Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Ray.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I always knew that I had a deep passion to help people, but I didn’t always know how I could stay aligned with my passion in the form of a career. I spent a little over a year working on the title side of real estate after graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UHCL and I learned a TON while working there, but I always admired how Realtors had more schedule flexibility and got to work more closely with their clients.
After I gave birth to my second child, Braysen, I had a successful real estate broker reach out to me who convinced me to go for my real estate license because he thought that I would be a great fit as a real estate agent. I ended up getting my license and working for this amazing broker and his brokerage for almost 6 years! I learned so much from him and I am forever grateful for his mentorship.
In early 2020, I decided to become a real estate broker, create my own brand and become my own boss by forming Next Door Realty. It is my goal to make sure that the clients of my brokerage feel more like family than just a party to a transaction. They are more than a number here. They are cared for just like I would care for my own family members. We don’t take on a million clients at a time and shoot for crazy high sales numbers like some brokerages. It’s always quality over quantity so that we can offer highly personalized care from your initial consult to you closing on your home and beyond!
I was blessed to be able to have an amazing agent join the brokerage soon after it launched named Erica Durden. She shares my similar values and passion for helping people buy homes. She is a valuable and amazing addition to the Next Door Realty team!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has never been completely smooth. My husband and I are both entrepreneurs and both can have crazy busy work schedules.
Managing work-life balance is a constant struggle as a Realtor and a business owner, and real estate always has the potential for surprise issues in every transaction no matter how smooth it is projected to be. I always focus on being a solution-based broker when I represent my clients. Problems will arise, but there is always a way to solve them or work past them.
I do my best to prioritize family, stay active, eat as healthy as possible without being too restrictive, and always remain accessible to my clients. After all, I am representing them on generally one of the largest transactions that they will make in their lives. I want them to always feel supported!
I am lucky to have God on my side, a supportive husband, kids, family & friends. Without that, doing what I do would not be possible at all.
As you know, we’re big fans of Next Door Realty. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Next Door Realty, we understand that home is more than just a property. Home is a feeling of love, comfort, and security. Home is where you drop your bags and kick your feet up on the couch after a long day at work. Home is where you laugh until your stomach hurts. Home is where you find rest. Home is everything. .
We make it our priority to help you find that special place that you can call home. We are here for you when you are working to prepare to rent, buy or sell all of the way through the day that you exchange keys, but our service doesn’t stop there. We remain a resource for you after your real estate goals are attained by being accessible to you for any questions that arise as a tenant or a homeowner. Trust us, there will be questions and we’ve got you covered.
We also understand that the process of working with you is more than just a transaction. Working with you is a privilege that we do not take lightly. We work to ensure that you are cared for from the beginning to the end.
We pride ourselves in our personalized door-to-door service. We help you close one door and move onto your next door!
Next Door Realty is currently servicing Houston, Friendswood, League City and all surrounding cities and we specialize in representing buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords in residential real estate transactions.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Find places and events that give opportunities for community support through volunteering and fundraising.
I always remain open to connecting and building relationships with people. I try my best to always have my mind on serving and helping others, and with that mindset, I always find avenues to connect with people with phenomenal attitudes and mindsets that can encourage growth and success in my life!
Pricing:
- Pricing on land and homes can vary greatly.
- Home sale prices typically are between $150,000 +
- Many different financing programs are available along with grant programs for those who qualify.
Contact Info:
- Email: StephRaySellsHomes@gmail.com
- Instagram: @steph__ray
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nextdoorrealtytx
- Twitter: @stephray87
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9yJk-1KW5zkfpAdA3Gtgow
- Other: www.har.com/stephanieray
Image Credits
Professional work photos done by Alli Combs Photography
