Embracing change, I stepped out of my comfort zone, seizing the opportunity for personal and professional growth and fulfillment. By trusting in my skills and service-driven approach

to life, I have embarked on an exciting adventure in real estate.

 

Transitioning from nursing to real estate marked a pivotal moment in my life, filled with both daunting challenges and deeply rewarding experiences. Starting a new career amidst COVID-19 brought a host of uncertainties, but I was determined to take the opportunity and try something new.

 

For as long as I can remember, working in healthcare was my goal. I simply wanted to help people. My parents’ work ethic inspired me as I navigated my own path and became the first person in my family to pursue a higher education.

 

My journey into nursing began at just 11 years old when I started working in a nursing home, a job that left a lasting impression on me. Despite the challenges, I persisted, eventually becoming a medical assistant and earning my bachelor's degree in nursing.

 

My career in nursing centered around women's health, from OB-GYN offices to labor and delivery units. It was rewarding to support expectant mothers, ensuring they felt cared for and empowered during one of life's most significant experiences. However, when I started a family of my own, balancing my nursing career with the demanding schedule of my husband, Lon, an obstetrician, became increasingly difficult.

 

I took a step back from full-time nursing to prioritize my family and focus on raising our children, Evan and Morgan, while continuing to work part time, exploring roles in home care, administration, nursing education, consulting, and telemedicine, seeking flexibility while continuing to contribute to patient care.

 

Then, a negative experience selling my own home changed everything. Despite enlisting the help of a real estate agent, I found the service lacking in many ways. There was little communication, professionalism and dedication to my needs, leaving me feeling frustrated and underserved. In the following years, I kept returning back to this experience, telling my husband, “I want to get into real estate one day.”

 

Then, COVID hit, and my office job was deemed non-essential. Suddenly, I had a lot of time on my hands and thought: What better time than now? My bad experience selling my home fueled my desire to provide better service and support to others navigating the real estate market.

 

Stepping away from a lifetime of work in healthcare was not easy. There were certainly moments of doubt where I questioned if I was truly prepared to start a new career in an entirely different field. But within that doubt, I also knew the incredible impact I could make on people’s lives through real estate. I discovered that both nursing and real estate are professions that revolve around serving and advocating for others during significant life events.

Navigating the transition from the structured environment of healthcare to the more independent and sales-oriented world of real estate presented its challenges. Learning to network and self-promote was all part of the process. It was uncomfortable in the beginning talking so much about myself, but as I gained more experience, I also gained confidence in my skills and what I could offer my clients. 

 

Despite the initial uncertainties, I've discovered a renewed sense of purpose and excitement through real estate. I have big plans to one day start a team, mentor new agents and create a lasting impact on the industry, demonstrating the true power of client-centered services. Authenticity, vulnerability and continuous growth have become the foundation of my business—I want to build genuine, lifelong relationships with those I serve!

 

My husband and I have been married for 34 years. With a growing business in real estate, he has supported me every step of the way. He loves to cook and create exceptional meals for us. We also love to visit Evan and his wife Audrey, and Morgan as often as possible!

 

As I reflect on my journey, I can't help but feel a sense of pride in how far I've come. Taking my family's work ethic and applying it to my education, I was able to forge my own path, following my dreams to the fullest extent. This drive continues to fuel me in real estate, where I have learned to thrive amidst the endless possibilities this industry has to offer! 

 

In real estate, I find immense fulfillment in helping people navigate the housing market, reducing much of the stress often associated with such a complex task. My specialty lies in working with first-time homebuyers, growing families,  and empty nesters downsizing. I find that both require a high amount of empathy, understanding the emotions of the process and how impactful it will be to their lives. Additionally, I love the educational piece, presenting all the options to my clients and going over the pros and cons of each choice so my clients can make informed decisions that represent what they value most! This is not just a career for me but a genuine passion to protect the best interests of my clients every step of the way.

 

Sincerely,

 

Debra Katz
REALTOR®
Cell (248) 421-6751
DebraKatzRealtor@gmail.com
www.KatzTheHomeFinder.com