In 2020, amidst a period of profound global change, Julie Hanes found herself at a crossroads. Having experienced a diverse career path that included corporate roles, non-profit work, education, self-employment, and even being a stay-at-home mom, she was seeking something new—something that offered both flexibility and opportunity as she and her husband prepared for their children to leave the nest. Encouraged by her husband and friends to venture into real estate, a field they believed was perfect for her, Julie was initially hesitant due to the intimidating licensing process. After all, it had been 30 years since she last studied for and took a test.

Julie began her real estate licensing journey in March 2020, only to have her in-person classes disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic after just two sessions. Unfamiliar with Zoom, she was initially worried that this disruption was a sign that she shouldn't pursue this path. However, when the opportunity arose to continue her pre-licensing classes virtually, Julie embraced the challenge, adapting to the new normal and completing her studies online. This leap of faith marked the beginning of her exciting new career as a realtor in her late 50s.

With a background in the corporate world, where she honed her soft skills through training classes, Julie's natural aptitude for understanding and connecting with people has proven invaluable in real estate. She understands that buying and selling homes are deeply emotional experiences, often tied to significant life events such as marriages, expanding families, job losses, or the death of a loved one. Julie's ability to read people and empathize with their unique situations has been a cornerstone of her success. She skillfully navigates the delicate balance of educating her clients about the realities of the market while being sensitive to their emotional investments.

Julie started her real estate career during an unprecedented time when the market was exceptionally volatile. The pandemic-era housing market saw low interest rates and a frenzy of buying and selling, often with buyers waiving inspections and offering well above asking prices. For a new agent, this chaotic environment could have been overwhelming, but Julie credits the leadership at her firm, Leonard Ryden Burr, for guiding her through it. Their support helped her establish best practices that ensured her clients' interests were protected, even amid the market's wild fluctuations. Thanks to their mentorship and her diligence, Julie's clients have not returned with regrets over their pandemic-era real estate decisions.

Julie attributes much of her success in real estate to the relationships she has built. Initially, her business came primarily from people who already knew her and trusted her integrity and work ethic. Today, her clientele is a balanced mix of new clients and referrals from satisfied previous clients. For Julie, receiving referrals is particularly rewarding as it signifies the trust and satisfaction of her clients.

To aspiring real estate agents, Julie offers candid advice: be prepared for hard work and unpredictability. The real estate business demands a significant amount of effort and resilience, with no guaranteed income and potential for long periods between paychecks. Julie emphasizes the importance of differentiating oneself from other agents through dedication and a willingness to go the extra mile, whether that means making goodwill runs, mowing lawns, or ensuring a property is pristine for showings.

What sets a great real estate agent apart, according to Julie, is the willingness to do the grunt work. The job is far from glamorous and involves a deep understanding of the properties being sold. Julie has explored crawl spaces and attics with inspectors to ensure she knows every detail of a home, enabling her to provide informed guidance to her clients. As the housing market continues to evolve, Julie stresses the importance of honest communication with clients, particularly when it comes to setting realistic expectations about property conditions and pricing.

Looking ahead, Julie is excited about the future of her real estate career. Each year brings new challenges and growth, and she was honored to be recognized in her firm's Leadership Circle last year. She is committed to continuing her education, staying informed about industry changes, and adapting to new rules and regulations with confidence. Her goal is to maintain and grow her success, always providing exceptional service to her clients.

Despite her busy career, Julie has learned to maintain a work-life balance. While she remains available to her clients, she communicates her availability clearly and takes advantage of technology to work remotely when necessary. This flexibility has allowed her to enjoy vacations and family time without compromising her professional responsibilities.

Outside of real estate, Julie finds joy in her vegetable garden and flower beds. Gardening provides a sense of accomplishment and relaxation, and she loves sharing the fruits of her labor with others. As her daughter starts her freshman year at Clemson University, Julie is also looking forward to becoming a Clemson Tigers fan, transitioning from her previous allegiance to the Appalachian State Mountaineers.

Julie Hanes' journey into real estate is a testament to her adaptability, resilience, and dedication. Her story is one of finding new opportunities later in life, embracing challenges, and building a successful career through hard work and strong relationships.