In the face of challenges, I realized the hardest part wasn’t the work itself but believing in myself enough to keep going.

I walked into my broker’s office, prepared to give the bad news that I had to leave. I had just gone through a divorce, and the financial support I’d relied on to make a career change just a few months earlier was gone overnight. I was staring at bills with no backup. Still learning, still finding my footing, and suddenly I was the sole provider for myself and my daughter, Victoria. I thought the only way forward was to find a new job that guaranteed a steady paycheck.

But when I went into my broker’s office, she didn’t let me walk away. She looked me in the eye and said, “You’re not going anywhere. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.” That flipped a switch. It was the encouragement I needed to remind myself I was capable, I was determined, and I wasn’t about to let this stop me.

My brokerage is very involved with new construction, and agents often need someone to cover their communities so they can take days off. I started sitting in model homes seven days a week, getting paid per day. That helped financially, but it also gave me something just as valuable: exposure. I started meeting buyers, connecting with builders, and learning how things really worked. Before long, I was offered my own community. It gave me the steady income I needed to continue providing for my daughter.

At the same time, I stayed very active on social media and offered to host open houses for other agents. Even on days I wasn’t scheduled, I went into the office because you never know what opportunities might walk through the door. That visibility helped build momentum. People started associating me with real estate, and slowly, business started to come in.

I’ve always had a strong work ethic. Before real estate, I spent over 20 years in hospitality, working my way up from a server to managing restaurants and helping revive struggling businesses. Those experiences taught me how to lead, solve problems, stay calm under pressure, and most importantly, serve people. All of that carried over into this career.

The more I built up my business, the more confident and secure I became in my decision to stay in real estate. I didn’t get into this just for a paycheck—I became a REALTOR® because I wanted to help people through some of life’s biggest transitions. Even though it’s my job and I do it every day, I never forget how significant these moments are for the people I serve.

My family is the reason I kept pushing. I’ve been able to support my daughter, Victoria, through some of her own big life changes, including becoming a mom to two boys, Colten and Bailey. They all live with me now, and our house is full—in the best way—including our American Bulldog, Rambo. This season of life, being so present and involved with them, has been incredible. I’m also really close with my niece and two nephews, and my mom lives just five minutes up the street. I love our tight-knit family, and they’ll always be at the heart of everything I do.

That’s exactly why this work means so much to me. When I’m helping someone buy or sell, I know it’s never just about the house—it’s about their family, their memories, and their next chapter. And I take that to heart.

Looking back, I’m proud I stayed the course because I can’t imagine doing anything else. And the best part is, I’m just getting started!

With over eight years of experience in both general real estate and new construction, I bring a well-rounded, strategic approach to every transaction. Having spent a lot of time working with new homes, I understand what today’s buyers want, how to evaluate construction quality, and which features add real value. That insight allows me to guide my clients with clarity and confidence. When it comes to listings, I have a sharp eye for helping sellers prepare their homes to stand out. For buyers, I know how to identify what will meet their needs now and continue to bring value in the long term.

What I love most about real estate is being a part of people’s stories. Whether you’re buying your first home, downsizing after a life change, or relocating during a transition, I’m here to guide you through it. I stay involved from start to finish, offering honest advice, reliable resources, and clear communication every step of the way. My goal is to create a seamless experience that takes pressure off you, so you can focus on what matters most. And even after the closing, I’m still just a call away. Whether you need a contractor, have a question, or are thinking about your next move—I want to be your go-to for all things real estate!

 

Sincerely, 

 

 Elizabeth Hutcheson