Life and Work with Emily Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Johnson.

Emily, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Massachusetts and lived there for 27 years. I visited Colorado twice – but never Denver… Boulder area the first time and then three months later embarked on a ski trip to Steamboat in January 2010. On the flight back from Steamboat, I found myself staring out of the window saying to myself – “I am moving to Colorado!” Within two months, I quit my job, packed up my life and drove over 1800 miles to call Colorado home! I got a job in Denver, made friends that felt like family and fell in love with Denver! Fast forward to August 2013 – I lost my job. It was the first time ever I was not in control of my job, my income and it felt like I was not in control of my life! I did a lot of praying – and ultimately put my belongings in storage and moved back to the east coast to be with family. I was applying for jobs in Denver, in Connecticut, in Massachusetts – but everything was pulling me towards real estate. So, I got my real estate license in Connecticut in 2014! Fast forward to June of 2016, I visited Denver for a friends wedding – and said I need to move back there. Seems like a repeat – but within two months – I was driving back to Colorado. I did take a different route, however – to see parts of the country I had not yet – Oklahoma, Arkansas and a few more! I have been back in Denver for over three years now – and my heart is happy! Why? THE PEOPLE!! Denver has some of the best people I have met in my life! The smiles, the hugs, the fun – Denver people are MY people!

Has it been a smooth road?
When I started Real Estate in Connecticut – I thought it would be easy! I thought I would sell three houses, take a trip. Sell three houses, visit Denver. Sell three houses and live the life I wanted. Connecticut was not where I was from, so I did not have a SOI – or sphere of influence as the industry calls it! SOI are the people that know, like and trust you – so you know they will call you when they are ready for a real estate transaction. So, I hustled – I wrote handwritten cards to my neighbors, I worked a part-time gig, I did all the things I was being told I was supposed to do to be successful. Then I got really sick – my doctor told me I had Rheumatoid Arthritis – and pretty much in the mornings my joints were stiff or frozen – making it hard to move all parts of my body. I thought about quitting – to get a real job – with health insurance and steady income as my health was uncertain. My managing broker at the time offered me a part-time office admin position for the real estate office; I accepted. I learned contracts before I even wrote one for one of my clients. I learned some additional ins/outs in the business by working closely with the three owners. I continued to do handwritten cards, meet new people and within a year of having my license I got a buyer and a seller under contract. The seller had received one of my handwritten cards – and called me three months later – and we listed her mother’s home three months after that. So, one thing I have learned is patience – and I’m willing to wait for the business.

When I decided to leave CT in August of 2016 – I had closed 16 already in eight months – and six others under contract. People thought I was crazy as I was just starting to make it – I mean really make it! But the PEOPLE of Denver are MY people! When I moved back I got a job as an executive assistant to a developer downtown – so had some steady income to support myself getting back into the sales side of real estate. In January 2018 – I decided to join West + Main Homes and was ready to do real estate full time again! I started a sales program to boost my business – and all it did was make me angry – they told me I had to set meetings, meet new people, make phone calls (eww) in order to be successful. At this time – I also lost my first deal of the year – because I chose to go on a trip to Crested Butte with 17 new friends (friends I had made in the last year) instead of showing a buyer a home. You see – when I lived in Colorado the first time – my life was all about adventures, meeting new people and seeing new places – mostly on the weekends… I had a decision to make – Can I have a career in Real Estate in a city that loves their weekends and exploring? I was driving for Lyft + Uber to pay my bills at this time – and one evening while chasing pennies – my wheel fell off while driving! Everyone was ok – but I took this as a sign from God – that he had bigger plans for me – and to trust him. I saw a meme that said “Jesus take the wheel – no, the steering wheel!” and I put my hands up – quit chasing the Uber pennies – and discovered my purpose. I did a self-development course that I was able to dig deep into all aspects of my life and found out my purpose is “I want everyone to know they are loved and that they belong!… By being brave and courageous, believing that I am loved and that I belong. By being true to myself, I will exceed expectations and experience financial freedom!” Fast forward to today – almost 18 months later – I am on the best path of my life, have had the best year yet – and have helped some of the best clients!

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
Solving problems all across the Denver area is my work! Every real estate transaction is different, and can bring with it excitement and joy – but also there can be stressful and tough decisions, and ultimately problems. I overheard someone say this and loved it: “You drive the decisions, and I drive the process!” I recently closed my 50th deal – and even before that – I am confident that I know the process of buying and selling houses! I was recently asked, “What sets you apart from the 46,000 other real estate agents in Denver?” I thought I would ask my past clients… a friend of over five years said: “You listen to your clients, are not pushy, and make them feel like the priority. Not feeling pressured was important to us. Oh and you respond within like an hour every.single.time!” A girl I was introduced to for the purpose of helping her buy her first home said: “I never felt like you were pushy or just trying to make a sale, just genuinely cared about getting to know me and what I wanted and just like having a friend helping even though I had just met you!”

I would say I’m also known for throwing pre-game Rockies parties! I try to host at least once a season – but in 2020, there will probably be two! Going with my purpose of making people feel loved and they belong – I invite over 100 people! Connections are made, fun is had, and there is a smile on my face the entire time! I recently had my first ever “Sip + Swap” and invited some ladies to my West + Main office! Most of the 15 or so gals that came – didn’t know each other – and through me – connected on some level. It was also such a hit – that I’m going to start doing them quarterly/seasonally! I also still write all my own handwritten cards – whether I am promoting a new listing – or letting my friends know I’m thankful to have them in my life! There is “power in a card” that brings us back to the simplicity of childhood – even if just for a moment… don’t you remember running to your mailbox near your birthday?

Giving back is also important to me. This year I ran a “School Supply Drive” and one of my favorite lenders and I raised over $300 and a full bag of supplies! Last year, we donated over 60 hats and 60 pairs of gloves to a local school through a drive called “Hats + Gloves by Mug + Hugs”. Mugs + Hugs was a way that I would meet people in the local area walking to work or their dog in the morning with a free cup of coffee. I need to start that up again.

I also recently started a blog! “MILES FROM DENVER” each week I highlight a place that is close enough to Denver for a day trip, long weekend. It’s for all levels of adventure – which is why I LOVE DENVER!

Something I am really excited about right now is my 2nd annual “Advent Calendar” on my Instagram! Each day – for 24 days in December, I will be giving something away! Feel free to check it out and enter to win – @emilysellsdenver.

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Be authentic to yourself. This is a tough thing to do in this day in age! We all probably suffer from some sort of “comparison syndrome”. We see friends and competitors near and far talking about their life, their successes and themselves in the best light. It sometimes looks like life is easier for others! Every year – or more often – do self-development and allow yourself to be vulnerable. Show yourself – your true self – to others. When I stopped doing what I was “supposed to do” and just starting having fun and thinking outside of the box – my heart changed and my business followed.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.emilysellsdenver.com
• Phone: 303-704-3045
• Email: emily@emilysellsdenver.com
• Instagram: @emilysellsdenver
• Facebook: Emily Sells Denver – Realtor at West + Main Homes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        Image Credit:
Jason Melino

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