Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Elias.
Hi Christine, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Became a Realtor relatively later in my life. I came from a family of entrepreneurs in the construction industry and was scared to take the leap. After getting laid off from another corporate job, I decided it was time. I had great women mentors that had made big moves in the real estate industry and believed in me when I did not believe in myself. The first few years were rough, I am not quite sure how I made it on very little income however I believed I could be a good professional. I never gave up. In 2016 I knew I had to find a way to differentiate myself from other Realtors. I had a marketing background so I thought about what I was passionate about. I always had a passion for animals and animal rescue and had volunteered my time with various rescues from the time I moved to Orlando in 1996. I was passionate about real estate and building and I formed the Urban Dog Group (team name). I paid $45 for the design work and we we were founded. I choose to develop my business in a different way than most Realtors who cold call or door knock. I wanted to be around like minded people who loved their pets as much as I did. So my first event was the Paws in the Park event hosted by Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. I set up a booth and had custom raffle prize doggie gift baskets made and spoke with people about their homes and their pets. Through this involvement it helped launch my business with a unique value proposition.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing about being a successful Realtor is easy. I had no health insurance for the first three years as I could not afford it. Everything is on you, gifts, expenses, marketing all of it. No one makes you get up in the morning either. You have to have drive and you have to have a passion for helping people. The money will come if you care about people knowing this is one of the biggest purchases in their lives. Going to work for a brokerage when you start that provides you with support and professional training is key to your success. Referrals are hard to find so I always did my best and a large majority of my business is now referrals from past clients. I also negated my personal life for a long period of time to just concentrate on my work.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am known for being the pet friendly Realtor. I am most proud of the give back program we have created. For each sale we represent a portion of our proceeds goes to a local or national animal rescue of our clients choice. The business model is to meet and communicate with fellow animal lovers and focus on finding great homes for people and their pets whether they are buying selling or renting. As a professional this involves knowledge of city and county ordinances and codes relating to domesticated animals and housing. I am also well versed in the difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal as it relates to fair housing laws. At the heart of it was giving back to the community in which I live and work has always been a priority for me.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Doing a great job for my clients. Realtors are the glue that holds the whole transaction together. Being ethical and upfront with clients is of utmost importance. Being around people who care about their four legged family members like we do brings such joy to every transaction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://urbandogrealestate.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbandogrealestate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theurbandoggroup
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-elias-6975aa20/
