What brings you joy?
There is so much joy in helping people move into their next chapter of life. Whether someone is buying a small bungalow or a multi-million-dollar home, I am honored every time someone chooses me as their real estate professional. I work hard to make the process smooth and fun. Of course, there can be stressful moments with so many moving parts in the real estate process. My clients appreciate my calm approach to navigating their buying and/or selling journey. Real estate is about celebrating our successes, building relationships, and making new friends.
What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
Even though I have a design background and know how to make a home look perfect, my home is definitely NOT show-ready. My floors have paw prints from our dog. There's a stack of volleyballs in the corner of our dining room. And my kitchen still needs to be updated (even with a husband in construction.) When I visit someone's home for the first time, I explain how we "live" in our homes differs from how we "show" our homes. I don't know many people who could take real estate photos at a moment's notice, me included!
What do you cherish?
Like many Kirkwood area families, we are busy. Whenever I get a simple one-on-one moment with any of my three teenage daughters or husband, that is great. My oldest daughter is in college, so the rarity of having us all sit at a table together for a meal is a really amazing time that I cherish. I want my daughters to be confident, independent, and successful women, but more than that, I want them to be compassionate to others. I cherish stories of their kindness.
What achievement are you most proud of in your real estate career?
I am honored that my clients trust me. I had the honor of working with the family of the highest-listed home in Glendale last year. I have also been recognized as a Janet McAfee top agent every year I've been in the business, and I have no plans of slowing down.
Realtors never have a day off, but what would you do if you had one day to yourself?
I would run the Forest Park loop with my running group and go to brunch with my family, followed by a City soccer game or another fun St. Louis activity and Ted Drew's for dessert.
Favorite tip for staging a home?
Lots of fresh flowers!