Today we’d like to introduce you to Isis R. McCraw.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Isis. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My real estate career began in 2014 when I left a 12 years career in higher education for the opportunity to have a more flexible work/personal life. I had two children under the age of 7, a husband with a full career and a non-traditional hour profession that called for late evenings to accomplish my vision for the office. I needed more consistent scheduling for my children in the evening and something more rewarding without institutional limits in my occupation. As I had been eyeing real estate since 2010, I decided to go for it!
I paced myself with studying, passing exams and interviewing Brokerages before making a plan to officially leave my then position. After six months of working my strategies, I created a detailed Manual of Standard Procedures guide for the 5 area programs I coordinated. I then selected my current Brokerage and submitted a one month notice of resignation.
Benevides and Associates was my selected company after great feedback from a friend in the mortgage business. This boutique office was just formed with a wealth of knowledge, years of experience and Top Agent awards after departing another company. They offered an awesome training program, office staff thoroughly knowledgeable in their fields and strong support to my needs.
I have been with the same company and plan on continuing there because of the support my Broker provides and the family atmosphere where everyone wants everyone to win!
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?
The hardest part of my journey was making the decision to ACTUALLY move forward in this career. Real Estate is not a salaried position and those spending hundreds of thousands of dollars want someone with experience handling their transaction. I was new to the industry, no heavy sales background so who would want to purchase or list a home with me?
Interestingly, a few months before officially becoming a Realtor, a dear friend needed to list and purchase a home; she was my first transaction and gave me the confidence and accolades needed along the way that I don’t think I would have gotten with anyone else at that time.
I have had my share of files that are non-traditional which make great learning experiences (and stories) and add to my knowledge in this arena. As I have become more experienced and trusted, business has grown and I am confident.
I’ve realized that what I actually sell is myself and I would remind anyone just starting their own journey of that. Do they like what they provide to others and would they hire themselves? If the answer is yes, then the next step would be to partner with someone that knows more than you in that field and shoot for what they want.
We’d love to hear more about Integrity Inspired Real Estate.
This year makes five that I have been a Texas Realtor with Benevides & Associates. I work more with buyers on the northwest and northeast areas of Houston; however I have gone as far as Huntsville for an out of state client needing farmland for animals. I love searching for their perfect house and hearing stories on how they have made it a home. I also list and assist clients with leases if they are not quite ready for homeownership.
Many know my previous tagline of ‘The Isis Experience’. and I utilized this with informing potential clients of the service that I bring to the table when I began. That line has evolved into Integrity Inspired (Real Estate) and stems from everything that The Isis Experience encompasses and shields into why I do what I do.
I am most proud of myself for staying atop of ‘funny business’ that has been proposed for participation. I believe that honesty and doing in the dark what I would do in the light speaks volume. It doesn’t seem super big- it’s what I would do no matter what, however I want my clients to know they can trust every piece of our relationship.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
I’ve taken a little from many in personal and professional settings for inspiration. In balancing family life, PTO Board support, other entrepreneurial ventures and community service projects, many times my plate feels heavy and I don’t think I can give anymore to anything; although I have the desire to. Then I look at my mother and what was on her plate when I was a child; several jobs, a single mother yet still found time to occasionally do what she loved. I feed off of that and know that I can pretty much do anything and am not afraid to ask for help if needed.
I have wonderful aunts who have raised opposing personality children that I reach out to for advice in varying situations with my own children. Having someone who has ‘been there, done that’ and has my best interest is one that I will always reach out to.
I also would like to think that everyone in my circle has a small piece of them that I inspire to inhale and exhale. My dear friends make life comfortable to venture through, easy to call on when I need lifting and enjoyable with them, rather than without.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.IntegrityInspiredRealEstate.com
- Phone: 713-628-9379
- Email: Isis@IntegrityInspiredRealEstate.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isisintegrityinspired/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntegrityInspiredRealEstate/
Image Credit:
Isis R. McCraw
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