My Top 5 Favorite Things About Being a Realtor in Boone

Real Estate Professional holding the keys to a house.

Did you know that real estate professionals are among the most satisfied people in their careers? There are loads of benefits to being a Realtor in the High Country of North Carolina. Here are my top 5 favorite things that make me love my job as a Realtor in Boone!

#1: The People

I am a fairly social lady. Being a Real Estate Broker offers me an amazing opportunity to interact with all different types of people from all over! I am able to educate people about the High Country and Real Estate in the area. Having a background as a teacher certainly helps. I love to hear people’s stories. Why they are moving here, their goals with an investment property, why they are selling or just starting to explore the area. I would say the majority of my clients were already friends or turn into friends in the process!

#2: The Flexible Schedule

In real estate we work a lot of weekends, but that random Tuesday that you get to spend the whole day hiking Blue Ridge Mountain trails or taking a day trip to Highland State Park with your kids, is very refreshing. Somedays I even start the day extra early so that I can take a midday snowboarding run or head to coffee with a friend. When choosing this career the average 9-5 job was not what I was looking for. Most weeks I work a lot more than 40 hours, but it is certainly nice to have the flexibility Real Estate offers.

#3: Working From Anywhere

There are positives and negatives with being able to work from anywhere. Overall I would say it is positive. We all have to learn to set boundaries, which is hard for a yes person. That said, the longer I am in this career, the easier saying no has become. I may be on my phone answering a quick email from auditorium at the recital, but I am at every recital!

#4: Every Day is Different

Variety is seriously a blessing. Everyday can look totally different. When you get bored easily and always want a challenge, this is awesome. One day I am training agents in the office, the next hiking 30 acres with a buyer along the river, and the next negotiating 8 offers on your newest listing. It really keeps things interesting!

#5: Continuous Learning

Even after 13 years in Real Estate in the High Country, I learn something new with almost every transaction. When dealing with zoning, wells, septic, USDA loans, 1031 Exchanges, right of ways, surveys, chimneys, personalities, deeds, title insurance, covenants, closing disclosures, water testing, pest inspections, home inspections, or road maintenance agreement, there is always something new to learn. Here recently, I’ve been learning how to market my real estate firm effectively. Being able to be stretch and learn is a lifelong goal.

Selling Real Estate in the High Country is the super triple double bonus of my career. We get to live and work in one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is a rare day that I don’t stop and take a picture of something I am passing by. The breathtaking views, the snow, the fall foliage, the amazing creeks, rivers and wildlife are pretty surreal!

The Possibilities are Endless in a Career in Realty

If you’re looking for more reasons to become a real estate professional, we’ve got you covered. The real estate agents and brokers at 828 Real Estate love their careers. If you ever want to ask a question about pursuing a career in our field, we’d love to show you the ropes!

About the Author
I am a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, but I have been in North Carolina since1997 when I moved to Boone to attend Appalachian State University. I earned my degree in Theatre Education and Communications. While at ASU I met my husband, Matt Long, a Boone native and general contractor, and gained a heart for these mountains and my beloved ASU Mountaineers. After graduation, I spent 5 years teaching in Charlotte before being given the opportunity to move back to the High Country. In 2007 I earned my NC Real Estate License and began in full-time brokerage. In 2010 I helped to open a franchise brokerage in the High Country. I gained impactful knowledge and built important relationships during my 8 years there, but began to feel the calling to get back to my roots.

In June of 2018, my dream became a reality when I opened 828 Real Estate. We are a boutique brokerage that is locally focused, community-minded and client-driven. I feel so fortunate to be in a career that I love, have opportunities to serve wonderful clients, and get to work with the best team here at 828 Real Estate.

I am a member of The High Country Association of Realtors, the North Carolina Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors. I am a member the Boone Chamber of Commerce and I am on the board for the Downtown Boone Development Association. I have also completed the Realtor  e-Pro certification that specifically focuses on the technology tools needed in the purchase or sale of a property. Additionally, I have earned my CLHMS Designation. (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist) and a qualified LuxuryHomes.com Affiliate. Over the years I have been awarded various Top Producer Awards. I am honored each year to be invited to the Top 50 Brokers in the High Country celebration.

My husband and I reside in downtown Boone and have 2 beautiful children, Sadie Rose and Levi. We attend Alliance Bible Fellowship and stay connected by serving the community and supporting local non-profits like Western Youth Network, The Appalachian Theatre and Valle Crucis Community Park. We love to spend time outside hiking, playing on the river, running with their dog, Emmie Lou, hitting the slopes and making the most of our time in this amazing place we get to call home!