Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Antoine.
Hi Barbara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I would have to say my family and most of all my amazing, resilient mother have been the biggest motivation behind me stepping into this new career; my Mom knew Real Estate was for me way before I did! Back in February of 2020, I was terminated from the corporate job I was working at because the company decided they wanted to go in a new direction and that they needed “change”, and apparently, I was not a part of the change they felt they needed…whatever that meant. A month or so later, we were experiencing a worldwide pandemic and as we all know the world shut down! At that time, I was fortunate enough to live off of what I had in savings, and I also started a lash strip business online which helped out for a little while and then eventually when things started to open back up again, I would work a miscellaneous job here and there BUT I was not happy and I was literally living check to check. Finally, one day my mother had called me after months of me pretending that I was fine and things were fine and she had a serious conversation with me about my future. I realized in that moment, that everything that I do in this life is so much bigger than just me. I was surrounded by genuine people who really just wanted better for me. After much consideration, I stepped out on faith and I resigned from the job I was working at the time, and my final day was 01/08/2021! I decided to dive into real estate 100%, I took my state required course hours, studied, passed my test and jumped in full-time. Definitely wasn’t the easiest move nor the most financially stable at first, but it has been very rewarding. Real estate is pure grit; I stayed focused and now a year later, the seeds that I planted are starting to grow. In my first 5 months, I did not see not one dollar! I was jobless (broke) and really just winging it and that is when I knew this was my passion and something I could see myself doing for years because I didn’t give up even when some days literally felt so depressing. The support from my family, significant other and friends has been phenomenal. Without them, I would have never stepped all the way out of my comfort zone regardless of how much it was killing me staying there. Thank you ALL!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing worth having or becoming comes easily. I left my job and I honestly had $0 in savings! Please do not believe the hype, you definitely have to crawl before you walk in real estate and when you start walking it is not a brisk walk in the park. I am a realtor, and I am very proud of that title; I earned and am still earning /owning it!! Now I am not saying getting into real estate you have to quit your job, but I did what I felt was right for me; I felt like I needed that mental break from working for someone else and constantly putting me, myself on the back burner. I did not draft a plan; my mind was made up and I was on GO mode! Some struggles, um let’s see…I didn’t have any money coming in; no guaranteed check but your home girl still had bills and real estate fees etc. to settle.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As a realtor, I am a walking business, but I am also affiliated with one of the best brokerages in the city, House Hunters Realty! Ask me about our Buyers and Sellers advantage program!!
I work all over the city, all price points, mostly residential, first-time home buyers, repeat buyers, investors and sellers with the intention to begin working with commercial clients soon as well.
I naturally strive to find resolve in pretty much anything that I do; so, the road doesn’t end at the closing table for me. I always try to maintain some sort of relationship with my clients, and I pride myself on still being reachable if ever they need anything or have any questions beyond just a transaction.
If you’re ready to start house hunting or looking for a reliable realtor to sell your home for Top Dollar, I am definitely your go-to realtor!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe risk taking is a must. Otherwise, you will never know how far you can truly go. It is uncomfortable and nerve-wracking but in the end it is all worth it, even the losses; count those as lessons!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.househuntersrealtyga.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/realtywithbarbara?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realtywithbarbara/
- Other: https://calendly.com/realtywithbarbara
Image Credits
Jasmine of JLavii Photography @JlaviiPhotography
