We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Liska Sims. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Liska below.

Alright, Liska thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was transitioning from a stable career in mortgage underwriting into real estate sales.

For over 20 years, I worked in the mortgage industry as an underwriter. I had a consistent income, a structured environment, and a deep understanding of how loans are approved. On paper, it was secure. But over time, I realized I wanted more—more flexibility, more impact, and the opportunity to build something of my own.

The decision wasn’t easy. Real estate is 100% commission-based, so I was essentially walking away from a guaranteed paycheck into uncertainty. I had responsibilities, bills, and a family to consider, so the risk felt very real. But I also knew that my background gave me a unique advantage—I understood the financing side better than most agents, and I could use that to better serve my clients.

When I made the transition, there were definitely moments of doubt. Building a client base from scratch required consistency, patience, and stepping outside of my comfort zone—especially when it came to marketing myself and asking for business.

However, that risk paid off. Not only did I successfully transition into real estate, but I was also recognized as Rookie of the Year at Keller Williams Southwest. More importantly, I’ve been able to help families navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives, which is incredibly rewarding.

Looking back, taking that risk taught me that growth doesn’t happen in comfort. It reinforced my confidence, pushed me to develop new skills, and ultimately aligned my career with my purpose—helping people and building meaningful relationships.

Liska, 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’m Liska Sims, a Realtor® with Keller Williams Southwest, and I specialize in helping first-time homebuyers, sellers, and clients navigating major life transitions such as divorce, relocation, or significant changes in their family dynamics.

I provide full-service real estate support for buyers and sellers. For buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, I break down the process step-by-step so they feel confident and informed. For sellers, I focus on positioning their home strategically in the market to maximize value and minimize time on the market. I also work closely with clients going through life changes—especially divorce—where decisions can feel overwhelming. In those situations, I provide not only guidance through the real estate process but also patience, discretion, and a steady hand during what can be an emotional time.

One of the biggest problems I solve for my clients is uncertainty. Real estate can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to financing, contracts, and negotiations. Because of my underwriting background, I’m able to anticipate potential issues before they become problems and guide my clients with clarity and confidence. I help them make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and move through the process with less stress.

What sets me apart is that I don’t treat real estate as just a transaction—it’s a relationship. My clients know they can trust me to be honest, responsive, and fully invested in their goals. I’m not just here to get to closing; I’m here to guide them every step of the way and be a resource long after the deal is done.

What I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve been able to make in my clients’ lives. Whether it’s handing over the keys to a first-time buyer or helping a seller move forward after a major life transition like divorce, those moments mean everything to me. I’ve also been honored to be recognized as a Top Agent at my brokerage, which affirmed that taking the leap into real estate was the right decision.

At the core of my brand is my tagline: “Guiding You Home.” That’s exactly what I strive to do—provide expertise, support, and genuine care so my clients feel confident, empowered, and supported every step of the way.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has been referrals and relationships.

A large portion of my business comes from past clients, friends, and professional partners who trust me enough to refer me to the people they care about. That’s something I don’t take lightly, and it reflects the level of service and communication I provide throughout the transaction.

I’ve also seen strong growth through strategic partnerships—particularly with lenders and other professionals connected to major life transitions, such as divorce attorneys and financial advisors. These relationships allow me to support clients at the exact moment they need guidance, especially when they’re navigating big changes and need someone they can trust.

In addition, I’ve been intentional about building my presence both online and in my community. Social media, local events, and consistent follow-up have helped me stay top of mind, but ultimately, it all ties back to relationships.

At the end of the day, my business is built on trust. When people see that I genuinely care, communicate clearly, and guide them through the process with confidence, they naturally want to refer me to others.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation has been built on consistency, communication, and genuinely caring about my clients’ outcomes.

From the beginning, I made a commitment to treat every transaction like it’s the most important one—because to my clients, it is. I stay proactive, keep everyone informed, and make sure there are no surprises along the way. That level of communication builds trust quickly, especially in an industry where people often feel overwhelmed.

My background in mortgage underwriting has also played a big role. I’m able to understand the financial side at a deeper level, anticipate potential issues before they come up, and guide my clients with confidence. That not only helps transactions go smoother, but it also positions me as a knowledgeable and reliable resource.

Another key factor has been how I show up during challenging situations. Whether it’s negotiating repairs, navigating tight financing scenarios, or helping a client through a life transition like divorce, I stay calm, solution-focused, and supportive. Those are the moments clients remember, and they’re often what lead to referrals.

I’ve also been intentional about building relationships, not just closing deals. I stay connected with my clients, check in after closing, and make sure they know I’m a long-term resource for them.

At the end of the day, my reputation has grown because people know I’m going to show up, do what I say, and guide them every step of the way. That trust has been the foundation of my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://liskasimsrealtor.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liskasimsrealtor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiskaSimsRealtor
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liskasimsrealtor/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@liskasimsrealtor

Image Credits

Jasmine Chen Photography