Today, we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Watters.
Hi Carolyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. Before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I became a Realtor/Broker by way of a teacher first, then a builder. I graduated from Auburn in ‘91 and taught elementary school at Smoke Rise Elementary in Stone Mountain before having children. My husband was working for a semi-custom builder and decided to start our company, Callaway Builders. I became everything but the Builder for that company, and within our first year, we were featured in the Atlanta Street of Dreams Show.
Then came the building recession of 2008-2010. While builders were closing their doors I was working to get our homes sold. We lived in the Street of Dreams home for 9 months with a newborn and our other two children. At that point, I activated my real estate license and got those homes sold. I decided I liked the sales side of real estate more than trying to run my husband’s business.
Since then, I have worked as an individual agent, had a successful team that made over 21 million in sales, and then became the Qualifying Broker for a company that had 15 offices and 300+ agents. While doing that, we raised our children, gave back to the community by serving on many volunteer groups and their boards, and remained active in my church. I made the switch to full-time Realtor in 2010 and have been a top-producing agent since 2011 with the brokerages that I affiliated with.
I love people. I love the joy I see when I help them find the perfect place to call home, and I love marketing and selling those homes when it is time for them to move on. The one thing that I do not like about Real Estate is seeing clients who have become friends and like family move away. As I look to my future, I see many homes that are yet to be sold, but I have also become a mentor at my brokerage’s office. I am scratching that Teacher itch.
What I went to school to do many years ago. I plan to become a Real Estate Instructor and be able to enjoy teaching while still serving my clients and the community well. A passion for leading, learning, and teaching has led me to a balanced career. One that I thoroughly enjoy and hope to continue for years to come!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think the builder/ real estate recession was definitely a challenging time for so many of us, but it helped shape who I am today so in retrospect as difficult as it was, I am glad for the opportunities it brought. My biggest obstacle, though, was not the builder /real estate recession it was believing in myself. As soon as I got my mindset right my career took off. I had a great mentor that helped me tremendously. A broker who will always be one of my favorite people. He simply believed in me when I did not. He met with me weekly to goal set and strategize. Sometimes he was my therapist. He had a huge influence on me.
In later years, as my children matured, it was the challenge of leading a balanced life. Making sure I had time for the things that truly mattered most. I have not always gotten it right in that department, but I sure am proud of my kiddos! One finishing medical school, one finishing college, and one with two more years of high school- He is keeping us young! My biggest support though has always been from my best friend, my supportive husband. It takes work to stay married 32 years – that
Is a unique challenge, in and of itself, but one of the best decisions I ever made. So, no it has not been easy or smooth, but it has been worth it. And as cliche as it sounds – all good things take work. Finding that balance, Keeping what matters first, Having time for it all – those are my ongoing challenges. I think all women face that juggling act to some extent.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve had my license since 2001. I’ve navigated all types of markets.
I have been a Qualifying Broker for one of the Top Independently owned Brokerages in the country and a Managing Broker. I’ve had a team and been an individual agent. I have the building background to help my clients understand critical issues in the home building, buying, and selling process. I have an experience that only years of completed transactions can give you.
On top of that, I believe in education and have designations and certifications in Negotiation (RENE), working with Buyers (ABR) and Sellers (SRS), Resort and Second Property Specialist (RSPS), and the most coveted Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). It took hours to achieve these and unnamed others. Probably the most important testament to my ability, though, are my clients who have come back for dozens of transactions.
They know that I truly care. That it is about them and not just about a deal. Each client is given outstanding service. Each works directly with me as I am not taking on more clients than I can personally handle at one time. I think my passion for the industry and love for people shows and all of the rest is just the icing!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I have always been competitive. I am more competitive with myself now and less with others.
I was a little bossy as a child and still have that capacity. My kindergarten teacher set up a meeting with my Mom to tell her how I was lining all the other children up for their turns. Then, I learned to have friends; I needed to tone it down a bit.
By high school, I was a lot more fun. I was always a great student. My parents would say I was hard-headed. I smiled a lot and still do! Today, I love work and am constantly working to keep a balanced life. Over the past 1.5 years, I have lost over 100 lbs which is another whole story!
Contact Info:
- Website: Carolynwatters.com
- Instagram: @Carolynwatterss
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynwattersassociates?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: @Carolyn Callaway Watters
