We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anita Robertson Peters a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Anita Robertson, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today.
I would definitely have opened my brokerage earlier instead of remaining content in the situation I was in at the company I worked at.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I entered the Real estate industry after purchasing my first home. I quit a corporate job as an administrative assistant cold turkey which was 22+ years ago. Discipline is key in this industry but moreover the way you treat people and look out for their best interests.I learned years ago to never look at the money upfront but to always service the client first. I feel that I am a good “people reader”, and sometimes the “fit” isn’t always good, and that is perfectly okay. I allow God to direct my path and when a situation doesn’t feel right I have no issue passing it up.I have sacrificed many years to be where I am today.I have never considered this a “hustle” , it’s my career. My business skills didn’t come from a college or technical school, they came from being in supervisory positions at an early age and I am grateful for those opportunities. I specialize in residential and commercial real estate as well as land aquisitions and as an investor I manage the rentals that myself & my husband own. I listen to genuinely hear the client out, I don’t listen to “react”. I have represented clients locally and internationally and still maintain those relationships as of today. What sets me apart from most is that I march to the beat of my own drum beacuse if I didn’t I wouldn’t be here 22+ years doing what I love! I have a very strong personality which is often perceived as snooty or bougie and thats okay, I am just not one to sugar coat things. I am that person that tells you what you need to know and usually it always blows over fine with my clients and customers. In this industry people respect honesty with professionalism. I am most proud of owning my own brokerage because there is nothing like “promoting” your own company.When I made the decicion to open my brokerage I wanted to make sure I was at 100% profit ,less overhead and not having to “cap” as some call it. Discipline definitely kicks in when you own your own company as you are responsible for all overhead and you have to have the mindset to forsee into the future and prepare for it. I want everyone out there to know that if you have a dream, pursue and work towards it harder than you would if you were on a corporate job.Please stay focused and on track and always allow God to lead you. Aside real estate I have a love for gardening,wine bottle design,interior decorating, and poetry. The pandemic has allowed me to successfully achieve many of my goals and spend quality time with my husband and grandkids.Being disciplined has played a big part of that.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I was told when I left corporate that real estate was hard. I started working at the age of 15 because I liked different things and my mom let me know right away that she wasn’t buying any of that! As a child I grew up in a family with both parents present, with my 2 siblings at the time. We lived in a 2 bedroom 1 bath cinder block apartment with no heating and air. I am used to hard work and I knew that if I worked as hard as I did all those years for someone else that I could definitley do it for myself and my family! It hasn’t been an easy road ,it takes self motivation,faith and focus to be self employed. Real Estate is a career that is known for male dominance so as a woman in the industry you must hold your ground. Because I come from a strong family of professional women, I am able to cope and recover from setbacks,and regardless of what anyone says this industry comes with its setbacks. I have learned to use my skills and strengths to respond to the challenges that the business brings all while being true to myself.
There were times in my early career that I stayed up past 2am prospecting. I found that in the early morning hours it allowed me to have my one on one with God and to meditate as well. Optimism played an important part because it allowed me to focus on the postive things and imagine the good that could result from the circumstances. I allowed myself to think outside of the box and come up with different approaches to real estate. There has never been a time that I wanted to be “like” soemeone in the industry.God made us all different for a reason. Over the years I have faced sickness that most would allow to change their lives completely. I haven’t yet reached my goal and I dare to let a diagnosis determine my success. I have never looked for sympathy from anyone and most would never know because I do not dwell on what the doctors say, I stay focused on what God has asked me to do.
February of 2023 will be 23 years that I have been in the industry as a full time REALTOR®. In the year 2000 when I decided I wanted to pursue a career in real estate my intention was to do nothing but real estate.I have never considered it to be a hustle but rather me bringing people together in what I consider to be the largest transaction they will make in their lifetime. It is my job & my pleasure to assure they are well serviced & my track record is proof of that because most of my business is referrals, & repeat clients. My motto is : take good care of people and in return they will take care of you.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Doing what you say you will do for the client and following through with it, exceeding their expectations. Also not getting caught up in the “crowd”, there is a certain level of professionalism expected when you are conducting business. In this industry not all clients are the same so you have to be able to read the client and gain their trust. Repeat business has been grand for me not to mention the referrals from people I have worked with for years.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.petersrealtyprofessionals.com
- Instagram: Peters Realty Professionals
- Facebook: Anita Robertson Peters and Peters Realty Professionals
- Linkedin: Anita Robertson Peters
- Twitter: @petersanita
- Other: Realtor.com – Anita Robertson Peters