Today we’d like to introduce you to Susana Toledo
Hi Susana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Why I Started in Real Estate: A Journey of Passion and Purpose
Growing up in a single-parent household, owning a home always felt like a far-off dream. To us, homeownership wasn’t just a milestone—it was a luxury that felt completely out of reach. That feeling stuck with me, and as I got older, I wanted to help others in similar situations.
I chose a career in social work because my heart and passion has always been in serving people. After earning my degrees and completing my service with AmeriCorps USA, I worked in city government (Mayor’s Anti-Gang Office), where I saw firsthand how difficult it was for many families to find safe, affordable housing. I met people who worked hard every day but still couldn’t achieve homeownership, and it reminded me of my own childhood. While I loved my work and the impact I was making, I felt like I wanted to do more.
That’s what led me to real estate. Making the shift from social work to mortgage lending wasn’t easy, but it was the right move and a whole new chapter in my life. Now, I get to help people navigate the home-buying process and achieve something that once seemed impossible to me. My goal is to guide first-time homebuyers, especially those who feel like they’re on the outside looking in or just starting their careers, and show them that homeownership is for anyone willing to take that step.
Looking back, I see how everything in my life has led me here. My experiences, my struggles, and my passion for helping people all come together in this second career. Now, I get to help others create stability and build wealth through homeownership, and that means everything to me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Transitioning into real estate mortgage lending was a bit challenging but a rewarding journey that tested my resilience and determination. My first mentor, rather than inspiring confidence, gave me countless reasons to return to my social work career. However, I saw each obstacle as an opportunity to grow, and my competitive spirit refused to let me quit. In hindsight, that mentor unknowingly taught me a valuable lesson—showing me the kind of professional I didn’t want to become. This realization shaped my approach to serving clients with integrity and care. Drawing from the strong foundation I had built in city government, I navigated the industry’s steep learning curves and embraced the challenge of building a client base and real estate partners from scratch. Though moments of self-doubt crept in, the impact I had on my clients—whether through a simple phone call explaining the mortgage process or the joy of seeing them at the closing table—proved that perseverance pays off. In time, my passion and expertise became evident, solidifying my place in an industry where trust and reputation are everything.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sentinel Mortgage Corporation ?
As a bilingual mortgage lender, I take pride in offering personalized, approachable, and trustworthy services to both my clients and real estate partners. I specialize in helping first-time homebuyers navigate the often-complex mortgage process. What sets me apart is my deep commitment to providing clear, easy-to-understand guidance throughout the entire home buying journey. I’m known for my hands-on approach and for making sure my clients feel supported at every stage, whether it’s developing an action plan, explaining loan options or ensuring they understand their financial obligations. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my real estate partners and clients, many of whom return to me for future home purchases or refer their friends and family. My clients know that I am their long-term lender and our relationship does not end at the closing table. I have clients that call me years after for questions and that is when I know that I am making a difference. My brand is all about trust, reliability, and delivering results that allow my clients to achieve their homeownership goals and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to achieve the dream of homeownership.
How do you think about luck?
Luck has played only a small role in my life and business; instead, it has been my faith and the support from my family. My success has been built on hard work, perseverance, and the ability to learn from setbacks. While there have been moments where things seemed to fall into place, I know they were the result of preparation and determination rather than mere chance. Challenges has certainly been part of the journey like in any career, but I’ve always viewed them as opportunities for growth. The adversity I’ve faced has strengthened me, allowing me to push past obstacles with resilience. As I often remind my children, adversity leads to triumph by simply taking the next step forward—because no matter how fierce the storm, there is always a rainbow waiting on the other side.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.SusanaToledo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susana_toledo
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/Susana.Herrera.Toledo & business page: https://facebook.com/100032494914545
Image Credits
Erin Flores @MediaFlo Productions
