Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathalie Dave
Hi Nathalie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey began in Madagascar, where my father, despite humble beginnings, quickly recognized the importance of owning land and property. With my mother’s support, they built a life for our large family, instilling in me a deep curiosity about real estate from a young age.
At 19, I moved to Europe to pursue my university studies with just $150 and two suitcases. My mother, a strong and independent woman, always encouraged me to own “something” when the opportunity arose. However, my initial years as a student were challenging—I faced housing instability, sleeping on friends’ couches and living in cramped studios while struggling to make ends meet.
I pursued a degree in Finance, specifically Asset Management, driven by a desire to build generational wealth. After graduating, I started working and saving, but life often intervened with unexpected expenses, making my dream of homeownership seem distant.
When I became serious about real estate in France, I quickly realized the barriers to entry were significant—like the need for a substantial down payment and hefty fees. With only a fraction of what was required saved, I had to think creatively. By networking and sharing my aspirations, I was able to purchase my first three-bedroom apartment in Paris with less than 1% of the home’s price—something my friends found hard to believe.
This experience opened my eyes to the “gatekeepers” in real estate, who often don’t share their knowledge. It ignited a passion within me to help others like myself—those striving to build generational wealth.
So when I moved to the U.S from Europe, leaving a Marketing & Communications career behind me, it was obvious that it was the perfect timing for a purpose shift into pouring into people. I took my Texas Real Estate license and today, I’m dedicated to empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of real estate and achieve their dreams. I am a participating Realtor with the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSHAC) so I am helping first time homebuyers put their feet in real estate. Obviously my international background brings me the opportunity to help diverse pools of customers from different countries so within that purpose I recently took my certification as a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS). Being a CIPS allows me to be part of a very selective network of cooperating Realtors all over the world and therefore allows me to serve U.S clients who are wanting to purchase homes overseas and vice-versa, international clients who are wanting to invest in the United States.
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?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road! My journey has been filled with challenges that have shaped who I am today.
Moving to Europe at 19 with limited resources was one of the toughest transitions. I faced significant housing instability during my student years. It was a struggle to balance my studies while making ends meet, which sometimes felt overwhelming.
After graduating, while I began to earn a decent income, life continued to throw curveballs—family emergencies, death and unexpected expenses etc… It took a lot of creativity and perseverance to find ways to make my goals a reality.
Despite these obstacles, each struggle taught me resilience and resourcefulness. They fueled my determination. So, while the road has been rocky, every hurdle has been a stepping stone toward my goals.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in Residential real estate across the Houston metro area, leveraging my deep local knowledge and global network to help clients achieve their property goals. I’m fluent in four languages, which allows me to connect with a diverse range of clients and navigate various cultural nuances, making the experience smoother for everyone involved.
Undergoing through solid trainings from the professional corpus of Realtors here in Texas is definitely one my pride. Texas Realtors are the most trained real estate agents in the whole United States, and I keep pushing the bar further higher for myself everyday to better serve my clients, like becoming a Participating Realtor with TSHAC or being a Certified International Property Specialist. I have one more certification coming up this year, however being superstitious I won’t speak about it until it’s done. Additionally, my experience in real estate has taught me the importance of not just selling properties, but creating lasting connections and providing valuable insights that go beyond transactions. I strive to be a trusted advisor for my clients, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.
What sets me apart is my ability to understand and adapt to different personalities and spheres. I take pride in my interpersonal skills, which enable me to build strong relationships with clients, whether they are first-time homebuyers or seasoned investors, but also with all key partners in a real estate transaction. I truly believe it’s an honor to be part of my clients’ next chapter in life, guiding them through one of the most significant decisions they’ll make.
One of my proudest achievements has been helping families find their dream homes, especially those who thought it might be out of reach. Witnessing their joy and knowing I played a role in that journey is incredibly rewarding.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
One key piece of advice I would give to anyone starting out is to embrace the learning process. It’s important to focus on progress, not perfection, and to recognize that growth happens over time. Start before you feel fully ready—taking action is often the best way to learn.
Having a growth mindset is crucial. Surround yourself with mentors and a supportive community if you feel like you need it but most of all it’s important to avoid comparing yourself to others since everyone is on their own unique journey.
Balancing patience with urgency is also something I’ve learned. Be patient with the results, but take action with urgency every day. Equally important is to take care of your well-being to avoid burnout. I always carve out some time to work-out or some other form of me time during the day. Finally, staying adaptable and focusing on what you can control are essential for long-term success.
In short, consistency, curiosity, and resilience are the keys to navigating the early stages of any pursuit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/nathaliedave
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathaliedave_re
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NATHALIEDAVEREALTOR
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NathalieDaveRealtor
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nathaliedave_re
Image Credits
Very first picture:
Charles Baldwin
The rest are not his
