How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
We have one son, William, who will be 2 in June.
How long have you lived in Columbus and what brought you here?
My husband Danny, son Will and I moved back to Columbus from Chicago in August of 2022. I am from Columbus and it felt like the right time to make the transition.
What does your family enjoy doing in your free time?
We often jump in the car for “adventure walks” and drive somewhere new to explore and walk around. We love to check out new places, parks, and things to do. We spend time with friends and family and enjoy going to the Athletic Club of Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory, and the Zoo.
When did you decide you wanted to be a Realtor?
I grew up listening to my mom, Marilyn, on the phone with clients as we made the drive from our house to Columbus School for Girls, which was a trek! Real estate was part of the dinner conversation and I learned a lot about the business through listening at a young age. After spending a few years in hospitality and sales in Chicago, I got to thinking real estate would combine my interests and skill set. I got my license in 2015 and was a broker in Chicago from 2015-2022. When we moved back to Columbus, I got my Ohio license and joined Vutech | Ruff of Cutler Real Estate.
Tell us about some of the services and benefits you can provide to Columbus families who might be looking to buy or sell a home?
I have 8 years of experience in Chicago on a top producing team and have now been an agent in Columbus for a year with Vutech | Ruff of Cutler Real Estate, also a consistently top producing team.
I remember a previous managing broker of mine saying a great agent is like a duck in the water. Appearing to glide on the surface, with feet peddling like crazy under the water. That image has always stayed with me. My job is to make the process feel as easy as possible to a client when there is so much going on behind the scenes they won’t (and don’t need to!) know. This takes experience, expert listening, great negotiation and communication skills, and being able to anticipate potential hurdles.
Relationships and networks are also key. I work on a team of connected, skilled agents that work together to ensure the best experience for our clients. We have a full-time closing and transaction coordinator and we have an extended network of lenders and trades that all work together to achieve a positive experience for our clients.
What tips do you have for someone looking to buy a home in Columbus?
First, align yourself with an agent who you trust. Relationships in this business matter tremendously. Second, ensure you connect with a local lender. Your agent should recommend someone with whom you’ll develop a rapport. A good local lender will help you understand your buying power upfront, which is critical. Third, this is a fast paced market. You need to be flexible and nimble to secure a property. Lean on your agent to understand all the tools at your disposal. It’s more than just price! Also, depending on the area, you may need to look below your budget. You have to give yourself a cushion to be able to compete.
If you have questions, I am always happy to grab coffee and talk in detail. I love helping people understand and feel more comfortable with the process.
What do you love about your job?
I love getting to help and meet new people. The ability to be part of someone’s real estate journey is a privilege. The process is completely different from deal to deal. Different personalities, different homes…I thrive in the challenge of helping the process move as smoothly as possible. I’m also passionate about matching buyers with properties and helping them visualize themselves in the space. On the flip side, there are so many layers to maximizing a home’s value to get a seller top dollar. Helping people make informed, educated decisions is the foundation of what I love about my work.
What does a typical day look like for you?
The only thing typical about my days is that there is nothing really typical about them! We do have a nanny who comes to hang out with Will several days a week so I can get into the office consistently. A typical week would consist of any combination of popping in and out of the Athletic Club of Columbus, our office in German Village, Pistacia Vera for a coffee, or meeting a client for a showing or a trade for an inspection. Will and I try to get in at least one music or gymnastics class or adventure a day. He’s a very active little guy and the more activities for him the better.
How do you juggle work and being a mom?
I had a really amazing example of parents who demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit and hard work in starting their businesses while managing to be very present with us kids. I try as much as I can to be fully in my work when there are things to get done while fully present with my son when it is family time. It isn’t a perfect system – there are definitely times I have put Cocomelon on so I can write a contract! I’m lucky to have a really supportive family and husband who understand the unpredictability of the schedule. It takes a village and I think the key is to be as flexible as possible.
What piece of advice would you give a new mom?
To give your child, partner, and yourself grace. Everyone is in a brand new role. Lean on those around you and ask for help. Make time for yourself even if in the smallest ways every day.
