Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonji Hopson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Bonji. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I attended the University of West Georgia and had no clue what I wanted to do for my career. I graduated with a degree in Business Management because I figured whatever direction I chose, all businesses needed a manager. My first real job was an auto insurance claims adjuster and after a couple of years, I decided that corporate America was not a fit for me. Feeling stuck, I again had no clue what I wanted to do.
After having my first son, I realized my love for children and wanted to be around him all the time. Enrolling him into a childcare facility sparked a new idea and I moved towards opening a childcare facility of my own. I spent a few years saving up money, earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, sat in on trainings and conferences and when I finally became ready, I could not find a building that matched my preferences.
In the mist, my husband and I closed on our first home. Before the ink could dry on our closing documents, we were already looking forward to our next home. At this time, we realized we had a passion for looking at homes and reminisced on the joy and satisfaction of having a place to call our own. Since I was on the childcare path, I encouraged my husband to become a licensed REALTOR®. While he would complete different real estate tasks, I would be right over his shoulder in admiration and one day, he said, “Since it seems that you enjoy real estate too, maybe we should become a husband/wife team.” On this day, “Homes By Hopsons” was birthed.
Has it been a smooth road?
One thing about real estate is – yes, looking at homes can be fun and exciting and many think that just because you are a real estate agent – you automatically have a lot of money, but there is more to it. You must put forth a real effort in order to be successful.
Real estate agents are paid 100% commission. If you don’t put in work, you don’t get paid. Then, you have to be creative with your marketing to attract clients, work off hours (some clients prefer to look at homes after work or on weekends), and sometimes you also have to deal with rude co-op agents who do not seem to be as excited to close on a home like you are.
My advice to other young women who are just starting their journey is to follow their heart. You will have naysayers and negativity may come from people you would least expect. Sometimes, you have to keep your goals to yourself and not tell anyone until you are ready to reveal your completed project. Whatever you do, keep your head up and stay consistent towards your goals.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a licensed REALTOR® who enjoys assisting clients in buying, selling, or investing in homes in the metro Atlanta area.
I am most proud of being able to work alongside my husband and creating a family business together. Having a spouse that understands all the demands that go into this career is refreshing and celebrating accomplishments together is even more rewarding.
What sets me apart from others is I aim to go above and beyond at all times. Client happiness and satisfaction is my main priority and I want to be remembered as someone who helps to make home ownership dreams come true.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Yes, absolutely! Women are becoming so powerful nowadays. We bring fresh ideas and a different perspective to leadership positions and over the last decade, we have opened small businesses at a faster pace than ever imagined. In 2018, the most women ever became elected officials, finally diversifying congress. Now that the door has opened, move over guys, we are coming to take over! LOL!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2911 Piedmont Rd. NE
Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30305 - Website: www.HomesByHopsons.com
- Phone: 404-918-4420
- Email: HomesByHopsons@gmail.com
- Instagram: I_am_Bonji_the_Realtor
Image Credit:
Precious T Photography
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