We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Christopherson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nicole, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
As a real estate professional for over 20+ years, the founder of NMC Realty, and now the proud founder of Work Hard Smile Large, you can imagine to countless hours that have been poured in to creating successful businesses. My work/life balance has continually evolved throughout my years of owning two companies and now managing real estate teams in both CA & TX. I am fortunate enough to have an incredible team whose support allows me to have an amazing balance in my life where I get to be the best mother, wife, daughter, sister and mentor to my people. The key to my continued success with balancing my life has always been having my morning routines. My routine has most definitely changed throughout the years but I am constantly putting my health at the top of my priority list. Whether that means taking a few days off at the gym or saying no to social opportunities presented to me, I always listen to my body! I have always focused on having a balanced life because I “work hard” so that I can “smile large”.
The time and diligence required to start a business, especially as a younger entrepreneur, was extremely inspirational but at the same time quite time consuming. It required making the right lifestyle choices to support the balance it takes to have my hard work be effective. I dedicate a lot of my successes to my morning routine and deciding to put your health first while always trying to learn and grow in my businesses. A hard work ethic is highly undervalued in today’s day and age, but I aim to inspire and mentor others on how key this is to achieving your goals and dreams.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Over the 21 years as a trusted real estate advisor, Ive earned a stellar reputation as a trusted peer to my colleagues and partner to clients and alike in choice Orange County locales and I now bring my passion and acumen to the Texas Hill Country suburbs, neighborhoods and up-and-coming regions outside of central Austin. From having started my own real estate brokerage in 2014, to expanding my real estate to across state lines, I also enjoy being a mentor to up-and-coming agents and serves on several real estate boards and committees that give me invaluable insights and awareness to today’s ever-changing society.
Upon joining the fastest growing brokerage in 2021, eXp Realty, I have taken my business to a new level. Being able to serve our clients in over 24 countries and having the valuable resources a digital global brokerage can offer in our ever changing real estate eco-system. Im a proud founding member of the eXp Luxury division and am able to offer our luxury clients marketability unlike any other broker can in todays times. Having the limitless support of my brokerage I know we are serving out clients with the best network, resources and outcomes possible for 2024!
Renowned in CA and TX professional groups for my in-depth knowledge of the real estate ecosystem – from demographics, market trends and timing to property sales, my accumulated years in the industry have enabled me to develop relationships with our professional vendors and other third-party affiliates that in turn benefit our clients each transaction! Dedication to my clients and ethics in my real estate business are proven time and again by the relationships I maintain with our clients breeding my referral based business model. Our business is personal.
My team and I are strong negotiators and always strive for the best possible outcome for our clients.
This contract knowledge is what sets my team and I apart. After managing my brokerage for over a decade, I educated myself and truly immersed myself in contract knowledge to protect my clients best interests at all times. Buying a home is often the single largest investment one makes in their life.
The NMC Realty Group prides ourselves in providing Exclusive Representation to our community and clients.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
SANTA MONICA:
Morning:
* Breakfast at Urth Caffé:
* Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Urth Caffé on Main Street. They offer organic and locally sourced menu items.
* Visit the Santa Monica Pier:
* Head to the famous Santa Monica Pier, an iconic landmark with an amusement park, aquarium, and various shops. Enjoy the Pacific Park rides and take a stroll along the pier.
Late Morning:
* Explore Third Street Promenade:
* Wander down the Third Street Promenade, a lively shopping and entertainment district. You’ll find a variety of shops, street performers, and cafes.
* Santa Monica Place:
* Adjacent to the Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Place is a modern shopping mall featuring popular brands and restaurants. Take some time to explore the stores.
Afternoon:
* Lunch at The Misfit Restaurant + Bar:
* Head to The Misfit on Santa Monica Boulevard for a satisfying lunch. They offer a diverse menu in a trendy yet casual setting.
* Relax on the Beach:
* Spend some time on the beautiful Santa Monica State Beach. You can sunbathe, play beach volleyball, or take a leisurely walk along the shore.
