Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Christopherson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my career as a bilingual elementary school educator in Granada, Spain. When I moved back to California, my family was heavily involved in real estate, so while I was still teaching, I began studying for my real estate career. Eventually, I achieved my master’s degree in literacy education, which I realized I could also apply to real estate. I used my skills to teach my clients about homeownership, condensing complex concepts into easily understandable ones. About one year later, I met my husband, who encouraged me to pursue real estate full time in order to have a healthier work-life balance. The story of how I founded my company isn’t anything crazy, just a lot of hard work and dedication. The best part is that it’s ongoing – I’m still adding new chapters, the latest of which is our expansion into Austin.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Initially, I struggled with managing my finances and figuring out the intricacies of running my business. In hindsight, some of the initial systems and strategies I used were not very effective and consumed too much of my time. However, through trial and error, I created efficient processes that allowed me to be financially successful and maintain reserves for operating expenses. Recently, the biggest challenge has been my expansion into Texas and working in two different markets. In many ways, I have had to start all over. Of course, my years of experience as a trusted adviser, including contract knowledge, client relations, and transaction history, never went anywhere. My knowledge and understanding of legalities have been particularly beneficial to my clients in the Texas marketplace since they don’t disclose as much contract paperwork. These hurdles have been instrumental in my development as a business leader. I’m always seeking growth opportunities, eagerly taking on challenges and exciting new paths.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Since relocating to Austin, TX, from Newport Beach, CA, I’ve expanded my in-depth real estate knowledge. I’m an avid researcher, be it demographics and market trends to timing and property sales. And I’m constantly seeking to enhance my familiarity with the real estate ecosystem. I serve on several real estate boards and committees, which gives my team and me even more invaluable insights and awareness of today’s ever-changing society and culture. I take pride in always being available to help my clients – in fact, word-of-mouth is foundational to my success, as many people have told me they heard about my business directly from family and friends. Having sold my own home and purchased a new one, I can empathize with my clients. I prioritize family, health and personal well-being, and I’m purposeful about helping people navigate the stress of a move – relocations, especially. I’m probably most proud of my motto and initiative, “Work Hard. Smile Large.” I want to help people realize the power of hard work and the importance of creating smiles. This movement is my passion – it brings me great joy to positively touch people’s lives.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
COVID has made it harder to create comradery – thankfully, our team has stayed connected because we honestly treat each other like a family. We all learned to always be available for each other – now, we have at least one or two people ready to step in at the last minute and stand in the gap for the team, regardless of whatever’s happening. As for external things happening in the market, because there has been an abundance of shortages and delays, we as realtors have to be two steps ahead for our clients, whether having our lender underwrite a file or processing an application ourselves. Similarly, the housing inventory is at its lowest number of the century due to record-low mortgage rates, people not selling their homes and lumberyards decreasing operations. Nevertheless, we always work around these issues to provide our clients with the best service possible. Through consistent communication and fully exclusive representation, we demonstrate to clients that we care for their goals.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@NMCRealty.com
- Website: https://nmcrealty.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmcrealty/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NMCrealty/
