Today we’d like to introduce you to Vee Wiley.
Vee, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved to the Metro Atlanta area in 2010 from Detroit. At the time, the market was crashing, my roommate had left me high and dry with the bills, and it was no longer easy to just grab a job. I was miserable living with the family and I remembered that I had originally planned to come to Atlanta for undergrad (that is another story within itself). I made up in my mind that I had a degree, no children, and I didn’t owe anyone anything and I was leaving.
Fast-forward through enough drama for a reality TV show (minus baby daddy drama) and you will arrive in REALTOR Wiley. I was here for the good old days when you could still get a 900 square foot apartment in Doraville for $475 on special and $525 market value. I find comfort in learning and enjoy the idea of formal education. I have received a paralegal certificate from Emory Continuing Education, a Masters Degree in Management at Strayer University through the Chamblee campus; and most recently I’ve obtained my Georgia Real Estate License.
My origin is kind of dark I suppose, with angry parents and perhaps even angrier step-parents. Did I mention that I lost 80lbs? Yes, I have pictures to prove it, and they are out in the open, tucked away in the history of Facebook. I know people tend to use their weight loss stories to inspire others, which I know is great, but I just never was comfortable so even though it’s inspiring, its struggle that I still don’t share easily. But I did it the old fashion way, I’m currently trying to drop 20 more.
Great, 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?
Absolutely not. I initially came to Atlanta with a plan, and job lined up; but as the old saying goes, ‘things fall apart.’ Everything that could go wrong did go wrong. One of my college friends was going to come down here with me and be roommates and someone murdered her cousin, she stayed home. I came anyway with a job and the plan to get my bartenders license. Within the first 7 days I was in jail and by the time I was free the money to get my car out of impound was more than the amount I had paid for the car. I’ve been blessed in not having financial support, which helps with character because apparently you learn to work. Long story short, I had to call my cousin via Skype on Labor Day weekend that first year and have him get me a bus pass back to Michigan. I tied up a few loose strings that I had left and was in Atlanta by New Year, it wasn’t easy but I haven’t gone back since.
Have an emergency plan and don’t be scared to fail. That is not to say to not go forward strong and confident, but consider the things that are rarely ever considered. My advice; take a step back and see if you have any loose strings that need to be tied (doors that need to be shut) before you can go properly go forward with the glow up (hi, Ciara).
It’s going to be scary, your family and friends are all going to be “worried about you”, your partner may be sarcastic when you bring up your dreams. Ditch them all. Of course, they mean you well, but you have to focus on your own goals. The idea of growing with people is great, and building a team will happen in the long run. However, start where you are, keep going, and stay consistent. A lack of consistency will kill your time, and the time doesn’t stop ticking.
What should we know about Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am an avid learner, nothing fuels me more than learning and sharing the information that I have learned. As a REALTOR with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers, I am able to stay on top of all of the current trends and news within the real estate industry. Everyone knows that real estate is a standard of basic wealth, or at least they should know. I want to make sure as many people are able to understand and grow into the basics of home ownership and real estate investment.
Many Internet home buying companies are backed by investors who are looking at their bottom line, and they are not looking out for the best interest of the consumer. There is typically money being left on the table in the seller’s market. Most buyers are not aware of the 2000+ down payment assistance programs around the country. Someone– that would be me– has to share the information, and I’m in love with sharing it.
I don’t have children yet, but you don’t have to have children to be an Aunt. In my opinion, there are very few differences between an Aunt & Mother, meaning they tend to provide some sort of nurturing, comfort, or help. I’m “everyone’s Auntie” because sometimes my delivery isn’t gentle, but the information is vital to growth. I provide a haven for people. Plus, I love sharing the information that I gather. BHGRE Metro Brokers is currently celebrating 40 years of business in the Metro Atlanta area and is truly an amazing platform to stand own.
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?
Women do. I mean every facet of business is one that a woman is well-positioned for. Because we do see so much focus on the challenges, it seems like women do not feel comfortable when it’s time to delegate tasks, but that’s exactly what “moms” do. I feel like we have arrived at a time where women should really step up in roles of leadership and delegation. The trick to strategy is understanding the options and then not being worried about going ahead and getting it done. So, women do everything and I think we’d do best in roles of leadership and authority.
Contact Info:
- Website: realtorwiley.com
- Phone: 404.883.8600
- Email: vee.wiley@metrobrokers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtorwiley/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealtorWiley/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyRealtorAuntie
- Other: https://linkly.co/realtorwiley
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