There is nothing simple about being a mother. There is nothing simple about having a full-time career. Balancing the two has challenged me and continues to challenge me. That does not mean sacrificing one or the other, but instead rising to the occasion, so I can excel at both.

“I can schedule a brief conference call in the afternoon,” I told the client over the phone. During the baby’s naptime, my brain added. In my mind, I silently subtracted that hour from the day. How many did I have left? It would be enough. I would make it work. I always did. Motherhood had added a second full-time job to my already busy schedule. Worth it, of course, but not easy. It changed my life in a lot of ways I had not expected.

In some ways, becoming a mother seemed very natural to me. My own mother had me when she was young and raised me with her family. I saw my relatives dealing with their own struggles and always looked for a way to care for them. Several years later my much younger brother was born. Being eight years older than him, he always looked up to me. Over time, I became the person who my family would come to for advice, regardless of age. I had also coached others in my field. Watching their success brought me pride and motivation in ways unlike anything else. Seeing a marked improvement let me know that I am building a better future for their clients too.

Beginning this new life as a mother was always exciting, however there were constantly new things that became challenges.

Even being pregnant had shifted things. I am very social, and, in the first few months of my pregnancy, I was still able to enjoy going out with friends. As time went on, I realized that not only was it more taxing on me, I just did not have the same drive for those activities. The gatherings I chose to attend were much more mellow. In the beginning, this felt like a major adjustment. Though I realized, while I saw fewer of my friends, the one-on-one time I did have strengthened those relationships.

When my baby was born, things continued to change. While the most magical difference was the gift of my son himself, along with the joy he brought, there were obstacles as well. Time seemed to slip by faster than I had imagined it could. But working the full-time job of being a mother, in addition to my own full-time career, was a feat I felt I had been preparing for.

For one thing, I was not alone. My husband had flexibility in his schedule and my mother-in-law was often happy to help in any way she could. I felt blessed to have met the man who would become my husband early on, to have him by my side for many difficult growing years. I came out stronger on the other end, having learned many lessons, so that I was ready to raise a family with him.

I also had the skills I needed. One skill I was surprised to find myself exercising was creativity. It is one that I use working in real estate. Marketing allows me to flex my creative muscles. Well, a kid will provide a whole host of situations that require creative thinking. For instance, I never would have thought I could get so much done, while walking the baby in a stroller! It is now a time for returning phone calls, checking in with clients, following up with inspectors and investors, and even coming up with strategies for buyers and sellers.

In between the hectic schedule, I have moments of peace and calm and see how much God has blessed me with. I was able to start a family and provide for them through a career I love. That is what real estate did for me. Just imagine what I can do for you.

I know I am only as good as my last deal, so each one is exceptional. This is evident through my referrals and repeat clients. I pride myself on working with first-time buyers and sellers as well as seasoned investors and everyone in between, helping them through the daunting process. In general, I provide high standards. I listen with understanding and pay close attention to details. I notice and guard against small issues most clients would not even notice. I have gone the extra distance from the beginning, attending seminars to better myself in the field, purely for my own interest and betterment. Clients do not need to worry about getting into trouble when they work with me. They can take comfort, knowing I have their back and truly want what is best for them. Together we can avoid potential pitfalls. I enjoy working with many people and hearing them share with me what their dream home looks like. That dream can be more than that. It can be your future.




With gratitude,

Tia Hughes
Team Leader