(Spoiler alert: it was a mix of frustration, bad luck, and a little divine comedy.)
Frustration Led Me Here
Clients often ask me, “Why did you choose real estate?” The truth is, frustration led me here. When I was buying my first home, I went through 3 1/2 Realtors. Yes. Three and a half. And yes, I’ll explain.
| REALTOR #1 The Slow Communicator I found him on Zillow. In theory? Great. In reality? He responded like he was communicating by carrier pigeon. I’d ask a question and hear back three business days later, maybe. | REALTOR #2 The Happy Hour Agent She was a former banking client of mine. Super nice and funny. She always had a water bottle. Turns out that “water” was vodka, and by the third house of the day, things got interesting. | REALTOR #2.5 The One That Stung A former colleague looked at my preapproval amount and basically decided it wasn’t worth her time. That hurt because, if the roles were reversed, I never would have done that to someone. | REALTOR #3 The One Who Got Me There She introduced me to the FHA 203(k) renovation loan, which helped me buy my foreclosed fixer upper. She meant well, but we were both learning South Florida and the process was stressful. |
The First Time Buyer Moment I Never Forgot
The night before closing, I reviewed my Closing Disclosure and thought I had to bring far more money than we had discussed. I called my Realtor in a complete spiral, convinced the deal was falling apart. The document simply had not yet reflected money I had already put down.
As a first time homebuyer, I did not know that. No one in my immediate family had bought a home in the U.S., so I needed more than someone to open doors. I needed someone to explain things clearly, advocate for me, answer the questions I was embarrassed to ask, and keep it real with me.
| “I wanted to become the Realtor I wish I had.” |
How I Actually Got Into Real Estate
A couple of years after buying my home, I attended a networking event for work. A local college had a raffle, I dropped in my business card, and somehow I won a free class or course. I looked through the catalog and thought, “Well… I’ve got a few things to say about real estate.” So I chose the real estate course.
I did not originally plan to do this full time, but I learned quickly that it is hard to be a good Realtor if you are half doing it. I did not want to half do it. I wanted to become the Realtor I wish I had.
Real Estate Is About People
Being a Realtor is not just about houses. It is about people, life situations, big decisions, emotions, challenges and sometimes chaos. Over the years, I have become an unlicensed therapist, part time mediator, HOA negotiator, lender translator, inspector interpreter, title company follow up specialist, emotional support human during underwriting and, occasionally, a crisis hotline for grown adults making six figure decisions while arguing with their spouse.
| THE REAL LIFE PART *Family disagreements and relationship stress. *Fear of committing to a mortgage. *Out of state logistics and virtual walkthroughs. *Coordinating inspections when clients cannot attend. *Helping clients know what to ask lenders, insurers, inspectors and title companies. *Reminding people not to self sabotage a perfectly good deal | MY PROMISE TO YOU I’ll tell you the truth. I’ll fight for your best interest. I’ll explain the fine print. I’ll keep you informed. I’ll answer your questions, no matter how many. I’ll strategize with you. I’ll probably make you laugh in the middle of the stress. |
Why I Love What I Do
This business takes work. Real work. Heart work. People work. Not every lead turns into a client, and every showing does not lead to a contract. But what I love most is that so many clients do not simply become past clients. They become long term friends.
Years later, they still call me for advice, updates, referrals and sometimes things that are very much above my pay grade. Like the client who called at midnight because a drunk neighbor was banging on the door accusing them of stealing electricity. Respectfully, please do not call me at midnight unless the house is on fire or Beyoncé is buying next door. But did I stay on the phone and help? Absolutely. That is just who I am.
From “I Have No Idea Where to Start” to “I Got the Keys”
I have always been bold, strategic and willing to challenge conventional ways of doing things. I use that energy to advocate, negotiate, problem solve and educate. If you work with me, you are not getting a cookie cutter Realtor. You are getting someone who will tell you the truth, fight for your best interest, strategize with you and make sure you understand what is happening along the way.
| LET’S WRITE YOUR NEXT CHAPTER If you’re looking for a Realtor who keeps it real, advocates hard, and won’t leave you confused in the process, let’s talk. BUY • SELL • RENT • INVEST |
Shiloh Cabrera | REALTOR®
978.590.0150 | Shiloh@miamidreamre.com | www.miamidreamre.com
Miami • Broward • South Florida