Today we’d like to introduce you to Allyson Harris.
Hi Allyson, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was in Corporate HR, conducting an international assignment when COVID hit, sending me back to the U.S. After 20+ years in HR, I was unfulfilled in my role and desperately seeking a change. My husband and I had desires to invest in Real Estate; thus, I pursued securing my license to ensure we were properly educated about the home buying process. A neighborhood friend was a successful Realtor and recruiting mentees, which was the right structure for me at the time. After seven months, I was able to walk away from my corporate job. My first year, I closed 23 transactions and my second, 33. I leveraged my personal experience purchasing my first home as my motivation to help others, as I had done everything I know now, not to do. So, I focus on educating buyers and sellers on the ins and outs of the process. My decision to shift into the luxury market was due to the desire to provide more customized service to a select group of clientele and achieve work-life balance. I am now looking to enhance my real estate offering to include international markets, primarily Panamá, helping those looking to secure international investment and retirement properties.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest struggle has been the impact on my family life. Real Estate calls come in during dinner, while on vacation, when you’re sick, while at your kid’s games, even when you’re dealing with significant loss. When it’s your livelihood, it’s difficult to not answer the call. And, when you are assisting someone with one of the most important transactions of their lives, you want to be there for them when they need you. Additionally, it affected my ability to juggle household demands. I’ve been blessed with a supportive husband and, thankfully, we’ve managed through that adjustment. Lastly, I’d say, finding what works for you. There are many avenues one can pursue in Real Estate. It can take a while to find your footing, and it can be costly. Everyone is trying to sell you their service and you don’t really know what will work until you try it.
But now, at this stage in my journey, I’m less reliant on external sources to fuel my business. The majority of my business comes from past client referrals and my sphere of influence. I’m intentional about investing in those relationships.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My niches are luxury residential, first time and VA buyers. I’ve positioned myself as one that educates but also a lifestyle Realtor. I love highlighting my travels and the everyday joys of living in my area, showcasing my favorite things – food, wine, cocktails, cigars, books, music, etc. I’m told that I always know of the best places to go in my area, based on what I post on my social media. I was recently contacted to serve as a host for American Dream TV because of those efforts.
I’m most proud of having the courage to take the risk to walk away from a successful corporate career, completely changing directions, pursuing a goal and achieving it. It was never in my plan to venture into Real Estate, nor was it an easy decision to make given the stability I enjoyed in my career.
I would say that what sets me apart is I’m consciously choosing to not follow the typical path of scaling my business to build a team. I don’t want to punt my clients off to someone else. They chose me, I want them to work with me. Some may not agree with that approach but it works for me and I think my clients appreciate it. Also, I pride myself on my outreach after the sale — my marketing, vendor recommendations, gifting and events. I stay engaged with my clients after the deal has closed.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
It may not sound prudent to say I don’t believe in luck but I do believe in manifesting what you want. I’m very intentional about gratitude, affirming what I’m seeking and putting in the work to achieve my goals. I have unwavering faith and pray A LOT.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/HarrisHomesSell
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrishomessell/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@harrishomessell
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Harrishomessell
