We recently connected with Diamond Polk and have shared our conversation below.
Diamond , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you share a customer success story with us?
In the bustling heart of our vibrant city, Los Angeles lies a neighborhood called Windsor Hills that embodies the essence of community, culture, and a place to truly call home. For my clients, this neighborhood was more than just a geographical location; it was the canvas for their dreams and the stage where they saw their baby daughter flourishing as her authentic self. This is the story of how I, as their real estate agent, helped them find their dream home and make it a reality.
My clients, a young and dynamic family, had been passively searching for a place that would reflect their values, cultural identity, and aspirations for their daughter. They envisioned a neighborhood that would not only provide a safe haven but also serve as an inspiration for their growing child. This wasn’t just about a house; it was about creating a life in a place that resonated with their soul.
When I first met my clients, their enthusiasm and vision for their dream neighborhood were palpable. We embarked on this journey together, and I was determined to make it more than just a real estate transaction. I wanted to create a lifelong memory for them. They initially came to be interested in another home, just outside their dream neighborhood, but felt the home was within their budget. Not a perfect home, but one that eventually they could customize, that would appreciate in value, and rent out while they lived in the dream home within the next few years. The universe had bigger plans for them, and so did the real estate market. With rates rising, and hesitant buyers, good houses were sitting. Insert dream home, in dream neighborhood with a price reduction– a perfect storm.
It was the perfect canvas for their dreams. With three bedrooms, a spacious backyard, and a pool, proximity to mom-and-pop shops and trendy restaurants ideal for date nights, this house was a dream come true. My clients fell in love and were shocked this home, in this neighborhood, at this price, was even an option for them.
We navigated the intricacies of negotiations and secured a deal that allowed my clients to make this house their own. With a knowledgeable lender and a realtor who advocates for their clients, we received a credit from that seller specifically and instantly lowered the interest rate for my clients– called a buydown credit, or interest rate buydown. They also received credits for repairs, literally money back in their pockets to ensure the home was safe for move-in.
For them, this neighborhood was not just a place to live; it was a thriving cultural hub where my clients could immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of traditions and experiences. A nurturing environment where their daughter can blossom into her authentic self, finding inspiration and acceptance among her peers.
This story is a testament to the power of real estate in transforming lives, dreams into reality, and houses into homes.
Diamond , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’ve always been interested in real estate and was encouraged by my mom to pursue real estate after graduating from the University of Southern California. I began the process of obtaining my license which included course training and studying for my real estate exam. After tirelessly studying, I thought, I should put this pursuit on pause and live life as a carefree, 20-something-year-old in Los Angeles. Fast forward to 2019–I choose to become a single mama to the most beautiful baby girl, Blossom. I leave my job because postpartum is kicking my butt, and soon a global pandemic takes the world by storm. I realize one: life is too short to put dreams on pause, and two: real estate is an incredible opportunity for me to provide for my family, while also empowering black and brown people by providing guidance on home buying and using real estate to build wealth–using real estate as a form of activism. Once I found my why, continuing real estate was a no-brainer.
I specialize in simplifying the complex Los Angeles home buying process, ensuring my clients feel confident and informed every step of the way. I also like to make it fun (as fun as it can possibly be) and wholeheartedly embark on this journey with my clients. Overall, I’m passionate about turning homeownership dreams into a reality and my mission is to empower individuals who once believed homeownership was out of reach.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the most transformative decisions I’ve ever made was choosing to become a single mother. This decision was a defining moment in my life, as it not only shifted my perspective on motherhood but also played a crucial role in shaping my career path in real estate.
Becoming a single mother was a decision that I didn’t take lightly. I was ready to embrace the role of a mother, but I couldn’t ignore the fear of the unknowns and the potential judgment I might face from society and even from myself. It was a major crossroads that required me to overcome my own self-judgment, learn to be vulnerable, and ultimately find happiness in my choices.
I had to confront my own doubts and insecurities, as well as the preconceived notions and expectations that society often places on women. It was a process of self-discovery and self-acceptance. I realized that my desire to be a mother and provide a loving, nurturing environment for my child was a deeply authentic part of who I am, and that judgment from others couldn’t deter me from pursuing that path.
Becoming a single mother taught me the power of vulnerability and the importance of embracing one’s authentic self. It made me more resilient and courageous. It also instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility and a drive to provide the best life possible for my daughter.
As I navigated the challenges and joys of single motherhood, I rediscovered my interest in real estate, which expeditiously turned into a passion. Real estate allows me to create a stable and comfortable home for my daughter and gives me a deep sense of fulfillment in helping others find their own ideal homes.
In hindsight, I realize that without my daughter and the transformative decision to become a single mother, I might not have pursued a career in real estate or become the woman I am today. It has been a remarkable journey, and I am grateful for the strength it has given me and the opportunities it has opened up in both my personal and professional life. Motherhood and the wild ride of Los Angeles real estate is pivot after pivot and I embrace them head-on.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I’m still building my audience and brand on social media. I’m also learning to be patient with myself and give myself grace because being active and intentional on social media is something new to me. When I first ventured into the world of social media, it was indeed a mix of excitement and nervousness. I can completely relate to the feeling of needing to be vulnerable online, overcoming the desire to create perfect content, and striving for consistency. In my case, this journey was not only about sharing my personal experiences but also about promoting my business and engaging with a larger audience. Here’s how I approached it: Consistency is Key, Authenticity Matters, and Engage with Your Audience. My advice would be, and it’s something I tell myself, “Don’t get discouraged.” Building a presence takes time, and building a community takes even longer. I’m striving for loyal followers who interact with my content– their feedback is everything. Building a social media presence is about creating a genuine connection with your audience. Your journey is unique, and it’s perfectly okay to learn and grow along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://acme-re.com/agent/diamond-polk/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the___homegirl
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/diamond-polk-the-home-girl-los-angeles
- Other: You can email Diamond directly at diamond@acme-re.com. And join her newsletter for all real estate gems using this link: https://thehomegirl.myflodesk.com/
Image Credits
Photo credits to Alex Alba and Sam Wadieh