Exploring the World of Historic Homes and Real Estate with Anna Thomas

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Lofty Lender! This week, we're thrilled to have Anna Thomas, a seasoned real estate agent with a passion for historic home renovations. Anna has been in the real estate business since 2014, and her journey from renovating homes in Missouri to becoming a full-time agent in Des Moines is truly inspiring. Let's dive into her story and explore the insights she brings to the world of real estate.

A Passion for Homes and Architecture

Anna's journey into real estate began with a love for homes and architecture. Growing up in Hannibal, Missouri, a town rich in history and known as Mark Twain's birthplace, Anna was surrounded by historic buildings and renovations. Her grandparents played a significant role in igniting her passion, as they were deeply involved in restoring Hannibal's historic Main Street.

This early exposure led Anna and her husband to undertake several historic home renovations themselves. After experiencing the thrill of transforming old properties, Anna decided to get her real estate license to sell these homes. What started as a side project quickly turned into a full-time career when she moved to Des Moines.

Joining Kyle's Team at LPT

Moving to a new city without an established network can be challenging, but Anna saw it as an opportunity. She joined Kyle Clarkson’s team at LPT Realty after a positive initial meeting and a shared vision for real estate. The team environment provided her with the support and leads needed to thrive in a new market.

"I met Kyle through another agent when I first moved here. I didn't have a sphere of influence in Des Moines, so joining a team felt like the best option," Anna explained. "It just worked out from there. I stayed connected with Kyle even when I moved away for a couple of years, and when I moved back, he had a spot for me on his team."

Navigating Real Estate Without a Sphere of Influence

Starting out without a local network, Anna faced the daunting task of building her client base from scratch. She took proactive steps by cold calling for-sale-by-owner listings and buying online leads. While some agents might shy away from online leads due to the lack of an initial relationship, Anna saw it as a valuable opportunity to meet new people and build lasting connections.

"Meeting people through online leads has worked out well. I think it's a great way to meet people and continue those relationships," she said. "It's about getting to know their preferences and showing genuine interest in helping them achieve their goals."

Balancing Work and Family

Anna's dedication to her work is evident, but she also emphasizes the importance of family. She and her husband continue to work on renovation projects, and their children often join in, learning valuable skills along the way. Balancing a demanding career and family life can be challenging, but Anna makes it work by integrating her passions into both aspects of her life.

"I try to maintain a work-life balance, but it's something I continually struggle with," Anna admitted. "However, involving my family in our projects and spending quality time with them helps."

Adapting to Industry Changes

With upcoming changes in the real estate industry, including the NAR settlement and new regulations effective July 1st, Anna is preparing to adapt her approach. Increased communication with clients and other agents will be crucial, and she is focused on explaining these changes clearly to her clients.

"I think there's going to be a lot more upfront communication before we even get to the point of looking at a home," she noted. "It's about being transparent and ensuring clients understand the new processes."

Fun Facts and Personal Preferences

In a quick-fire segment, Anna shared some fun facts and personal preferences. She loves ice cream, with her family owning an ice cream parlor in Missouri. When it comes to real estate, she has a soft spot for historic homes but recognizes the practical benefits of new construction for most clients. In her free time, Anna enjoys running, reading, cooking, and traveling with her family.

Conclusion

Anna Thomas's journey in real estate is a testament to the power of passion, adaptability, and genuine connection. Her story inspires those looking to make their mark in the industry, and her dedication to helping clients find their perfect home is truly commendable.

If you're interested in learning more about Anna's work or need assistance with your real estate demands, you can reach her at 573-795-3405. Stay tuned for more episodes of the Lofty Lender, where we bring you exciting guests and valuable insights every week. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share our podcast with others who might enjoy it!

Stay curious, and we'll see you next week!