Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Hemmer.
Lindsey, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I moved to Los Angeles from Chicago in 2015 in order to be with my then long-distance boyfriend, now my fiance. I had been working in luxury jewelry sales for several years and was thankfully able to transfer to California with my job, except that my new location was down in Orange County. With a long commute and two holiday seasons where I wasn’t able to make it home to be with my family, I knew it was time for me to figure out my next step.
About a year later, my boyfriend Joe started looking to purchase a home. We looked for nine months before finding the perfect 1928 Spanish Colonial in Glendale. One night, in the midst of our search, he turned to me and said, “Why don’t you become a real estate agent?” I always describe this as a true lightbulb moment. It all seemed to make sense – for years, I had been helping clients navigate somewhat large, emotional purchases (like engagement rings), and converting this skill set into selling homes felt both natural and incredibly exciting.
Because of my schedule and commute, my best option was to do my studies online in my little spare time. Needless to say, it took me about a year to complete all my classes. However in 2017, I passed my license exam on the first try, quit my job, and started at Sotheby’s International Realty in Los Feliz. In real estate, you need a mentor to help you as you get started, as they will guide you through your first few transactions. Knowing this, I pursued a successful agent on the east side (my area of focus) and luckily was able to be mentored by him and his team of two wonderful women. My year-long mentorship was undoubtedly instrumental in kicking off my career – they did such a great job of teaching me the essential elements of success in this business. Since then, I’ve been on my own, continuing to learn and grow every day!
Has it been a smooth road?
This career transition has been anything but smooth. For starters, I have never been my own boss before. It requires discipline, focus, and motivation, even (and especially!) on the days where you just may not be feeling it. Every deal in real estate is entirely different; some are happy and smooth, and others feel laden with roadblocks. You have to rise up to each challenge, think creatively, and keep your cool when things get tough.
Additionally, real estate is all about who you know. As mentioned, I am still somewhat new to Los Angeles, I’m relatively young, and a lot of my friends can’t yet afford to buy homes in this market. Though I am good at cultivating and maintaining relationships, the challenge of broadening my “sphere of influence” is something I have to work on every single day.
And truthfully, one of the most difficult aspects of being an entrepreneur for me is balancing the uncertainty of your next paycheck. You can make a lot of money at once and then none for an undetermined amount of time. It can be incredibly scary – but has taught me so many important lessons. In fact, every obstacle I’ve faced in real estate has also helped me learn and grow in my personal life, which is something I truly cherish about the industry.
Tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
At its core, being a real estate agent means that you help navigate buyers and sellers through the purchase or sale of their home, respectively. It can be a really overwhelming process, with lots of paperwork, inspections, and questions that need answers. It is my job to not make it feel so…intense. This is why personality is so important, and I feel that trust is the #1 key element in my relationship with clients. The process can be emotional, and as a Cancer, I am well-versed in feeling, recognizing, and tending to a cornucopia of emotions. I want clients to feel safe with me if they are feeling vulnerable, so I like to offer them my own vulnerability in return. In this changing market with new technology becoming available every day, the relationship is key. It feels like agents have to continuously defend our value, so I try to make sure my connection and humanity speak for itself.
Coming from a retail/fashion background, I also think my stylistic mindset sets me apart. In my previous job, I would pride myself on a customer coming in, having them describe what they are looking for, assessing their verbal and non-verbal cues, and being able to quickly find just the right piece for them. Now I get the absolute pleasure of scouring what’s on the market, and helping buyers find “the one”. The home is such a reflection of self, and it is a blessing to do this job in Los Angeles, with such a creative and diverse inventory of architecture and design. My style also aids in working with sellers, as I can use my keen eye to offer tips on preparing the home for sale, and if hiring a stager isn’t in the budget, can suggest ways to best present the home, working with what you’ve got.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I have always wished to live in Los Angeles, so being able to finally live and work here is indeed a dream come true. Similarly, I love that it is a city built on dreams and dreamers. People flock here to pursue a vision they have for themselves, and that energy is palpable. Even if you’re struggling, as many are, there is still a sense that anything is possible.
I have to say that my favorite part of living in Los Angeles is the wealth of landscapes available within a few hour radius. Growing up in the flat cornfields of the Midwest, I am still mystified every day as I look out my window at the Verdugo mountain range, knowing I could dip my toes in the Pacific Ocean within an hour’s drive, traffic pending. Being able to comfortably go outside about 90% of the year is a beautiful gift that I try to never take for granted.
No city is without its flaws, and the economic disparity in Los Angeles is a glaring issue that can’t be ignored. What can I, as an individual, do to make a difference? I am still seeking and exploring those answers, starting by getting out and voting for people and policies focused on making these changes, and giving back whenever I am able.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lindseyhemmer.com
- Phone: 618-789-5784
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lindseyhemmer
Image Credit:
Daytime house photo: Michael McNamara; Nighttime house photo: Erik Grammer; Headshot with yellow background: Jaclyn Campanaro
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