Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandy Hernandez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was about 23 years of age when my mother would say she wished there would be a real estate class in Spanish because she wanted a career and eagerly wanted to stop selling at swap meets. She would say, “bienes y raises” to be honest, at the time I had no clue what it was lol…I drove pass a sign that offered precisely that, and I took down the number and gave it to my mom. Soon after that, my mom began going to the classes and next thing you know, I was being offered a job as a part-time receptionist of that small real estate firm. I was currently in college and had promised that this was only a part-time job that wouldn’t interfere with my schooling since I had just quit a real successful job managing a cell phone store to pursue my degree. Real estate. Was never in my plans nor did even know what it was but I quickly learned it. Coming from a strong entrepreneur and hardworking background selling in swap meets with my mom since I was five years old, the transition made it pretty easy for me to understand and develop a skill.
After working front desk for a couple of months, I was then moved to the back to assist in loan processing. I worked there for about a year and then the firm was going to shut down. The head processor went out to open his own mortgage firm and offered me to go work for him as his right hand. I accepted to go, he opened his temporary office in Grand Terrace while he waited for the perfect permanent location. It wasn’t long until we found the perfect location, which is what would become Synergia Realty. My boss at that time asked me to give the deposit for this new place that was being built and set for move in Dec 2005. I went ahead and out of my own funds gave the deposit since I trusted he would pay me back. After that, my family loaned him funds to purchase furniture for the new location. When I went to receive keys that Dec. 2005, I receive a text from my so called boss that he was sorry and that he no longer wanted this. In other words, he left me hanging. And it was here where my journey began…
Here I was with a three years lease, with employees that included my mother, a pipeline full of loans, and with absolutely no manager or boss experience. It was a flight or fight moment where I thought that I could easily walk away as well but then thought ‘wait a minute” my mom just sold her swap meet business she’s had for years for a better career and life, where will my mom go? What’s going to happen with all this production all these agents have worked hard for These families expecting a loan? So I put on my big girl panties and took the biggest leap of faith and said “lead me God because I don’t know what I’m doing’.
Trust me, there were many times where I wanted to toss the towel. So many storms endured especially the market crash so prematurely in every way in my real estate career cost me blood, sweat and tears. You would ask, why did I continue to stay? Somehow, every time I tried to move on And leave my little office, something greater would pull me back that I didn’t understand at that time. I spoke to my father who I always tried to make proud, and He told me something that has stuck with me until today, he said ‘you can go fulfill your actual criminal justice degree or stay here building your real estate business, whichever path you chose, make sure you give it your 150% and not give up’ and so here I am.
I’m glad I’ve kept going, I know I understand my purpose. My mission with Synergia Realty is to keep empowering families towards the American dream of home ownership as well as give the opportunity to people like my mother to get educated and make a career in real estate at any age. Being able to change someone’s life thru my business is the biggest reward for me.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it hasn’t been smooth. Being a young Latino woman in this industry predominantly run by men has been pretty challenging. The lack of funds has also made it difficult to try to compete with giants out there but the belief in my brand has kept me going, not having a mentor or broker to teach me the ways, I basically learned all I know today thru trial and error that at times cost me a lot and set me back even more.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Synergia Realty – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are boutique Real Estate Company. We specialize in bringing top bilingual quality service to the community predominantly Spanish speaking families. What makes me absolutely proud of my company is that we truly live up to our name “Synergia”. We take pride in absolutely being more than a just a team, we consider ourselves a family. Anyone who walks in thru the doors will feel the great welcoming environment. We believe in creating a warm culture before the skill. We are ranked #23 in top Latino teams across the nation thru NAHREP. What sets us apart is that we aren’t just your traditional residential brokerage, we truly want are here create long-lasting relationships with clients making sure that they leave feeling like family. We are also very involved with giving back to the community for noble causes.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We definitely would like to grow and expand out to where there is high need for our services. We would like to establish ourselves as the top Latino real estate brand of choice throughout Southern California. We are currently working on our 2nd location.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.synergiarealty.com
- Phone: 9092485296
- Email: [email protected]
- Other: Facebook and Instagram: @Synergia realty @sandyhernandez @brokersandyhernandez
Image Credit:
District media, Jacob Johnston
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