Meet Sara Montrose

 

We recently connected with Sara Montrose and have shared our conversation below.

Sara, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Like so many others, my life has come alongside pain, loss, and much difficulty. The world can be an unfriendly place and those that lead with an open heart seem to all-too-often be those that become hardened to this world and its people. It has been in my darkest hours that I have sat, cried, screamed in outrage and longing for something different. Wishing away situations, harm caused by others, mistakes, as well as memories; wanting for another life, to start all over. But to what end?

For the majority of my life, I can say that I have not known who I am. Sure, some things have crossed my mind: a child unworthy of love, time, or presence from their father. A ‘pretty’ girl that surely must appreciate the leering, gestures, and comments (among other things) made by men she does not know nor cares to know. A college student with un-diagnosed ADHD that just can’t stay focused on only one major – never really making progress and constantly starting over again. The friend that was drugged and raped because she agreed to help that one, unfortunate night. Just another human that has been eaten up by the world… eaten up and spat back out time-and-time-and-time again. I lived in shame for Y E A R S of my life and still struggle to see my own value and light sometimes. The majority of my life, I have felt useless and a burden; sometimes I wonder how I’ve made it this far, alive.

And then I remember the song. There was this song we used to sing when I was a child, in church: “This little light of mine.” We would sing it together as a community, and they taught us to do a few little hand gestures along with the song – “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine… Hide it under a bushel, no! I’m gonna let it shine…” – I’m sure it was pretty adorable. If you’re not familiar, it essentially encourages each person to share their light with the world, to be a light for others, and to stay true to who they are no matter what may come (be it temptation, pain, strife, whatever).

Even as a child, this song deeply resonated with me, and its message continues to guide me today. If I’ve learned anything in this life, it’s that the experiences that challenge us the most often offer the greatest gifts—if we’re open to receiving them. Resilience, for me, comes from embracing these moments, letting my light shine despite the darkness that may come, and finding strength for myself and others in the lessons that life’s hardships bring.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. This has been a big step for me, and a challenging one to take in opening up to ‘the world’ about my life and my perspective; things that have shaped my world. After navigating through so many personal challenges, I have (finally) channeled my resilience into a career that allows me to help others with an honest and open-heart, in an industry that is not-so-well-known for such qualities.

What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to guide people through some of the most significant transitions in their lives. Buying or selling a home is not just a transaction; it is an emotional journey filled with hopes, dreams, and sometimes, uncertainties. I take pride in being more than just a real estate agent—I strive to be a trusted advisor and a source of direction and support for my clients during these pivotal moments.

What makes my approach unique is the deep empathy and understanding I bring to the table, drawn from my own lived experiences. I’ve been in situations where I’ve had to rebuild and find new paths forward, and I use that same determination to help my clients find the best solutions for their specific needs. In my work, no two people and no two situations are the same – and it takes understanding, shared honesty, and intention to help a diverse range of people achieve their goals. My brand (Sara Montrose Homes) is built on trust, integrity, and a commitment to providing personalized service that goes beyond the expectations of the consumer.

Currently, I am focusing on expanding my services to better meet the needs of my community. This includes launching new initiatives to support first-time homebuyers, people facing difficult or unique situations, as well as new investors looking to make smart, informed decisions to develop wealth for themselves. I am also passionate about creating educational content for the consumer, such as blog posts and videos. In this, I hope to empower my clients with the knowledge they need to navigate the real estate process confidently.

As I continue to grow my business, I remain committed to being a positive force in my clients’ lives, helping them not just find houses, but homes where they can live and thrive. Thank you for allowing me to share a bit about what I do and what drives me each day. I am excited about the future and the new opportunities to serve my community with the care and dedication they deserve.

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

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: resilience, empathy, and adaptability. These traits have not only helped me overcome personal challenges but have also been crucial in my professional growth.

1. Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks has been an invaluable lesson for me. Both life and business are full of unexpected challenges, and it is resilience that has allowed me to keep moving forward, even when things get tough – and I think we all know things get tough sometimes. My advice for those early in their journey (whatever that journey may be today) is to embrace each difficulty as an opportunity to grow stronger. Each challenge you face is a chance to build your resilience, so don’t shy away from them— share your light and face them head-on, growing from every experience.

2. Empathy: Understanding and connecting with others on a deep level has made a significant difference in my work. Knowing what drives a client is directly relevant to helping them achieve their goals. Whether it is in business or personal relationships, I believe empathy helps build trust and fosters meaningful connections. To develop empathy, you might start by actively listening to others and trying to see situations from their perspective. It’s about being genuinely interested in understanding someone else’s feelings and experiences. Over time, this trait will not only improve your relationships but also enhance your ability to work effectively with others.

3. Adaptability: The world (and the real estate market) is constantly changing, and the ability to adapt to new circumstances has been crucial in my journey. Being open to change and willing to adjust your approach when needed has allowed me to navigate uncertain situations successfully – both in life and in work. For those just starting out, I would suggest cultivating a flexible mindset. Try not to get too attached to one way of doing things—be willing to learn, pivot, and grow as you encounter new challenges and opportunities.

In summary, resilience, empathy, and adaptability have been key to my success, and I believe they can be for anyone. By focusing on developing these qualities, you’ll be better equipped to handle the ups and downs of your journey and ultimately achieve your goals, whatever they may be.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client is someone who values trust, open communication, and collaboration over flashy marketing and insincere offers. Whether they are selling an inherited home and seeking guidance, navigating a difficult event that has led to a real estate transaction, or coordinating the buying and selling process simultaneously, I find that clients who appreciate honesty and are willing to engage in a transparent, straightforward process are the best fit for my approach and personality.

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