When Mariah Grumblatt decided to step away from college, she had no idea it would lead her to a flourishing career in real estate. “I felt lost,” she recalled. “I switched my major several times before deciding to ‘take a break’ after my third year in college.” With friends preparing for graduation and no clear path in sight, Mariah was at a crossroads and decided to look into real estate as an option. She found a job working as a transaction director with a top-producing agent in Lansing.

Mariah started her role as a transaction director in February of 2018, learning the ropes under the guidance of her team leader, Tracey Hernly. By December of 2019, Tracey had encouraged Mariah to get her real estate license — a decision that would change her life. “Tracey pushed me to get licensed and believed in me when I was lost and trying to figure out my path,” Mariah said.

Mariah moved to the Metro Detroit area in July of 2020, in the midst of the pandemic when everything was shut down, and faced the daunting task of building a new sphere of influence from scratch — with no friends or family, in a city with more than 17,000 agents. However, she knew the opportunity in Detroit was worth the risk. 

Despite the challenges, Mariah’s dedication and hard work paid off. In 2021, which was her first full year of selling, she had closed deals worth $5.3 million. “I went five months without a paycheck, but I was determined to make it,” she said. 

An agent and REALTOR® at Keller Williams Domain - Luxury Homes International, Mariah has since earned accolades such as the Rookie of the Year award in 2021 and multiple 100% Club awards. She has even been recognized as one of the Top 1,000 agents in Oakland County.

Mariah’s career has been marked by a series of significant milestones, but for her, it’s all about the relationships she builds with her clients. “I truly enjoy making the transition as smooth and memorable as possible for my clients,” Mariah said. “Seeing their excitement at the closing table makes me so happy. This is the biggest investment of most people’s lives, and it means a lot for them to put all of their trust in me.”

Mariah says that what sets her apart from other agents in the industry is that she spent two years working as a transaction director with one of the highest producing teams in the Greater Lansing area before she got licensed. “I was with Tracey Hernly while she left the company that we were with and opened up a Howard Hanna (HH). We were the first HH in Lansing and the first franchise in Michigan. In addition, Tracey opened up a title company and started a joint venture with a mortgage company,” Mariah shared. “That being said, I was able to learn a lot prior to selling, which gave me the ability to learn how to prioritize and stay organized in this business. I am my own transaction coordinator, so I am with my clients 100% of the time and know exactly what’s going on with each deal, making sure to maintain the relationships post-closing. So many agents are very good at selling and are not the best at the organization/admin work; I am able to healthily balance both.” 

Beyond her professional success, Mariah is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She volunteers at CARE House of Oakland County, supporting children who have experienced sexual assault and/or neglect. She was also honored to sit as an event chair for the 26th annual Circle of Friends event for CARE House in 2022, to help bring awareness to the abuse and neglect that many children experience. 

Mariah has also extended her help with the overflow of students who needed counseling after the Oxford High School shooting. She’s able to be there with those children during their interview process with the police, social workers and counselors to make it a less stressful experience after all they’ve already encountered. “I am there as a Child Assist to greet them when they enter the building and hang out with them during their interview or therapy sessions. Each time they come in, I’m there to make it a more uplifting experience for them. These children need to know that they are loved, regardless of what they’ve gone through,” she explained. 

Mariah dreams of continuing to grow her business while maintaining the relationships she has built with people. “My ‘why’ has always been for my future children, and to have the means to give back to the community,” she shared. “My grandmother has been a huge influence in my life. She started a food pantry, Ray of Hope, out of her church to feed homeless people. I hope to always follow in her footsteps and be as selfless as she is. I want to always have the resources to give back to those who truly need it.” 

For up-and-coming agents, Mariah recommends that they get a mentor. “Never give up!” she added. “There will always be tough times in this business, but it’s so rewarding.”

With a heart full of gratitude, Mariah is an inspiration in the real estate world. She hopes that she will be remembered for being kind, but it’s clear that her compassion is at the core of everything she does.