Early Evening:
* Muscle Beach:
* Visit Muscle Beach, an outdoor gym famous for its weightlifting and bodybuilding culture. Even if you’re not into fitness, it’s an interesting spot to observe.
* Dinner at Shutters on the Beach:
* Experience a delightful dinner with ocean views at Shutters on the Beach. This upscale restaurant offers a fantastic menu and a serene ambiance.
Evening:
* Sunset at the Santa Monica Pier:
* Head back to the Santa Monica Pier to catch the beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The Ferris wheel and the lights on the pier make for a picturesque scene.
* Nightlife on Main Street:
* If you’re up for some nightlife, head to the bars and lounges on Main Street. The Bungalow is a popular spot with a laid-back atmosphere.
HOLLYWOOD:
Morning:
* Breakfast at 25 Degrees:
* Start your day with a delicious breakfast at 25 Degrees, an upscale diner located inside the Roosevelt Hotel. They offer a variety of breakfast options to suit different tastes.
* Hollywood Walk of Fame:
* Take a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, just outside the Roosevelt Hotel. Explore the stars dedicated to your favorite celebrities and soak in the Hollywood atmosphere.
Late Morning:
* Visit the TCL Chinese Theatre:
* Head to the TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. Marvel at the handprints and footprints of legendary stars in the forecourt, and perhaps catch a movie if there’s an interesting screening.
* Hollywood & Highland Center:
* Explore the Hollywood & Highland Center, a shopping and entertainment complex. Don’t miss the view of the Hollywood Sign from the terrace, and shop for souvenirs.
Afternoon:
* Lunch at Musso & Frank Grill:
* Have lunch at Musso & Frank Grill, a historic restaurant that has been a Hollywood institution since 1919. Enjoy classic American cuisine in a timeless setting.
* Hollywood Museum:
* Visit the Hollywood Museum, located in the historic Max Factor Building. It features an extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia, including costumes, props, and more.
Early Evening:
* Hollywood Bowl Overlook:
* Drive or hike up to the Hollywood Bowl Overlook for panoramic views of the iconic Hollywood Sign and the city below. It’s especially stunning during sunset.
* Dinner at Yamashiro Hollywood:
* Yamashiro Hollywood is not only a fantastic Japanese restaurant but also offers breathtaking views of the city. Enjoy a dinner with a mix of sushi and other Asian-inspired dishes.
Evening:
* Sunset at Griffith Observatory:
* Head to Griffith Observatory for a post-dinner visit. Enjoy the stunning views of the city lights and the stars. If there’s a telescope viewing event, it’s a great way to experience the night sky.
* Hollywood Nightlife at The Dresden:
* Wrap up your day with some live music and cocktails at The Dresden, an iconic lounge with a vintage vibe. The live jazz performances are a popular draw.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Throughout my career and personal journey over the last 20+ years, the one constant support in my life has been my husband and our family. They have always shown up for whatever I believe in, supported my efforts and referred to me for anything real estate related. My husband is always complimenting my work ethic and uses it as an example in his organization, Sureco. My father has inspired me to be an entrepreneur, he wanted me to have the freedoms he felt he had after running his own business for nearly 45 years when he urged me to try real estate out in 2022. My sister-in law, Valerie Christopherson, has been my PR support for nearly a decade and continues to inspire me with her giving back to the community through her non-profit, Ace of Hearts Project she launched with our nephew in 2023. The key efforts by the NMC Realty Group have also been instrumental in being able to aid the thousands of clients we have served and time I dedicate to my family and the Work Hard Smile Large Community.
Website: https://nmcrealty.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmcrealty/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolechristopherson/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NMCRealty
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NMCRealty
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NMCRealtyGroup
Other: https://www.youtube.com/@workhardsmilelarge https://open.spotify.com/show/6INrknPNzXwR3fZbig2YFt https://www.instagram.com/workhardsmilelarge/
Image Credits
Rachael Shah & @studio213