Each part of Tracy Mance's past has helped build her beautiful future. She has been a protector, an educator, and an integral part of her community; and all of these roles have combined to create a down-to­-earth, humble, and straightforward REALTOR® that everyone should have the pleasure to know.

 

In her 20s, Tracy lived every girl's equestrian dream. She rode professionally, trained horses, and instructed riders. She also attended the College of Saint Rose and graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology and a minor in secondary education.

 

In 2000, Tracy began her career at the Albany County Sheriff's Office. She was a sworn law enforcement officer for over 21 years. 

 

"When I started, I was on patrol, taking calls for service, and helping people for anything from a domestic incident to a car crash to a break-in," she shares. "I learned how to talk to people in every instance, even through drama and turmoil."

 

After several years, Tracy changed roles to focus on community relations. She ran the Stop DWI Unit from 2015 until the end of her law enforcement career.

 

"I worked with victims of car crashes who lost loved ones," she recalls. "I felt that if we could make people aware of the dangers, we could make a real difference. I feel I am a voice for the victims of those crashes. Not all victims can speak for themselves. I can be that voice and educate others.”

 

As Tracy approached retirement from the sheriff's office, she put together an exit plan to start something new: real estate. She had personal experience buying and selling homes and enjoyed the process of staging the open houses. She even flipped one of the houses.

 

"That was when I knew I liked the idea of being an agent; I didn't love the paperwork, though," Tracy says with a laugh.

 

As her January 2022 retirement approached, Tracy took the 75-hour real estate license course from home during COVID.

"I came in during a hot market," she remembers. "Throw a challenge in front of me and I'll chase after it. It was good timing for me."

 

Tracy's "Plan A" involved getting her license and working with her current broker, Steve Sbardella, at 518Realty.com. “I was hoping he would say yes because I didn’t have a ‘Plan B,’” she admits.

 

Steve welcomed her without hesitation, but Tracy felt anxious without any clients.

 

"I didn't have a pipeline; I didn't even know what a pipeline was," she recalls.

 

While she waited for that first client, Tracy offered to help other busy colleagues.

 

"It allowed me to get comfortable with the process," she remembers. "I didn't need to know all the answers. I could ask the agents and learn along the way. I'm thankful to those agents who trusted me."

 

Next, Tracy started a Facebook page and tapped into a bit of paid advertising.

 

"I turned some not-so-great leads into transactions my first year," she recalls. "That was exciting. I like to learn as I go and shoot from the hip."

 

Since starting out two years ago, Tracy has been named to the 2022 Capital Region Women's Council of REALTORS® for sales over $5 million. Her accomplishments don't end there; but for Tracy, it's not about the number of transactions or the accolades.

 

"I know I can't please everybody, but I just want to help homebuyers be happy," she remarks. "My success is their success. If my clients aren't happy, it's not successful for me."

 

Tracy helps her clients foster happiness by offering kindness and commitment.

 

"I can hold their hand," she notes. "They have to make the choice, but they can lean on me, and I can support them.

 

Tracy pairs support with education, honing the skills she used in law enforcement.

 

"I tend to be more of an investigator when we look at homes," she says. "If we see something questionable, I take a quick photo and send it to my resources to see if we should be concerned about it."

 

She is also a voice of reason.

 

"Some people have huge aspirations, but they're not realistic," Tracy explains. "They have a wish list, but they need to determine what they want and what they need. I can help them do that. If someone hands me a pile of pebbles, I'll take the time to build a castle."

 

When she's not building castles, Tracy keeps herself busy with a variety of occupations and interests. She teaches defensive driving part-time through the sheriff's office and educates trainers on products that teach about impaired and sober driving. She is also a new dog mom.

 

"I've never owned a dog," Tracy shares. "Last April, I rescued a 13-week-old German Shepherd mix. I've realized I had a void in my life. He filled it."

 

In addition to all of that, Tracy welcomes any Realtor who needs help.

 

"My doors are open to everybody," she says. "I like helping new agents; that's how I learned. Helping them allows me to continue to educate myself."

 

Real estate has been a joy for Tracy, but it hasn't been effortless.

 

"In law enforcement, I lived a quiet life and kept my cards close to my chest," Tracy remembers. "With real estate, I've had to learn to put myself out there. People need to see the real me. It's been a challenge.”

 

Tracy was molded for this every step of the way. In the end, her goals are simple.

 

"I just want to be happy and continue to support myself,” she concludes.