Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanda Anderson.
Chanda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m a great example of two things. It doesn’t matter where you come from and it’s never too late to start. No matter where you begin in my story you end with the understanding that your present doesn’t dictate your future. I don’t think my journey to Entrepreneurship was a traditional one; although, I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart.
I’ve always known I wanted to be self-employed. I have a few entrepreneurs in my family and I’ve admired them since I was a young girl but I initially chose the traditional route; although, it wasn’t by choice. At 17, I found myself pregnant with the most amazing little girl and by 18, I was a teen mom. I was fortunate because I had support systems that allowed me to work and go to school. A luxury that many young girls in my position don’t have. I initially took the corporate route because I felt I had no choice, I had a darling little girl to support. So, I chose the path of financial stability and security. I worked in Marketing and Sales for ten years, I did well incorporate. I worked hard, made a lot of sacrifices and obtained a six-figure salary. I worked with some great people and worked with a couple of great companies but I was never happy. I worked long hours, traveled a lot and spent quite a bit of time away from home. I managed millions of dollars of business as if it were my business. I eventually got frustrated because I realized no matter how hard I worked and how great I performed my reward would only be that six-figure salary I’d agreed to and a possible bonus; after working tirelessly on someone else’s dream. There was a point when I was content, but I was never happy. I eventually found myself so unhappy I would nearly cry driving into work some days.
In 2015, I decided to become a Realtor. I’ve always loved the aesthetic and beauty of homes. I also love interior design. If one of my friends was shopping for a new home or apartment I was the first to tag along. Client Service and building Relationship was some of the most valued skills I learned through my corporate career. In turn, Real Estate is my sweet spot, it’s that place where my skills and passion intersect, perfectly. So I got my license, I quit my job and decided to focus on Real Estate full-time. During my first year in Real Estate, I joined a team that didn’t offer any training or mentorship and after six months as a full-time Agent, I ran back to financial security and found myself back in corporate America, miserable. I’ve heard people say, you’ll go back once but that’s it.
One day during business travel to see a client, I realized I couldn’t do it anymore, I was over it. When I got home I quit again but this time I went all in, all or nothing. I started out living on savings so failure was not an option. I started focusing on Real Estate Investments, studying, I poured myself into all things Real Estate. I learned how to Buy, Sell, Flip and Invest in homes and I’ve been charging forward ever since. Once you make that first transaction, you are usually hooked. I haven’t looked back. I love what I do. I meet great people, and I’m able to enjoy the fruits of my labor.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it has not been easy. I started on savings, I had to cut back on luxuries and give up things I love. My friends are successful women. They were shopping, going on trips, etc.. things I could no longer do. I’m also, Co-founder and President of Turning Pages Book and Social Club. A Club I started with my closest friend. We started the club in hopes of creating a Sisterhood of like-minded professional women who bond through Books, social interaction and community service. We became a sisterhood and we support one another through highs and lows in life. My club felt the impact of my career change. I struggled to dedicate any time to the club and at one point was almost totally removed. I felt horrible but I had to prioritize my time and Real Estate just didn’t leave much of it. It was rough at first but I knew what I wanted and I was determined to get it.
There were days I contemplated giving up, cried in my car, felt like a horrible mom for being gone so much. I had days I was totally depressed wondering if I was making the right decision but deep down I always knew I was on the right path. In entrepreneurship, you don’t gain more free time, you gain some flexibility but honestly, you simply gain control of your time. The sacrifices are great, your days are long, doors are shut in your face. I’ve run into some shady people, I’ve gotten scammed. All deals don’t work out but you have to be passionate about what you are doing and push forward. You have to get up every day and go hard, even when you don’t want to. It hasn’t been easy but it’s definitely been worth it.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a Realtor, as a Realtor I assist people when Buying, Selling, or leasing a home but my focus is Real Estate Investments and property solutions. My greatest satisfaction comes in helping homeowners in difficult situations such as foreclosure, Tax Delinquent, Divorce, just to name a few. Everyone doesn’t have the luxury of simply listing their home. Some Homeowners don’t have the time and quite often don’t have the money to make costly repairs needed to sell their home. I provide exit strategies for just about any situation. I will come in and Buy or help sell as-is so the homeowner no longer has to stress or lose sleep. He or she can move on to the next chapter of their lives and place their difficult situation behind them.
As I stated earlier, I’m able to build a relationship with people – Homeowners, Realtors, Developers, and other Small Business Owners. The social butterfly in me loves every minute of it. I talk to everyone whether I’m in line at the Grocery store or a Community or networking event. Real Estate success is built on relationships, the Relationships you build can make or break your business.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Technology. Technology has always been a part of Real estate, we will continue to see technological developments in the years to come. Technology and analytics are the driving force behind any great Real Estate company. If you fail to utilize and integrate technology into your business you may not have a business in 5-10 years.
These changes are not only for the betterment of our business. There is also advancement in the Buying or listing experience. Home Buyers and Sellers now have more access when Buying or Selling a home, searching for an agent, etc. The role of the Real Estate Agent isn’t going anywhere. The need for our skills and industry knowledge will continue to be detrimental when navigating and negotiating the Home Buying and Selling process. We are industry and market experts. When utilized efficiently, technological advancement helps us better serve our clients, improve the client experience, sell homes faster, and streamline our processes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chandaclosesre.com
- Phone: (281) 451-0914
- Email: chandaclosesre@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chandaclosesre
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chandaclosesre
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/chandaclosesre
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/chanda-anderson
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