Community Highlights: Meet LaTisha La Rue of Realty By La Rue

Today we’d like to introduce you to LaTisha La Rue.

Hi LaTisha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a Real Estate Broker servicing the Greater Los Angeles and the Inland Empire areas. However, I work primarily on repeat business and referrals, so I often go outside of those boundaries to assist my customers. I initially started in the industry as a sales agent and I loved it. On a renewal period for my sales persons license, I decided to upgrade to a Broker’s License. Honestly, I was hesitant to get into the sales field as I never thought I’d like it. Low and behold I’ve been in the business now for over 23 years, and I’ve been a broker for 14 of those years.
I was laid off from a 9 to 5 job that I had worked at for years, and my aunt recommended I get licensed to assist her. Once I was licensed and completed my training; I found out that my passion for helping people, was actually a bonus for allowing me to be successful in this industry. I love helping First Time Buyers fulfill their dreams of homeownership! Assisting First Time Buyers has its distinctive set of challenges and I am always up for the challenge!! Unfortunately, this group of buyers has a bad wrap, primarily due to the emotions involved in purchasing the most expensive item in their life time. There’s also quite a bit of hand holding and educating to get them to the finish line. I also have a passion for helping the senior community. It also requires a unique approach to assist them. They don’t want to be rushed or made to feel like they don’t know what’s taking place. Some even have remorseful emotions from the memories they’ve shared in the home and find it hard to move on. I also work with many investors, although most are savvy, there can still be a thing or two that they can learn throughout the process as well.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In this industry the road is not always smooth; there can be bumpy and winding roads with warning signs (smile). Most people think that you just show a house and sale it; and that is the most ludicrous idea that I’ve ever heard of!!! There are numerous steps to get to the closing table as well as different entities, other companies and agents involved. As the agent you do not get paid until everyone has done their job. The public isn’t aware of the intricacies involved in purchasing and selling until their in the midst of a transaction. In fact, every transaction can be different. Having said that, some can be smooth and others take a lot of work to get it closed. Just to mention a few of the steps that people are usually not aware of, which one being having a clear title to the property in order to sale it. There are quite a few old Quit Claim Deeds that people did back in the day, but since we now have Identity Theft and other kinds of fraud dealing with paperwork, some of those old deeds aren’t approved by the title company today. A big deal breaker early on in the transaction can be the physical property inspection. As an agent I am not an inspector; therefore, under the house and on top of the roof can be unforeseen major issues that can potentially kill the deal. Nevertheless, a home inspection could possibly save you thousands of dollars if the unforeseen turns the home into a money pit.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Realty By La Rue?
At Realty By La Rue we pride ourselves in making the experience as easy as possible for our customers. We also like to make it memorable and joyous. That’s how we keep the referrals and the repeat customers going so well. Every customer is special and gets our undivided attention. All of my customers turn into family for me. We keep in touch afterwards and that could include baptisms to birthday parties and any event in between. Some of us have laughed and even cried together. In saying that, I mean that I’m here to stay even after the transaction is over. I get calls long after the deal is done asking questions about property tax assessments, property insurance companies, and ADU add ons to name a few. We specialize in buying and selling residential one to four unit properties, and we offer excellent Property Management Services.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’d like to thank my aunt who asked me to get into the business, without her request I probably would have never entered this wonderful field. My children are another reason which lead me to decide to accept the request to enter and remain in the field of real estate. My children have all been active participants in extracurricular activities inside and outside of school. I’ve been a soccer mom, volleyball mom, Dance Den Mother to list a few and a chauffeur who’s had to sit in the car for countless hours while they’re in practice. That includes during the freezing cold and blazing heat as they have activities all year round. Being a professional realtor and having the ability to essentially make up your schedule according to your client’s needs, has turned into a must for me. It has allowed me to be a present mother in all aspects of my children’s lives.
The thing about this business that people also don’t think about is that although you can have a mentor and advocates, you basically have to do the work on your own after you finish training. You have to take the classes, pass the state test and complete extensive training and then get customers. No one can take that test for you, nor are they just going to give you customers. This is a very competitive business and there are few to no handouts.
You also have to remain ethical and trustworthy in this business. Many fail and fall into temptations because there are chances for you to do some unscrupulous things if you want to part take and gamble with the consequences of violations, fines and possibly losing your license. Having said that, you can have the gratitude for being introduced to the business, but you must rely on your own core values and honor, and abide by the code of ethics to stay in the business and be successful.
Lastly, I’d love to thank all of my past clients that have helped me become the superb Real Estate Broker that I am today!! All of the trials and challenges that I have faced during a transaction have only made me become a stronger and wiser broker! Thanks to my real estate family, hugs n kisses.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.latishalarue.realtor
• Instagram: latishalarue1
• Facebook: LaTisha La Rue