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

Hi Meghan , thanks for joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

Raised in a vibrant Italian-Irish Catholic household in Boston, I was the fifth of many siblings. The heart of our home was my mother, a quintessential Italian matriarch. Her warmth and hospitality knew no bounds. Our kitchen, always filled with the aromas of garlic, onions, and tomatoes, was a hub of ceaseless activity and open doors. My mother’s ability to make anyone feel at home, whether it was encyclopedia salesmen or missionaries, left a profound impact on me.

Her love for people was evident in her constant desire to connect and understand everyone who crossed our threshold. This wasn’t just idle chatter; it was her way of making everyone feel like family. No matter who rang our doorbell, they were greeted with a flurry of activity in the kitchen, as my mother whipped up something to make them feel welcomed and cherished.

These early experiences of watching my mother’s unwavering hospitality deeply influenced my approach to life and business. When I founded my brokerage, I imbued it with the essence of what a home should be, a homage to my mother’s legacy. Opening during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when openness to strangers was scarce, it was more important than ever to create a space that radiated warmth and welcome.

I commissioned an artist to paint murals that evoked the sense of home, with a prominent one reading “LA DOLCE VITA,” surrounded by words like “LEALTA, FOCOLARE, AMORE, FAMILGLIA” – embodying loyalty, hearth, love, family. These weren’t just words; they were the values I grew up with and wanted to resonate within the walls of my brokerage.

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 back background and context?

Before Covid reshaped the world, my personal and professional life had already encountered its share of upheavals. The earliest of these challenges came during my ex-husband’s foray into politics. His ambitious pursuit, including two congressional runs, brought both pride and financial pressure. This period, predating the pandemic, was a critical turning point where I transitioned from part-time to full-time in real estate, a move propelled by necessity and a newfound determination to forge my own path.

With 19 years in the industry, 5 as a broker, and 4 owning my own brokerage, my journey in real estate has been one of continuous growth and resilience. This path became even more crucial as my personal life faced significant changes, including the end of my marriage. My brokerage not only stood as a professional venture but also as a personal sanctuary, guiding me through these transformative times.

In my brokerage, I’m passionate about sharing knowledge and empowering others. I co-teach licensing classes and host monthly public talks with dynamic speakers on various topics, from interior design to tax planning and real estate intricacies. Our office doubles as a community hub, hosting events that range from family gatherings to cookie-making classes, embodying my belief in the power of community.

My commitment to real estate is deeply intertwined with my life’s mission: to help people find and create their homes. This commitment has been a constant, especially as I navigated through the challenges and changes in my personal life, reinforcing my belief in treating every client with personal care and attention.

The onset of Covid brought new challenges and opportunities. Noticing the rise of AirBNBs and the changing market dynamics, I adapted by offering Airbnb set-up and management services. This venture has been a significant success, aligning with the evolving needs of my clients and marking a new chapter in my professional journey. I’m excited about the opening of my 5th property, a testament to the adaptability and resilience that define both my personal and professional life.

My career in real estate has been more than a profession; it’s been a lifeline, a means of independence, and a platform for recovery from life’s challenges. It reinforces the importance of having something of one’s own, especially for women. It’s a narrative that underscores the possibility of balancing family, career, and personal growth, no matter the challenges life presents.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The most important thing in life is love, starting with self-love. It’s essential to love yourself unapologetically before you can truly extend that love to others. Ditch the script of an “ideal” life. What really draws people in is your authenticity, not your perfection. Your choices might not resonate with everyone, and that’s okay. If someone doesn’t align with your true self, it’s healthy to let them go. Remember, freeing yourself from the need for others’ approval is liberating. When you are genuine, you naturally attract curiosity and like-minded individuals. We’ve all experienced fear of judgment, so be understanding. True happiness is within your grasp – it starts by stepping into your own skin and embracing self-love.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

All those who help me in my professional career, I consider my business partners. There are two exceptional women who have been key: Helen Donovan, a brilliant wordsmith, and Maggie, affectionately known as “My-Mags.”

Helen was more than just a friend from our early days in a babysitting co-op; she was a pillar in my life. Her deep understanding of me and my aspirations was unmatched. She shined as the creative force behind my real estate blog, “homesnothouses.com.” For years, she delved into the heart of Washington D.C. and surrounding areas, bringing to light hidden gems through her engaging writing. Helen was not just a talented writer; she was a sharp attorney with a fearless, lively spirit. Her mantra, “you only live once,” brought a unique energy to our office. Sadly, her sudden passing just after our new office opened left a lasting void. Yet, her spirit remains a guiding light, carried on by her equally gifted daughter

Then there’s Maggie, the silent powerhouse of our operation. She’s the mastermind behind the scenes, managing contracts, paperwork, and compliance with unmatched precision. Her diligent approach forms the bedrock of our business. Maggie’s selflessness, often putting the needs of the business above her own, has been instrumental to our growth.

These two women, distinct in their ways, have been the cornerstones of my support system. Helen’s vibrant spirit and Maggie’s unwavering dedication are interwoven into the fabric of my success. Their influence is a testament to the power of friendship, loyalty, and the kind of supportive bond that helps realize dreams.

It’s the sacrifices made by women like Helen and Maggie, often unseen and unspoken, that truly underpin my success. I may not always express it, but the truth is, I couldn’t navigate life without them. Their quiet resilience and steadfast loyalty are not just the foundation of my path, but the very essence of my achievements.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wasingerco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megwasinger/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wasingerco
• Other: Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@meghanwasinger?lang=en

Image Credits
homevisit.com