Never underestimate the challenges of life. Every obstacle is an opportunity to overcome.  Adversity can be disguised as a blessing if we use it as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. Laura Varner took her heartbreak in life and used it to become stronger, more successful, and to develop into a game changer in real estate.

 

When she got divorced 7 years ago, she used it as the time to really launch into real estate and give it everything she had. The only other option that she had was teaching. “But I couldn’t support my kids on my teacher’s salary,” she admits. Instead, she chose to rise to the top of the agents in Hernando County. Her heartache gave her the motivation, drive, and determination to excel like never before.

 

How was the transition from stay-at-home mom to full-time real estate agent? “It was really hard,” she says. Refusing to give up, Laura was “all in” in real estate, committed to her clients. Last year, she had a total sales volume topping 30 million dollars. She works for RE/MAX Alliance. What’s more remarkable is that she is a single agent.

 

 

Through trial and error, Laura found her niche in working heavily with investors and cultivating repeat and referral business. She loves the investment side of real estate and helping people make changes to their homes that can increase their value. Laura loves it when her listings are the highest priced sales in the neighborhood.

 

“I’m extremely competitive and a very hard worker,” she says. “I take really good care of my customers, which helps so much.”

 

Her work ethic is complemented by her quest for knowledge. “I’m always growing and trying new things,” says Laura. Best of all, she found her dream job in the process. “I love coming to work every day. I also love looking at houses,” she smiles.

 

One of the keys to Laura's success is her consistency. She is in the office every day, focused on productive tasks and appointments. Eager to be the best that she can be and maximize her productivity, she listens to different podcasts, including Tom Ferry's, to keep herself informed and inspired. Laura also likes reading, expanding her knowledge and taking time to relax and unwind.

 

Many Top Producers struggle with finding work-life balance. Laura has found that having a great assistant is critical. She also emphasizes the importance of being extremely organized to make sure that everything runs smoothly.

 

“I’ve learned over the years to take time for myself and my family,” she says. “I used to work constantly.” Taking time to relax and recharge is never overrated.

 

Work-life balance is essential when it comes to rising above the obstacles that real estate agents face. Laura is no exception. “I felt completely defeated at one point of time,” she points out. “At one time, I had eight deals under contract and every single one of them fell apart. When the sixth or seventh fell apart, anyone would have quit at that point.” Laura, however, did not. “I was broke at that time,” she adds. She refused to quit and soon she started to gain traction once again.

 

Laura stays motivated by the love she has for her family. “My five children are the reason that I care,” she smiles. “I want to provide them with certain things.” Currently, she has three children in college. With her success in real estate, she was able to purchase new cars for the three of her kids in college, which is remarkable.

 

To unwind, Laura enjoys renovating houses. “I am currently living in a house that I am renovating,” she says. “I work a lot on that.” She buys houses that are distressed, lives in them, and renovates them. She does a lot of work herself before putting them on the market.

 

Laura also loves her two Poodles, who are 1-year-old puppies. These two dogs named Captain and Summer add happiness and excitement to her household. With their boundless energy, they are lots of fun to be around.

 

 

Laura is an inspiration. From a stay-at-home mother to a Top Producer, she is living proof that anyone can achieve their dreams with enough resiliency and refusal to give up! She is a great example of what can be achieved with perseverance, passion, and a strong work ethic.