would just become a realtor for the heck of it, but now I absolutely love what I do! I love helping people make and meet their financial goals. I love guiding them through the process of the biggest investment of their lives. Heck, I even love all the paperwork! Each and every home becomes a part of me; each and every client a true friend. I just recently gave birth to my second child, and I was able to keep doing what I love throughout my whole pregnancy. I didn’t have to give up my passion this time around. I’m still crushing it at real estate with two kids in tow! Becoming a realtor has been one of the biggest blessings of my life, and I am so very grateful for where I am today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Studying and taking my classes to a lot of balancing. I had a little kid at home, so I had to study when she was asleep. I would even have my husband drive us places so I could study in the car. I crammed for my test like I has never crammed before, Losing a lot of sleep along the way. But I was able to pass on my very first try. Every transaction I have worked on since has had its challenges: late nights, frantic calls, losing sleep, and very long hours of hard work. But you have to take the bad along with the good!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Realtor in Dayton, Ohio. I specialize in residential properties, especially rehabbing properties. I am known for my excellent communications skills and attention to detail. I’ve had so many people tell me they can’t get a hold of their realtors. I pride myself on being extremely responsive and accessible; I am most proud of balancing everything in my career while also being a stay-at-home mom to my two kids. I think what sets me apart from others is my work ethic. Once I put my mind to something, nothing in the world can stop me!
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to keep growing my real estate business and having the happiest of clients, my dream is to one day own my own brokerage. I also recently started a non-profit in my late brother’s name. So, I am looking forward to getting that up and running and making a difference in my community.
Contact Info:
- Website: stephanieweston.navxrealty.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sellwithsteph_
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sellwithsteph
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieweston/
Image Credits
Sarah Graybeal Photography
Dayton MLS
