Starting Over at 50-Something

Starting Over at 50-Something: My Leap Into Real Estate

I thought I was winding down.

After years in corporate accounting and owning a pet care business, I imagined my 50s would be the time I slowed things down—a little part-time real estate on the side, something to keep me busy as I eased into retirement.

That was the plan.

But what I quickly realized was that real estate isn’t a casual career. It’s not something you “just do on the side,” especially when you’re starting from scratch in an industry full of heavy hitters with polished brands and deep-rooted networks. If I was going to succeed, I couldn’t treat this like a retirement job—I had to treat it like a reinvention.

And so I am.

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A New Career, a New Mindset

Starting over at 50-something is not for the faint of heart.  I’m competing with agents who’ve been in this field for decades—some younger, some more tech-savvy, and many already well-established. It would be easy to compare, to feel behind, or to give up before really starting.

But I’ve built a career before—from the ground up. I’ve juggled clients, teams, budgets, and business ownership. I’ve dealt with high pressure, long hours, and the weight of being responsible for others. What I bring to this new chapter is life experience, business sense, and a work ethic forged through real responsibility.

Still—none of that makes this easy.

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Relearning It All (Especially Technology)

I’m going back to the basics—watching tutorials, attending webinars, and asking for help, even when it feels humbling to admit what I don’t know.

I’m learning how to market myself in a world that demands both authenticity and strategy. It’s not just about having an Instagram account—it’s about knowing how to actually use it. It’s not just about sending emails—it’s about writing ones people actually want to open. I didn’t expect that learning how to be visible would be the hardest part—but it’s turning out to be one of the most rewarding.

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Not Just Another Agent

Let’s be honest—real estate agents don’t always have the best reputation. We’ve all heard the stereotypes: pushy, self-serving, always chasing the sale. And as someone who prides herself on honesty, care, and relationship-building, I know I’m not just working to earn clients—I’m working to earn trust.

I didn’t come into this for the quick deal. I came in because I care—about helping people find a place they love, about creating security and new beginnings. I treat every buyer and seller like I’d want my own family to be treated—because to me, real estate is not just a transaction, it’s a relationship.

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The Lesson I’m Still Learning

This career was never meant to be a second act—it was meant to be a soft landing. But it’s turned into a full-blown leap. I’ve learned that in a competitive field, you can’t show up halfway. You have to go all in. You have to commit to learning, growing, evolving—and yes, even stumbling publicly now and then.

And more importantly—you have to believe that your age isn’t a liability. It’s a strength.

I bring more than market knowledge. I bring life experience, resilience, and a whole lot of grit. I’ve walked dogs, managed payrolls, soothed anxious clients, and cleaned up plenty of messes—not all of them metaphorical. Real estate demands people skills, emotional intelligence, hustle, and heart. I have those in spades.

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Purpose in Motion

So no, I didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a real estate agent. But I know without a doubt that I was led here for a reason.

Real estate isn’t just a new career for me — it’s a vehicle for something much bigger. It allows me to build meaningful relationships, create new beginnings for families, and most importantly, support a cause that’s deeply rooted in my heart: saving dogs.

With every home I help buy or sell, I get to pour back into rescue work. It’s not just about finding the right house — it’s about creating the kind of life where both people and pets feel safe, loved, and truly at home. Real estate has given me the platform, the resources, and the connections to make a real difference — and that’s what keeps me going.

This isn’t just a job.

It’s my purpose in motion.