From Diapers to Deals: A Mother's Journey in Real Estate with Hannah Davis
In this inspiring discussion, we delve into the journey of Hannah Davis, a successful real estate agent and mother of two young boys, Wesley and Bodhi. Hannah shares her experiences balancing motherhood and a thriving career in real estate, offering valuable insights and practical advice for other moms in the industry.
A Balancing Act: Motherhood and Real Estate
Hannah's real estate career began in March 2020, right at the onset of the pandemic. Within six months, she was pregnant with her first son, Wesley, who was born in June 2021. Navigating the challenges of a new career while expecting her first child was daunting, but Hannah managed to maintain her momentum and continue building her business.
By 2022, Hannah had hit her stride, achieving significant success in real estate despite the demands of being a new mother. In April 2022, she managed to put nine buyers under contract in one month, all while caring for a 10-month-old Wesley and soon discovering she was pregnant again with her second son, Bodi.
The Importance of Calendar and Communication
For Hannah, the keys to balancing motherhood and a real estate career are "calendar and communication." She meticulously plans her week, often on Sundays, coordinating with her husband, Joe, to ensure their schedules align. Joe works from home, which provides some flexibility, but their days are carefully planned to accommodate client meetings, showings, and family time.
Hannah emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries with clients and communicating her availability upfront. She believes that early and clear communication helps manage expectations and allows her to balance her responsibilities effectively.
Leveraging Support Systems
Hannah is fortunate to have a strong support system. Her parents and sister, who also run their own businesses, provide invaluable help with childcare. Her mom takes the kids from Sunday night to Monday, allowing Hannah and Joe some time for themselves and giving Hannah a full day to focus on work. Her sister helps on Thursdays, ensuring Hannah can attend team meetings and other professional commitments.
For moms who may not have family nearby, Hannah suggests actively seeking out support networks, whether through neighbors, friends, or paid help. Building a reliable support system is crucial for managing the demands of both motherhood and a career.
Staying Organized and Setting Boundaries
Hannah uses a CRM system, Follow Up Boss, to keep track of her clients and tasks. She creates daily and weekly task lists, setting specific goals to ensure she stays on track. Being organized and setting clear boundaries with clients helps her manage her time effectively and ensures she can be present both at work and with her family.
Navigating Mom Guilt and Finding Balance
Mom guilt is a common challenge, but Hannah has learned to manage it by being intentional about her time. She sets aside specific times for work and family, allowing her to be fully present in each role. This approach helps her maintain a healthy work-life balance and ensures she doesn't miss important moments with her children.
Advice for Moms in Real Estate
Hannah's journey proves that it's possible to succeed in real estate while raising young children. Her advice to other moms in the industry includes:
Seek Support: Build a network of family, friends, neighbors, or paid help to assist with childcare and other responsibilities.
Stay Organized: Use calendars, task lists, and CRM systems to manage your time effectively.
Set Boundaries: Communicate your availability with clients and set realistic expectations.
Be Intentional: Plan your week carefully and set specific goals for both your personal and professional life.
Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for yourself and your partner to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Hannah's story is a testament to the power of determination, organization, and a strong support system. Her ability to juggle the demands of motherhood and a successful real estate career serves as an inspiration to other moms striving to achieve their professional and personal goals.