Meet Raquel Obumba

We recently connected with Raquel Obumba and have shared our conversation below.

Raquel, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?

I have always been someone who is going to do what they set out to do despite people trying to project their fears, doubts, or opinions on me. I think I realized at a very young age that no one has it all together combined with we are all different.

I recall some questioning my decision leave my first high school and move to Texas my junior year. I recall some questioning my decision to attend an HBCU for undergrad. I recall some questioning my desire to study aboard in Spain for a semester. I recall some questioning my decision to leave a good paying corporate job to pursue my master’s degree in Michigan despite my fiancé (now husband) remaining in Atlanta for two years. I recall some questioning the places I chose to travel. Honestly, the list goes on of things I have chosen to do which people questioned. But despite all of the questioning, I have continued to press forward in a manner in which I would like to live my life and be remembered for.

Additionally, I am a very self-aware person. I know, and am comfortable with the fact, I am not everyone’s cup of tea, but I am surrounded by several people who have come to know and love me despite of myself (flaws and all). My goal has never and will never be to be liked by everyone. My goal is to live a life filled with purpose, love, and memorable experiences and to those who want to come along on the ride “Let’s go”. For those who don’t, God speed.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a co-owner and the Managing Broker for Millennial Properties Realty. We are a full-service brokerage offering buyer, seller, landlord, and tenant representation in residential and commercial real estate transactions in Georgia, but more specifically metro Atlanta. We have been operating since May 2016 and currently have 14 agents on the team.

In addition to real estate, I am also an urban planner and consult clients through navigating zoning and permitting matters with local municipalities.

I am a wife and mother of three.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge are:
– Great written and oral communication skills
– Equanimity
– Patience

Great written and oral communication skills – I have come to realize most challenges or problems can be solved using good written and oral communication. People cannot read your mind and you cannot read theirs, but if you communicate your feelings, thoughts or concerns, then the other parties can determine how to best address the situation. Being able to confidently communicate and showcase my experience and knowledge has let me to securing and maintaining client relationships and also allowed me to help navigate through some tough scenarios where others did not think a positive outcome was possible.

Equanimity – The definition of equanimity is mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. While in college my cross-country coach recognized I had equanimity and that was at age 20. In reflecting on the definition, I can attest, I generally have mental calmness and composure despite challenging situations. This mindset helps me remain solution oriented and to not be rattled easy in the fact of challenges. In real estate there are inevitably things which will come up which will create doubt or confusion, but with me being trusted by my clients to help them facilitate their real estate transactions, I accept the responsibility to represent them well and to help get them through those tough moments so they can come out on the other end successful. This is a skill/mindset I apply to my personal life as well.

Patience – I am a firm believer if you want grace you have to be able to give grace. I realized a young age the world does not revolve around me and my desired timeline. Exhibiting patience with people has allowed me to offer grace and I think many people have come to realize my genuine and authentic nature because of the patience and grace I am able to offer others.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was invest in real estate and have life insurance.

When my mother was in her late 20s, she purchased a property with her sister (my aunt). At the time she did not know the future impact that decision would make on my life. My mother passed away when I was 10 years old. Fast forward to when I was 25 years old, my aunt decided she wanted to sell the property her and my mother had purchased all those years ago. As a result of the sale of this property, I was able to get enough money to not only pay for my master’s degree in full but also, I had a decent amount money to put toward my wedding.

My mother’s life insurance proceeds went into a trust for me to have access to only for college expenses until I was 25 years old. Those funds helped pay for my college education in full.

My father has owned real estate since the 70s. When I decided I was not going to move back to California after I graduated from college, he sold his properties in California and purchase two in Georgia. He now owns three properties in Georgia, which he has added me to the deed for each one. In what I hope will be a long time from now, if he still owns all three when his time on earth has ended, those properties will transfer to me and add to my personal real estate portfolio.

While I would trade it all to have my mother back with no question, I am grateful for both my mother and my father’s investments and decisions which have set me up well.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photo Cred: J. Kellem Photography
Photo Cred: TK Consulting & Design, LLC

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