Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Garcia.
Hi Cindy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story is similar to most; I made right and left turns, with a couple of mistakes along the way that led me to Austin with an opportunity to make magic happen.
My hometown is Houston, Texas (yes, Beyoncé and I have so much in common.) Later, I ventured to Los Angeles, California, for art and cosmetology school. Finally, after a series of inexperienced parrel parking and traffic congestions, a positive outlook on life, and a successful microblading career in Southern California, my husband and I decided to head back to Texas.
For years, my brothers, who have been in the real estate industry for some time, have told me that real estate is where I would thrive.
I, of course, ignored them continued to work in the beauty industry when I moved to Austin.
While trying to make this business happen, at the same time, we were house hunting and, of course, exploring the city, making friends, and posting food pics online. We worked with a local realtor, but he didn’t fit what we needed as first-time home buyers. We didn’t know where to start and had no idea what property tax looked like in Texas. We then called a long-time expert problem solver, my brother, a realtor in the Houston area. Now it wasn’t that we called him because he’s my relative, but he was always informative, educational, and helpful. These experiences were night and day comparisons to our first realtor experience. I was then inspired to be the difference that could make a stressful home buying experience better, exciting, and fun.
I’ve always been part of people’s big moments in life, whether it had been making a bride feel beautiful with her wedding day make-up or boosting someone’s confidence for years to come by microblading eyebrows. I then told myself now is the time to make a leap of faith and be that person that gets to be a part of someone’s magical moment: the keys to their first home; a first-generation American buying the first home in their family’s history; the first backyard for a family’s rescue pup. The idea of being an impact and providing a monumental moment in individuals’ lives made becoming a realtor so much more exciting. Yes, it’s sales and negotiating and sometimes stressful, but helping people achieve dreams – that’s pretty epic.
Fast forward to year one as a realtor: I wanted to do much more than simply show homes. Not only do I provide a service, but I provide education and tools to clients on the home buying process, guide each buyer during every step, and help them become knowledgeable buyers. The process can be stressful for some, but I pride myself on being the individual who helps guide my clients to exit those situations gracefully. The first year was such a learning experience: I had my first couple of sales, my first client ghosted me, and I contemplated leaving the craft altogether. However, in year two, I learned to win multiple offer situations in a quickly moving market and educated my clients on offer terms that made every buyer’s purchase more seamless. That year, I joined a real estate team and helped some unique humans with their home purchases and sales. In addition, I helped sell out a condo development on the Eastside, made a bunch of new friends in real estate, and, of course, helped transplants call Austin Home.
As I continue my career in 2022, I’m excited to assist buyers and sellers in Austin, and I’m so happy I get the chance to be a part of something that can change someone’s life on their path to homeownership. I’m very excited about the journey I am on and thankful for the detours that have guided me to make Austin my home and start my Real Estate career. It’s truly never too late to change career paths and find your passion again.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say I’ve had a 4×4 off-road experience along the way in my career. But, like I said prior, I’ve had clients ghost me because they felt they could get a better deal. After all, a family member gave them bad advice. A door fell on me during a walk-through; it hurt pretty bad, we had to continue the showing. I am selling houses during a pandemic where rules change every day. I had covid during a busy month last year, not a fun experience.
I’ve helped multiple clients while experiencing the loss of a parent. The best and worst coping mechanism, hands down.
These are the most significant struggles I think that have impacted my growth; however, I am just a better person along the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Real Estate Agent and a big-time food fanatic. I specialize in helping Austin locals and transplants buy and sell residential real estate in Austin and surrounding areas. The advantage of working with me is that I not only provide clients with knowledge and guidance about the Real Estate market. I added extra value in my understanding of Austin restaurants and things to do in surrounding areas. Most buyers would prefer to know if there is a walkable coffee shop nearby. How far their commute would be to parks or hiking trails is there a local gym. All these things are crucial to making a house a home, I’m here to make sure everyone sees the full picture before investing. My goal is to help others make Austin home, it’s not just about finding the perfect house it’s about being part of the community.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I would say having a mentor is key in any field. It may seem intimidating and odd but my best advice is just to reach out and ask for help or advice or for coffee. I reached out to two people I thought were super knowledgeable and badass. One never responded and the other helped me become the agent I am today. So, don’t be shy just say hi!
Contact Info:
- Email: cindy@spyglassrealty.com
- Website: https://www.cindyexploresaustin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindyexploresaustin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cindyexploresaustin/
