Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorie Black.
Lorie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved to Austin in 2010 with my 11-month-old son and another little boy on the way. It was just after the housing crash and I was ready to get out of Los Angeles to raise my boys in a more stable environment. I bought my first home in 2012 in Buda. At the time, I was working as a marketing director at a natural health clinic and would take on seasonal work in retail to stay connected to the public and satisfy my urge to help people directly. In 2015, I was recruited from my retail job to work with a real estate team. That was my first experience in real estate! I immediately fell in love with it. I discovered that real estate is a mix of analytical and creative thinking, as well as required constant contact with people. I loved that I was able to work in a field where I could create my own business culture with a central purpose of helping people.
Soon after that in 2017, my marriage ended and I was a single mom with two boys and insufficient income to provide for us all. At the time, I was working in an administrative capacity in real estate and the income wasn’t enough to support my family. I struggled with finances and the emotional turmoil of a marriage with two young children falling apart. I poured myself into my work to keep myself focused on what was important. I took on a regular position at my church and started working with more real estate clients. Eventually, I became a full-time independent agent in 2020. It’s been a challenge to manage my real estate business, be a single mom, and regularly volunteer at my church. However, it’s very rewarding and I’m lucky to be able to contribute to the community and others in this way. I am in a new relationship with my partner of almost 2 years now and I am very happy with the life that I’ve created in Central Texas. It’s very rewarding to help others to make something new for themselves in the Austin area!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. My husband left in 2017 and I struggled to work out how to provide for my family and keep my head straight during those days. I’m thankful that I had rewarding and meaningful work to do that gave me a positive outlet to focus my attention and bring purpose and meaning to my life. I want to demonstrate to my kids that being valuable means being able to provide valuable help to others. This is what I love about real estate – I can help people find the place where they will create their lives and their families. And I can help people focus on the important aspects of a home that are meaningful to them as well as provide data to help them make the best analytical decision regarding where to live. But real estate is a very challenging business. It takes a lot of determination, drive, patience and understanding to do well in this business. It’s made even more challenging when you have children and you’re on your own. I’m thankful for my network of friends and family who were always there for me when I needed help or someone to talk to. I’m also very thankful for meeting my boyfriend, Clint, who has been a huge help to me this year.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a real estate agent who specializes in the Austin/San Antonio corridor. I’ve lived in the Austin area for over 12 years and I’ve been a licensed realtor for more than 7 years. My sold homes range from Liberty Hill to San Marcos! I am known for my market and economic expertise and for understanding what my clients find important. I am great about staying in communication and being present throughout the transaction and afterward. I am most proud of my diverse client base including individuals, couples, families, as well as novice and experienced investors. I’m very accomplished at relocation – I’ve helped numerous families and individuals relocate from out of state. I take pride in my ability to communicate effectively and manage a transaction from start to finish.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I didn’t start out in life destined for success. My father is a retired Army veteran and truck driver. My mother is a stay-at-home mom from Korea. While we had everything we needed when I was growing up, we struggled financially when I was young. I was not given any financial assistance from my family throughout my life and had to “make my own way.” I’m grateful for that because I’ve learned to fend for myself. I’ve always been ambitious, hard-working and eager to learn everything about my work. I strive to demonstrate the most competence and provide the best experience for my clients and peers. I want to encourage other single moms, married moms, single dads and anyone else out there who didn’t have the advantage of financial assistance growing up that you can accomplish big things. Don’t let your negative thoughts keep you down!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lorieblackrealestate.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorieblackrealestate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083663531529 | https://www.facebook.com/groups/681110232334691
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lorieblackrealestate
Image Credits
Kerri Lohmeier for the headshot.
Lorie Black
