We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Von Rosenberg recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lauren thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

I think so many children would benefit from more opportunities to learn about business development and trade-work. College isn’t the end-all/ be-all, and it’s not always a good fit for people whose minds work differently (referencing myself as an example). Value should be equally placed on studying and completing coursework that is then followed by a license or certification. Working with ones hands or running your own busisness is a very fulfilling life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

My name is Lauren von Rosenberg and I’ve been with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty here in Dallas since I acquired my license in 2014; I’ve been on own my operating as an individual producer since 2017 and just achieved a Top Producer award both in my brokerage and for D Best. I am proud that I’m able to have a flourishing career as college just was not for me. I love this job because every sale is different. Outside of work- I love doing a hot yoga or sculpt class at Ritual1, spending time with my husband and our two chihuahuas, and as of late working on my tan at the new Lee Harvey’s Dive In. Because this job never stops, and I’m “always on”, I’ve had to learn how to enjoy the quiet moments, or create time for it when things are busy. I’m the agent who gets asked “How are you so calm?”, told “You have the patience of a saint.”, and then some. I take my career very seriously because of the impact we have on people’s lives. And I enjoy being a grounding source of advice and information, always aiming to come from a place of peace and rational.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

Of course we as business owners were all concerned when Covid hit. I didn’t know what I was going to do. Thankfully after just a few weeks real estate was deemed an essential business. I had two listings going live and continued moving forwards with business as usual but did apply for a small PPP loan.

Earlier this year I had three listings going live back-to-back. I was paying for staging on all of them, along with having additional costs I picked up: window cleaning, gutter cleaning, and other miscellaneous costs, because I wanted the homes to show well. There were delays in the listings going and I had already paid my vendors. I forewent paying myself for a few weeks, and barely squeaked by, but made it! I had thankfully done a review of my accounting, income and expenditures a few months prior to my listings picking up, so I knew where I could cut back, save, and how to balance everything. I always consult with my husband about finances, and he supported me emotionally continuing to remind me that it was a good problem to have, and to not stress. I maxed out my business credit card and went on pure faith that it would all work out. It was a very tense couple of months and I still cringe, but am SO grateful I took the “risk” as I was extremely happy with how the listings and transactions turned out.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The first 5 years of working in real estate I suffered from terrible migraines and was diagnosed with chronic migraine. I sold approximately $2.8 Million for the first two years when I went on my own, and was grateful for clients who understood when I had to work from my bed/ virtually. There were so many times I showed houses, ran comps, working in a dark room to make sure my clients didn’t miss the opportunity to purchase a home they’d fallen madly in love with. I started seeing a neurologist in 2018, established a treatment plan, and finally decided to try the new biologics mid 2019. Within one year of being on the new preventatives my business jumped 300%. I couldn’t believe it! I still have migraines from time to time, but they hardly interfere with my work these days or are now easier to manage. Recently I tried stopping the preventative in hopes of family planning and struggled terribly with headaches turning into migraines on a near daily basis. The hardest decision I’ve had to make in the past 6 months is deciding between starting a family, and having my career. I’m passionate about both, and my career is truly tied to my identity and life purpose, so I chose that. As I said to my husband, “I’ve worked SO hard to have “this”, and my clients rely on me, and I love what I’m able to do for them.” So yeah, I think that speaks to my resilience. Okay- going to go wipe some tears away now.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.LaurenvonRosenberg.com
• Instagram: LvR_Sothebys_Dallas
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-von-rosenberg-a2726478