Friday, August 2, 2013

Who Wants a House?

Here is the letter I sent out to my "sphere of influence" to announce my career change:




Dear Friends and Family,
Hello from the Larson Lodge in Long Beach!  I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones well and enjoying the summer of 2013.  Cameron and I are doing great and have some news to share with you about a big change in our lives.

As you might be aware, I retired from United Airlines earlier this year.  It was an opportunity for an early buyout with retirement benefits of flight privileges and healthcare for life.  Sweet!  Cameron was fully supportive and encouraging of the move so we made the leap in February.  It was also perfect timing for me, as I was already preparing to return to an interest I started almost 10 years ago in Illinois:  Real Estate.
Yes, I am now a Realtor!  I initially received my license in Illinois in 2004 and had been meaning to do the same in California when we moved home in 2005, but my full-time work took my attention and I put it on the backburner of priorities.  It is now the center of my focus and has my full attention.  I’m so excited about this venture and the opportunities to help people with some of their biggest decisions in life.   The job and field are tailor made for my skills, my interests and my passions. 

In May I affiliated with a phenomenal brokerage here in Long Beach:  Keller Williams Pacific Estates.  Keller Williams is the #1 real estate company in the country by agent count.  The Pacific Estates location is just under 2 years old, but one of the fastest growing offices in the country, attracting top talent from other real estate offices in the area and me!  The team is welcoming, willing to share experiences and the support system is very strong.  I have already established valuable relationships with lenders, title reps, inspectors, appraisers and other team members that are vital to successful transactions.  I am so ready to GO and start making a difference here!

While I will be primarily focusing on the East Long Beach/Seal Beach/Los Alamitos areas to start, I am ready to help you with whatever real estate needs you might have.  If you’re not here in Southern California, I can refer you to agents who specialize in your area, as I already have an excellent network of trusted Realtors in many parts of the country.  I can answer questions for you and I can help point you in the right direction for things real estate related.  If you or someone you know has a real estate license, I’m also happy to take your referrals.  You know I’ll take excellent care of them for you.

Enclosed with this letter are two of my business cards.  Please keep one and pass the other one on to someone you know who might be able to use my help.  You might already be in your forever home or have a really good friend or family member already serving your real estate needs.  That is great!  If you’re not, or know someone who is looking to buy or sell, please tell them about me and send them my way.  I bring the same enthusiasm, integrity, quick response time, confidence, organization and collaborative approach to this endeavor that was the foundation of my successes at United Airlines and in my personal relationships. 

To continue my work in the community, I will also be donating a portion of any earned commissions to local organizations, such as Pathways to Independence and the Long Beach Basket Brigade.  I can also work with the buyer or seller to benefit one of their preferred charities.

Thank you for your support these many years and I look forward to a great future with that continued support.  Wishing you the best – make it a great day.