We had the good fortune of connecting with LaQuanda Brownlee and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi LaQuanda, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
The number one thing that people are unaware of regarding real estate and specifically being a REALTOR®, is that it’s not a get-rich-quick and live the glamorous life out of the gate career. As a full-time Realtor, you are a therapist, advisor, negotiator, consoler, etc..in addition to your professional duties. Sometimes it is hard period and you have to constantly be thinking ahead; for yourself and your clients. Constantly studying market trends and numbers to ensure that you are at the top of your game. Always thinking creatively and out of the box. TV and social media have created this glamorized perception of real estate agents and the industry as though all we do is show expensive homes and sit around collecting checks. There is a lot of work that goes on in the background before we get to the closing table to ensure you get to the closing table. It’s more than just doing a quick Zillow search and finding a home. There are strict deadlines that have to contractually be met, there is due diligence that needs to be done properly, and there are resources that as the professional you need to have in place for your clients regarding all facets of the transaction, (even after closing); in case your client needs them. As well as ensuring the contracts are drafted properly to protect your client, you are in constant communication with the agent on the other side, the lender to ensure the file closes on time, negotiating repairs, etc…There are also levels to the education and knowledge that continuously needs to be sought after and completed to even consider yourself a professional in this field. In my 6+ years of being a Realtor here in the Dallas-Fort Worth market, I have faced some very challenging transactions that taught me a lot! As well as some that were smooth as butter. However, this is an ever-changing, evolving, and sometimes tumultuous industry where you will always be learning something and growing professionally with every transaction.
What should our readers know about your business?
Prior to becoming a Realtor, I worked in higher education for over 8 years as well as built a successful networking marketing business, while pregnant with my second son. I knew I needed “options” and have always been interested in securing multiple bags. So, being persistent, thinking outside of the box, and starting a business came natural to me. However, I wanted to build something that was mine, so I decided to pursue my passion of real estate and become a Realtor. I have always loved looking at exquisite and luxury properties, and just homes in general. I purchased my first property in Texas back in 2008; right before the market crashed. Bought my second property in 2014 and the experience was not as pleasant as my first experience. We were shown properties that were not at all what we wanted, not given many options and I took it upon myself to find different available programs and ways that we can buy new even without a ton of funds upfront. I got creative! I knew immediately that there was a need, specifically in my community for more education and guidance regarding the process of home selling and buying as well as financing.
This is a career that I am truly passionate about and I’ve spent the last six years excelling in the competitive landscape of the Dallas-Fort Worth real estate market; establishing a reputation as a well-respected and innovative agent. With my sharp knowledge of the local market, I’ve helped several families in the DFW market and those relocating here find their dream home — and I’m confident that I can help you find yours too. I am so excited to work together! I am a licensed Realtor® residing in Midlothian, Texas. I have a background in customer service, marketing, and contracts; equipping me with the skills and knowledge needed to exceed my clients’ expectations. In addition to the Seller Representative Specialist Designation, I have also earned the prestigious – Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist™ (CLHMS) designation, which is recognized as the mark of accomplishment in luxury markets around the world. The Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist™ (CLHMS) designation assures affluent buyers and sellers that the agents who have earned it have the knowledge, experience, competence, and confidence they require. I also work closely with builders and new construction. I have exclusive incentives for my clients that register with me and allow me to represent them when buying new build homes and have an exceptional knowledge of the current market and future trends. I am passionate in providing a superior level of service to ensure a seamless process with each individual client. I have 3 very active boys and a dog who all keep me very busy in between work. I enjoy cooking, love traveling, dancing, and essentially just enjoying life and my little family.
I am dedicated to providing you with a luxurious experience every step of the way, whether you are looking to buy, sell or invest; I am here to eliminate the stress.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since I’m near the Mansfield area within the DFW Metroplex – We would definitely start out in this area with Brunch at 360 Brunch House, they have exceptional food and great drinks. Shopping in Cedar Hill – Hillside Village outlet mall as well as a few boutiques, lunch at El Primo’s Mexican Grill for great food and great drinks, or 54th Street Bar & Grill for the great food options in the “South”. For great nighttime vibes, The Vault is definitely a hidden gem. It’s an upscale lounge with exquisite food and a beautiful bar and atmosphere, as well as live music also located in Mansfield, TX! Throughout the week, we would venture out to my favorite place to shop in Dallas, the North Park Center to do some shopping and dining! They have tons of options from luxury boutiques to budget-friendly shops as well as amazing artwork all throughout. The Bishop Arts District is truly a melting pot of beautiful art, culture, great vibes, and tons of historic homes. Uptown Dallas is filled with a ton of great things to do, such as ZaSpa Dallas for some relaxation therapy, you can take a food tour along West Village, KISS Dallas for a night of fun vibes, live music, dancing, and exceptional food, and drinks. Vidorra Addison is another excellent place to eat and vibe out with friends or family. Endless museums, parks, shopping, and dining all throughout the metroplex from Fort Worth, up to Frisco, to Dallas, and as South as Waxahachie, the options are truly endless here for a great time in the DFW Metroplex!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Outside of my faith in God first and foremost, I am who I am today and have the faith, determination, persistence, and work ethic because of my family and my close tribe of amazing friends and loved ones. The unlimited support that I have received from them is truly heartfelt and will forever be cherished and reciprocated. I look at my kids and see their smiling faces when I hit a milestone or when I am exhausted and they say Mommy I think you need a nap lol. They are my biggest supporters and my biggest motivation and driving force. My three little son-shines…My Dad is my superhero and has always shown us what hard work and determination look like. Whether it was him getting off from his job to work his businesses because he always ensured a plan B and C was there to take care of his family; he would also make sure that if anything needed fixing he would get it done and only if he couldn’t, he would hire it out. I watched my mom step out on faith and after working on her job at the hospital for years, she opened up her daycare business – out of faith. They both are now retired and I’m so blessed to see them be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor together. They showed me not only what love looks like but also what hard work can do and how it can truly pay off.
Quotes that I live by, “The backbone of an eager desire to change is discipline. True ambition is disciplined eager desire. Minute by minute and day by day. You have to live it.” Well-defined dreams are what define our successful reality. You’ve got to see the future finished in advance.” Jim Rohn
Website: https://www.northtexashomes.io/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laquandabrownleerealtor/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laquanda-brownlee/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaQuand02294065
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laquandabrownleerealtor
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/laquanda-brownlee-jp-and-associates-realtors-mansfield
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuvNojna_0bm6J68QdpQdkQ
Image Credits
D. Porter