Last week I shared on Instagram that I closed the chapter on my corporate marketing career. So what’s next?!
Well, over the last 8 years I’ve worked full-time for some really amazing companies to help to develop and grow their brand through digital marketing and lifestyle content. My passion for homes started when I worked for Summer Classics & Gabby, a luxury furniture company based out of Birmingham. I began to study and understand interiors & home design and was able to put my knowledge to the test when we built our own home in 2019! Now I help source home items for over 25K people online every single day! (how cool?!)
While going through the building process, I felt a pull to take my marketing career into the real estate world. So, I joined the marketing team at Signature Homes (home builder) where I was the Director of Social Media for 2.5 years.
I’ve learned so much about the home buying process, market trends, and buyer behavior. I absolutely love the industry and everything that it brings, but last year I started to feel like a piece was missing for me in my current position…
After doing some praying and reflecting, I figured out the the “people” piece was missing.
I had gotten so good at marketing homes, communities, and fostering leads that then turned into clients — which I never got to meet in real life…
And while I also love being an online personality and helping source the best products for you online (which I’m still going to do — DUH!), I’m excited to offer a new in-person service to my local audience…
I GOT MY REAL ESTATE LICENSE!
Since launching thesouthernsource.com in 2017 I wake up elated each day to connect with my audience through the content that I create and share. With my industry knowledge, network, and local expertise of the Birmingham area, I felt like becoming a real estate agent was such a natural next step for me.
But quitting my corporate job and getting my license didn’t happen overnight and there were many steps that lead me here, so let’s dive into some of your questions!
Real Estate Q & A
Q: “I know you were in new construction. Will you continue to just sell for Signature?”
A: I absolutely love new construction and will definitely be showcasing Signature as a new home builder option for my clients in Hoover and Trussville. However, I know much of my audience in Birmingham are interested in buying and selling resales, historic homes, fixer uppers, investment properties, and custom projects so my real estate services now span throughout all areas of Birmingham such as Vestavia, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Downtown, and more!
Q: “Love the new branding” “Will you create a real estate page?”
A: Yes! I’ll be posting a good amount of home content on my main social pages @thesouthernsource since it already fits so well within my niche of lifestyle and home, but I’ll have a dedicated page for my real estate to showcase homes, talk about market trends, feature clients, local businesses and more! You can now follow @soldbythesouthernsource on Instagram!
Q: “Was it hard to find time do the course work & study?”
A: When you want something bad enough I believe you’ll find the time and strength it takes to get it done. Taking the 60 hours of required course work was time consuming on top of my full-time job, content creation and being a mother, wife and friend. Luckily, I have a wonderful support system. My husband was really supportive and my parents and in-laws helped watch Emma so I could study. I tried to finish it all as quickly as possible because I didn’t want it to drag out for months and months. I was really motivated to get it done so I’d work on the course at night after putting my daughter to bed and on the weekends when my husband was off work. I tried to mainly do the bulk of it while she was napping so I didn’t miss out on any precious time with her, but I also knew that missing any fun moments to study would only be for a short few weeks so that made it easier on the mom guilt. Between all the course work, practice quizzes and final practice exams it took me about 80 hours to complete it. I did it online at my own pace through My Real Estate School. Highly recommend! From complete start to finish of the whole course and final state testing it took me exactly 45 days.
Q: “Which Brokerage will you affiliate with?”
A: I’m joining the team at Art House in Homewood, AL. I chose to put my license with this boutique brokerage in Birmingham because of their unique and modern approach to marketing and selling. When I first met with the brokers at Art House I just felt like our personalities and perspectives aligned. Since I already have such a strong personal brand and real estate marketing background, I wanted to choose an agency that understood where I come from and where I’m going. The support and mentorship I received in just one week has been incredible! I also love their boutique-style branding and think it fits so well in coordination with The Southern Source!
Q: Will you still be posting regular content on @thesouthernsource?
A: Yes! Nothing will change with my lifestyle brand. I’ll still be sourcing everyday items for home decor, baby, moms, etc. Now, I’ll just also be able to source the best houses in Birmingham for you too!
If you want to stay in touch about Birmingham homes, let’s connect. Sign up to receive special updates, market news, and get a first look at new homes that hit the market. Text SOURCE to 33777
Being home is a special feeling. One that emulates a warm hug, and should feel like it’s the only place that can make time stop in a world where we know that’s inevitable. Finding the perfect place that encapsulates this feeling for you and your family is essential to living a well-balanced life.
I’d love to learn more about you and be your guiding source during your home buying or selling journey! Let’s connect.
Xoxo, Meredith
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