Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Allen.
Hi Mary, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I went to school for the corporate world Bachelor of Science in Business, MBA from Mount Saint Mary’s University (Los Angeles). My job as a director became very stressful, and honestly, I didn’t like working in the for-profit education sector; my husband, who is a broker, told me I’d be an amazing realtor and asked if I’d be interested in real estate. He comes from a real estate family, so he’s used to working for himself. I found that through real estate, I was still utilizing my degrees and, at the same time, helping others, which is a huge part of my background. I was a program assistant for the GROW and Pathways program when I was in grad school, which worked in helping people find jobs and shelters to live in throughout Los Angeles. Real Estate honestly has made my life come full circle. I truly love what I do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I mean, I can be candid, but I’ve never been very woe is me. I’ll just say I live by the beach, and there aren’t that many people that look like me. Everyone has struggles doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, I truly believe that. I had two amazing mentors outside of my family “Mike and Louise Walsh” are two people that I will forever be grateful for. Mike is no longer with us, but I remember my first year in real estate. He told me, “You need to know property in and out. You need to know your market and what’s for sale, what’s gone under contract, and what materials are used to make the home sell. If you know that information and care about your clients, then you’ll go far in this business.” I was 9 months in the business and finally got my first home sale in Hermosa Beach. I was ecstatic because, working 9 months, 80+ hours a week, door knocking, conducting showings, follow-up, and realtor mixers, I had finally made it. Anyways more struggles a broken partnership and changing brokerages to an environment that fit my style helped me learn how to produce. I’m fortunate to work under one of the best brokers (outside of my father-in-law and husband) in the Southbay, and she is amazing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a realtor based in the South Bay, but because I focus on first-time buyers and sellers, I have worked throughout LA County, Orange, and Riverside County as well.
I know a lot of new realtors don’t like to hand hold, so they avoid first time buyers, but not me I run towards them ready to walk through each step.
I’m most proud of still being in the industry when real estate has a high turnover after the first year. I’ve always stuck to my morals and put my clients first, even when closing the deal wasn’t the best thing for me (this is what real estate should be).
I’m not sure exactly what sets me apart from others because I know a lot of amazing realtors that work just as hard or harder than me. I think time, I’m not on a timeline to force someone to purchase or sell their home. Also, I don’t know many realtors in labor arranging showings and getting their offers accepted.
I’d also say I’ve been through the process before I own my own home. I know how it is to fall in love with a house and then have your offer rejected. So many realtors are disconnected from the process, and I think owning my own home has definitely helped my business excel.
What are your plans for the future?
My next task I’d like to take on is to pass my Brokers license and purchase some income property out of state.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/marysellsit
- Instagram: Marysellsit
