Today we’d like to introduce you to Joan Thomas.
Joan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I thought about going into real estate for about 2-3 years before my sister was like “That’s it! This must be your passion because it’s all you talk about!”
That day I enrolled in the real estate salesperson course with Georgia Institute of Real Estate and within 90 days I was a licensed agent. When I passed my state exam I knew exactly what company I wanted to sign with because their reputation with not only their Realtors but other companies as well. I listened and learned as much as I could before I decided to leave my job and do real estate full time. Real estate is my passion but also my passion is to help those that others would look past. I focus my business on helping educate the community that what you are paying in rent you would more than likely be able to afford a mortgage. I don’t knock those who rent because eventually, I would like to own rental properties, but I feel as though that should be a stepping stone, not a long-term situation. Because once we leave this earth we are not able to leave a rental property to our families.
Before I got into real estate, I was naive as well and just didn’t know because it was never taught to me. So I use the knowledge that I have learned from my market center and my amazing coach and mentor to help those who just do not know. This is why I use the tagline “Realtor with a Purpose”. My clients are much more than just “a client” they become family. I treat them the same way I’d want someone to treat my family.
How I got to where I am today is definitely from the love and support of my husband and family. My drive and motivation comes from being a teen mother and not wanting to be a product of my situation. So I am proof that with hard work, dedication, and education you can have it all no matter your situation. I have finally found my passion and my purpose and I am so excited for where my career will take me and who I will be able to help and/or touch along the way.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has NOT been smooth. Many times, I contemplated getting a part-time job and maybe going back to work full time. BUT GOD! Every time the thought crossed my mind my situation got a little better and it made me say okay I can hold off on that job for a little while. Being a mother and trying to start a business you can’t completely run from home is HARD. Even though my husband is here I am still and will always be Mommy! Tired? Still Mommy. Working? Still Mommy… Nothing changes the most important job that I was ever given 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Even though it’s a struggle it’s also motivation. Motivation to do what I have to do now so that they can one day look back and understand the “why”.
Please tell us about Keller Williams Realty Cityside.
I am a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Cityside. I specialize in helping families purchase their dream home or sell their family home for whatever the circumstance (i.e. downsizing for an empty nest, upgrading for a new arrival, etc.) I am most proud of my company is what I stand behind. I mean every agent dreams of that million-dollar transaction. But while chasing that dream there are the ones I spoke of earlier who do not know or even realize the importance of home ownership.
I am proud that my company helps all no matter the price point or the situation. I educate and advise them on how to fix their situation and help them obtain the “American Dream” of owning your home and land. I think what sets me aside from others is just my spirit. I don’t care if someone has a question and they say they are working with an agent I don’t direct them back to their agent right away. I try to either help them or get the answer for them. I look at it as planting seeds.
You never know what situation will come full circle. By answering a single question and having a conversation while looking for nothing in return means a lot to people. I don’t think it sets me completely apart from others because I’m sure there are many Realtors/agents that would do the same as I but this is who I am. Loyalty, honesty, and being kind will get you further in life than anything else.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would have made sure I had more savings. Real Estate is not for the cheap! Lol. But that’s about it. I feel like my story is my story and I wouldn’t change it.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3350 Atlanta Rd.
Smyrna, GA 30080 - Website: www.jthomassellsatl.kw.com
- Phone: 404-993-7530
- Email: joanthomas@kw.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourfavorite_kwrealtor
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jthomaskwrealestate
- Twitter: twitter.com/MrsJay31
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/joan-thomas-08048577
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