by Paula Anderson
Selling, buying and rehabbing have been the lifestyle for a local real estate agent and broker for over 20 years.
Verna Littleton, real estate broker and agent, wanted to control her own destiny and decided to pursue entrepreneurship.
“After an employee review with a former employer, I decided that I wanted to do my own thing,” said Littleton. “I only received a 10 percent raise for all the hard work that I had done.”
This was the beginning of a new journey into real estate. Littleton has been in the real estate industry for 22 years and she loves to help buyers, sellers and investors turn a property into a ‘dream home.’
“I am a ‘house freak’ and I like seeing the potential in a house,” said Littleton. “I love to rehab houses and make them look good.”
Most entrepreneurs don’t have a consistent daily schedule of tasks.
Littleton described her typical day based on the needs.
"I look at properties, meet buyers, network and meet with colleagues."
Balancing work and life can be a challenge for entrepreneurs, but Littleton carves out time to focus on herself when things get hectic. “I had to learn how to turn everything off because you work harder as an entrepreneur than as an employee,” said Littleton. Littleton stated that she works out to relieve stress, walks in the park and reads books to help unwind and destress. Staying healthy is another aspect of entrepreneurship and Littleton equates ‘health to wealth.’ “Wealth is a mindset and if you're not healthy then you can't achieve your goals,” said Littleton. Real estate is one of the most lucrative industries, and you will be able to receive financial independence if you work it correctly, stated Littleton. When it comes to training and education, it is part of the entrepreneurial process.
Littleton said, “When I started out, I chose to work at a small real estate company - a ‘mom and pop'.” I continue to attend classes for continuing education units. In this business, you have to educate and market yourself.” Littleton sees her purpose in real estate by helping others and knowing that her help is needed. She referenced this quote by Zig Ziglar - “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough people get what they want.” For novice real estate agents, Littleton emphasizes to 'market and educate yourself' because you can always learn something new. To learn more about Verna Littleton, send email to vernasellsmemphis@gmail.com or visit her website at www.vernasellsmemphis.com.