We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelia Long/ Your Realtor For Life Long and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelia Long/ Your Realtor For Life, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I worked as a Vice President of a bank for over two decades before my experience with managing mortgage inspired me to become a REALTOR®. After 21 years of employment, managing the bank’s mortgage call servicing center, the bank started laying people off. However, because of my performance and tenure, I had the option to rehire within a different department or retire with a nice severance package. I realized I no longer had a desire to work in an environment where there were layoffs. I wanted to control my own destiny and future, and since I had been in the mortgage business for so long, I desired to be in a business where I was excited to go to work every day doing something that would truly help people. “I decided I wanted something I had more control over so I could dictate my future and not someone else.

I had been in the mortgage business for over 25 years at that time, and wanted to remain in mortgage on the side that put smiles on people’s faces by helping them to buy and sell homes.” As a single mom of four boys I chose to retire. Financial security was very important to me and I was grateful for the salary and pension included in the retirement package.

“As I took the time to figure out what I wanted to do. I decided I wanted to be an entrepreneur, and started studying to earn my real estate license.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I’m a one stop shop. There are about 10 things you need to do when buying a home. The first is to call me. I will help you take care of the other 9. I have a team, so I have available trusted resources available to you that are always willing to go the extra mile for my clients satisfaction. This includes lenders, inspectors, escrow officers etc.
I earned my real estate license in the fall of 2016 and have been implementing vital key practices to help ensure I set my clients, and myself, up for success. First, I offer no cost buyer and seller consultations with each and every client, regardless of how many transactions they have experienced.

During the consultation I go over the current state of the market and let them know what to expect during the process, including expenses they could expect to incur at the beginning and midway through the process, as well as those at close of escrow. I also coach clients about the right and wrong ways to purchase a home. Yes, there is a successful method to the madness that makes the process much less stressful. I have found that buyers, sellers, and investors who are educated about the current real estate climate and the process have a more peaceful process as they have minimal surprises.

Second, I remain available as a consistent trusted resource. Whether I am helping buyers or sellers, as well as renters, who often become buyers when they learn that it is actually not as difficult as they thought. You don’t know what you don’t know so education is key. I provide insight, support and solid market knowledge. I am always learning, and as the industry continues to evolve, I will too.
The last secret to my success is that I maintain relationships. I stay in touch not only with current clients, but with past clients as well. Our relationship does not end at close of escrow. In fact, I am grateful that I have developed lasting friendships with most of my clients.

I am very proud of my results. I have consistently been an award winning agent with my brokerage every year I have been in the business. I’m most proud of my earning my clients satisfaction. It’s important to me that they feel they have been well taken care of. My business is built on word of mouth referrals. Doing an excellent job is vital to my success.

It’s not always been easy. While traveling to meet with a client within the first six months of serving as a REALTOR®, I was involved in a serious car accident. I needed multiple, extensive back and knee surgeries in 2017, and needed additional knee and back surgeries in 2018, 2019, and my last surgery in 2020. I was bedridden for 10 months after my surgery in 2018. Recovery and physical therapy took up a lot of the time that I had planned to spend meeting with and serving clients.

It was a blow to my self-esteem, my rhythm, and my finances, but giving up was not an option for me. I know that God was ultimately in control and that this, too, would pass. I enlisted the help of my sons and even my former husband. I continued marketing, completing follow-ups, and reaching out to see how I could serve others.

“I have a very close bond with my children, and a successful co-parenting relationship with their father. When I was unable to walk, it was my children and my ex-husband who were there every day, caring for me and helping me. My sons went door-to-door and delivered marketing for me. It was a great reminder that nothing is more important than family.

After I recovered, I forced myself out of my comfort zone by making a “Sold” sign with a bright red ribbon and wearing it everywhere I went. When people inquired about it, I would proudly share that I was a REALTOR® and answer their questions about the market. I quickly became comfortable being “uncomfortable.” I even incorporated the sign in my social media photos, documenting amazing people and places. The experience taught me that I can be confident in overcoming obstacles. On the other side of fear was success!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I would take them to Sugar Jam in Scottsdale. It’s a brunch spot with a live DJ (one of my favorites), and an even livelier crowd. The food is delicious so I know they would have a great time! I always leave there happy. If it was a week long trip I would take them to Sedona. It’s one of my favorite places and depending on which time of the season you go, you can experience snowy winters or amazing summers that are great for hiking and sightseeing. Slide rock mountain is also a must see.

If they are missing the beach like I find myself doing, then a quick drive down to Rocky point fulfills that desire along with some of the best most inexpensive food around.

I would also definitely spend some time with them at my home. I love to entertain. Whether it’s out by the pool, cooking meals for them or making fabulous drinks with my e-bar machine that makes quality bar drinks at home.

If they wanted to go dancing, I would most likely take them to one of the many dance spots in Scottsdale, Phoenix or Downtown Gilbert. If they have a more relaxed vibe, I absolutely love going to live comedy shows. Laughter after all is good for the soul.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my shoutout to my children. They are my reason and my motivation for everything. They have supported me emotionally and mentally with encouragement and unabashed pride and it’s kept me driven.

Website: www.shelialongsellsazhomes.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/shelialongsellsazhomes?igshid=1mg78qia9a0yg (Business) https://www.instagram.com/shelishis/ (personal)

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/shelia-long-realtor-bb6482123

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shelishis

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/SheliaLongsellsazhomes/ (Business)

Image Credits
**Please contact me to email photos**

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