We were lucky to catch up with Marie Montano recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Marie with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is a mixture of genetics and teachings in my upbringing. Both of my parents are self-made, hard workers. They moved to Dallas around 1990 from Nebraska for my dads job as a pilot. My mom was a painter and homemaker.
I didn’t grow up with cable, I was raised outside, constantly daydreaming and coming up with new things to do. My dad has what some call ‘ants in his pants’ – he’s always working and consistently refuses to hire outside help (although he does sometimes). They are actually renovating their home right now, and he’s single-handedly (with my mom’s help), ripped out their guest bath and kitchen. If something needs to be done, he doesn’t rest until it’s completed. He’s also been at the same job for 35+ years, so his loyalty is unmatched. He made sure to instill this in me growing up, and I’ve carried that ‘fire under my ass’ ever since.
My mom is very outgoing and always has a plan. She can multi-task like no other. She typically does 5 different things all before noon – and with such a zest for life doing so. She consistently taught me that ‘no’ only means that I haven’t asked the right way, and if I haven’t received a response, that follow-up is not nagging but instead shows persistence. If I have no tasks or plans for the day, the follow-up question is typically ‘Are you feeling okay?’
So, with that – I’d say I’m a multi-tasking busy-body genetically, but have learned to press through the ‘no’s’ in my career with a positive attitude, which has well-rounded my work ethic.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Growing up in Southlake, TX, I frequently toured homes as a bonding moment with my mother. My love for real estate was born in a suburb of DFW and now flourishes as a seasoned real estate professional.
With certifications in negotiations, communications, data analytics, presentations, and social media, my unwavering dedication to finding the perfect home to fit my client’s needs at the best price possible is unmatched. Providing exceptional service, coupled with my in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market, I’ve positioned myself as a trusted authority in the industry.
At the core of my service is a client-centric approach focused on understanding the unique needs and aspirations of each individual I serve. My personalized guidance and detailed hands-on involvement in every transaction reflect my genuine commitment to achieving top-tier outcomes for my clients.
I am proud to be affiliated with the renowned Ebby Halliday Realtors, a powerhouse in the Dallas real estate industry. This partnership allows me to leverage an extensive network, cutting-edge worldwide resources, and a legacy of exceptional service, ensuring that my clients receive the highest level of support and expertise throughout their real estate journey.
This year, I recently launched my website and am excited to have a place for new clients to learn a bit more about me as well as submit any inquiries – thedallasrealtormarie.com
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three skills, qualities, or areas of knowledge I’d say are most important to be successful in real estate are: 1. Be the Squeaky Wheel – real estate isn’t always your client’s top-of-mind priority, so it’s your duty to follow up frequently and consistently. I’ve also had success with clients I didn’t think I would strictly from consistent follow-up. Timing is everything!
2. Attention to Detail – being a realtor requires a lot of paperwork with little nuances in each different situation. If you overlook something that might seem small, it can result in a large issue for your client down the road. So, attention to detail is very important for a long-term business.
3. Network, network, network – if your sphere doesn’t know you’re a realtor, are you a realtor? It might feel odd at first to consistently bring up real estate in conversations or with your friends and family, but constantly being the friend your sphere thinks of when they think of real estate is how you’ll win clients. Ask friends and family to introduce you to their friends and family, and be sure to come ready to talk about real estate!
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
On September 1, 2023, I was diagnosed with stage 2 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. As a 30-year-old newlywed, this news was devastating. I’ve since finished 16 rounds of chemotherapy, 9 rounds of immunotherapy, just had surgery, and will be undergoing 9 more rounds of immunotherapy + either 3 weeks or 6.5 weeks of radiation.
Having to contemplate such hard life decisions, let alone think about mortality at my age, has been an eye-opening experience. I wake up a bit more thankful each day. I carry myself through exciting moments with excitement that lasts a bit longer. The hugs from loved ones feel a little deeper. My friendships have a whole new meaning, etc.
While my business has slowed down since my diagnosis, now that I’m in the clear from chemotherapy, I’m ready to pick my business back up. In a business sense, I believe my diagnosis has changed the way I interact with customers and the way I view such a huge milestone of excitement. I still have a lot of growth, but I am thankful for the outcome that has made me more thankful for my life and clients!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thedallasrealtormarie.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercimarieco
