Episode 1 - Chasing Joy: My Happy Agent Story
Welcome to the inaugural blog post of Happy Agent Co.! Today, we’re diving into the origin story of how chasing joy became my ultimate business strategy and life philosophy. It’s a journey from selling McMansions as a 21-year-old, to becoming a seasoned real estate coach, and, ultimately, an advocate for aligning life and work with happiness.
From Early Ambition to Reality Checks
Back in 2004, my dream was simple: make six figures. Fresh out of the University of Maryland, I had two options—sell pharmaceuticals or homes. I chose the latter and started selling luxury properties in the D.C. area. Success came quickly, with six-figure earnings, a townhouse, and a flashy BMW by the age of 22. On paper, I was thriving. In reality? I was miserable.
This realization sparked a quest to rediscover joy. Through improv comedy, pottery, and yoga, I learned an invaluable lesson: joy exists only in the present moment.
A Real Estate Awakening
In 2008, the Great Recession hit, and my career took a nosedive. Selling new construction homes commission-only during a financial crisis was unsustainable. But instead of giving up, I pivoted. I became a real estate agent, focusing on helping first-time homebuyers navigate a challenging market.
I embraced my creative side, designing websites and leveraging online marketing—tools that many agents overlooked at the time. Within a year, I sold 15 homes and found genuine joy in my work. Real estate became more than a job; it was a way to channel my passions for systems, client care, and entrepreneurship.
From Agent to Entrepreneur
By 2011, I was ready for the next leap: opening my brokerage, City Chic Real Estate. This venture allowed me to focus on what I loved most—building systems, mentoring agents, and creating exceptional client experiences. I thrived on the entrepreneurial challenge and loved running a business that aligned with my strengths.
However, life threw another curveball when I became a mom in 2015. Balancing motherhood with a demanding career forced me to rethink my approach. I sought guidance through coaching and mapped out a five-year plan to move my family to my hometown in New Hampshire—a place that represented peace, community, and the joy I wanted to nurture in my life.
The Role of Joy in Real Estate Coaching
As a real estate coach, joy is my cornerstone. Coaching isn’t just about helping agents close more deals; it’s about helping them build lives they love. Whether it’s designing strategies to streamline their workload, fostering a positive mindset, or creating systems that support their goals, my work focuses on aligning business success with personal fulfillment.
Real estate is more than transactions—it’s about helping people find places that support their best lives. Similarly, as a real estate coach, I guide agents to build careers that empower them to live joyfully.
A Call to Joy
In 2016, I began transitioning my brokerage to operate remotely. With no road map for a virtual business, I designed systems, processes, and a culture aligned with my family’s needs and values. The move to New Hampshire became a reality sooner than expected, sparked by a profound realization after losing a loved one: life is too short to postpone joy.
Today, my mission as a real estate coach is to inspire agents to chase their own joy. It’s about crafting a life and business that feels good, aligns with their values, and supports their long-term happiness.
Are You Ready to Align Joy and Success?
If you’re a real estate agent seeking to find balance, regain your passion, or take your business to the next level, I’m here to help. Together, we can create a strategy that aligns your work with your personal goals, so you can thrive professionally and personally.
Let’s make joy the driving force behind your real estate success.
