Why I became a real estate agent - A huge thank you to my son's real estate agent

I loved my career as an accountant for the Michigan State Police Training Academy in Lansing, MI. It was a blast to help our Troopers get the equipment and training they needed to keep our people safe. It was always a challenge, but I love a good challenge when it matters. My career made a positive difference in our community and that mattered to me.

My son was in college when my grandma who I had the pleasure of helping passed away. I suddenly had the opportunity to move to Florida where my mom was living. She had been there for 20 years and I always loved it there. Our Troopers and staff were awesome, but live music on the beach and no snow won! I have now been a proud resident of Fort Myers Beach for over 20 years. It's an amazing community where people care about each other.

I worked as an accountant for a few different companies who did not share my morals so I went to work with the State of Florida Health Department. Not nearly as much fun as working with our Troopers, but the pay was okay and the benefits were good. I at least didn't lose sleep anymore because I was making profits for people who were not being kind or honest. Don't feel bad for me, I was still dancing to live music on the beach with my mom...lol.

It was hard to be away from my son, but he was happy and healthy so that made it easier. He and his amazing wife decided to buy a house. They are both brilliant and capable, but I still wanted to be there to help because it is a huge decision that matters. My work schedule would not allow it.

Luckily he had a good friend who was an agent. His friend was knowledgeable, kind, and patient. I was so thankful he was there to help. My son called a few times and said they just couldn't find what they wanted. I kept telling him that when he found his house he'd know immediately just keep looking. He laughed and told me he loved me with his tone that says you're crazy.

Then I got the call that still makes me cry. My son said, "we found it Mom, we are home". I asked how many bedrooms it had and what it looked like. He just said it feels like home. We found it. I was so happy for him. He described it and I could have listened to him forever because I love to hear him happy.

When I arrived in Michigan, they had not closed yet so we did not have access to the house, but we swung by to look at it and obnoxiously peek in the windows. The neighbors immediately came over to introduce themselves and had keys so we could see it. They mow each others lawns, plow each others driveways, and walk in the evening just to talk to people. This is exactly the place I want my grandbabies raised.

The house was nice, but nothing similar to the open floor plan they wanted so they could have parties and all cook together. As we walked in my daughter in law said this wall is coming down, pointing to the tiny galley kitchen. We put a bar there big enough for the kids to help cook. The basement is finished and huge so there will always be plenty of space to have friends over. The backyard is massive with a firepit and has woods out back to provide shade and the peace they need to make it feel like home. I could not have hand picked a better home for them. I don't know how many times I have thanked their agent, but it will never be enough.

This is the purpose I wanted. I need to make a positive difference in the world. Helping people find their home where they will make memories and keep the peace they need to be the best person they can be when they go out in the world is exactly what I wanted to do. I took the classes, got my license, and have never looked back. This is the career that allows me to use my contacts and all of the skills I enjoy while making a positive difference.

There is nothing better than helping someone sell a home that no longer meets their needs then matching them with the perfect home.

My son also became an agent because he knows how much a good agent matters.

Call me if I can help you or your family.

​Marlana Smith

Turning Dreams into Homes

Free Home Valuations: https://mkw.sale/HV

Direct: (239) 356-4500

Mobile: (517) 203-9420

Website: marlanasmith.kw.com

KW App: https://app.kw.com/KW2TH1Q8R

Keller Williams Fort Myers & The Islands

12840 University Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33907