Today, we’d like to introduce you to Paola Urrea.
Hi Paola, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Paola Urrea, and I am originally from Merida, Venezuela.
My journey since immigrating to the United States has been a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs. In 2017, just after graduating from the university, I Arrived in South Florida with little more than a dream and my determination, I found myself starting from scratch in the hospitality industry, despite my background in accounting and business administration back home.
After a year of hard work, I realized I wanted to do something more aligned with my education and skills. So, I took a leap of faith and moved to Houston in search of better opportunities.
In Houston, I started as an office manager and worked my way up to becoming a district manager in a different company, all while honing my customer service skills. But deep down, I knew I wanted to do something more meaningful, something where I could truly help people.
That’s when I decided to pursue a career in real estate. Starting my own business wasn’t easy, but I was driven by the desire to make a difference in people’s lives.
Through my real estate journey, I’ve had the privilege of helping families find their dream homes. Whether they were facing challenges with their budget or loan approvals or had been victims of fraud, I was there to guide and support them every step of the way.
Seeing the joy and relief on my clients’ faces when they finally found their perfect home has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I’m grateful for the sacrifices I’ve made along the way because they’ve led me to a career where I can truly make a difference and help others achieve their dreams.
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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road! Starting with leaving behind everything I knew, my family, my culture, it wasn’t easy, but I embarked on a journey to a new country, eager to embrace the unknown. With my extroverted nature, I quickly made friends and settled somewhat quickly. However, life had another twist in store for me, and I found myself packing my belongings into the Kia Rio I had back then, and said bye to Florida!
Arriving in Houston, I sought a job aligned with my education. I accepted a demanding office role that required me to wear many hats. From recruitment to payments and from travel arrangements to arriving at the office before dawn and leaving past midnight, I did it all for minimal pay. Despite the challenges, I remained grateful and never complained. This experience just made me stronger and sharpened my skills and knowledge, opening doors to better opportunities down the road.
Then came the unprecedented challenge of Covid-19, disrupting life and work in unimaginable ways. It was a year of hardship and uncertainty, but through it all, I held onto the lessons learned and the resilience gained from my journey. As I reflect on the twists and turns of my path, I am reminded that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth, and I am ready to embrace whatever comes next with optimism and determination.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a real estate agent here in Houston, Texas & surroundings. I specialize in first-time homebuyers, but my expertise goes to sellers’ agents, commercial transactions, and even home leases! I hate saying no to a client unless, obviously, it’s out of my knowledge! Otherwise, I will be there to guide you from beginning to end.
What I find most fulfilling about my role is the opportunity to guide individuals through the complex world of real estate transactions, especially those who have little knowledge in this area. Whether it’s helping them secure down payment assistance, navigating the process of buying or selling a home, or venturing into commercial real estate, seeing their dreams become a reality is immensely rewarding. There’s nothing quite like receiving a call from a past client, eager to embark on a new real estate journey, and knowing that they chose me among countless other agents. It’s not just about transactions; it’s about transforming lives and making a lasting impact.
What’s next?
I’m focused on continuous education and growth, expanding my knowledge base as much as possible. Currently, I’m delving deeper into affordable housing, learning various tools to assist my diverse clientele. I believe everyone, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to find a place to call home, whether it’s a million-dollar house or affordable housing. So, I aim to be able to help clients across the spectrum.
I also have a radio show, about real estate, for my latin community. It’s a platform where I share valuable insight and tips to help people navigate the world of homeownership. I am looking forward to improve the show and reaching out to wider audience so I can help as many people as possible. Eventually, I have plans to expand the reach and implement digital platforms to the radio show !
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thesurgerealty.com/team/paola-urrea/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urrpao.htxrealtor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paola.urrea.txrealtor/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/paola-urrea-htxrealtor
