Brenda M. Gilliam

Beyond the Contract: What Every Buyer and Seller Should Know About Title and Escrow

Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions many people will ever make. While much of the attention is placed on finding the right property, negotiating the purchase price, and signing a contract, there is an equally important process that takes place before the transaction is complete.

That process involves title and escrow.

With over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry, I have seen how important it is for buyers and sellers to understand what happens behind the scenes. A successful real estate transaction involves much more than signing documents and exchanging keys. It requires coordination, accuracy, communication, and careful attention to details that may not always be visible to the parties involved.

Understanding these steps can help buyers and sellers feel more prepared, ask better questions, and avoid unnecessary complications as they approach closing.

Understanding the Role of Title and Escrow

Although title and escrow work closely together, they serve different purposes.

Title refers to the legal ownership rights associated with a property. Before a transaction closes, a title examination is typically conducted to identify matters that may affect ownership or the ability to transfer the property.

These matters can include existing mortgages, recorded liens, judgments, easements, ownership discrepancies, or other recorded restrictions.

The purpose of reviewing title is to identify potential issues that need to be addressed before ownership changes hands.

Escrow, on the other hand, is the process through which a neutral third party coordinates the handling of documents, funds, and instructions related to the transaction.

Depending on the state and transaction structure, these responsibilities may be performed by a title company, escrow company, settlement agent, or closing attorney.

The escrow or settlement professional works with the parties involved to help ensure contractual requirements and applicable closing instructions are satisfied before funds are disbursed and the transaction is finalized.

Although buyers and sellers may interact with their escrow officer only periodically, significant work takes place throughout the process.

Why a Title Search Matters

One common misconception is that when someone signs a purchase contract, the property is automatically ready to transfer.

That is not necessarily the case.

A title search can reveal issues that must be examined or resolved before closing.

For example, a property may have an existing mortgage that needs to be paid off, a recorded lien, or an ownership discrepancy that requires additional documentation.

Some properties may also be subject to homeowners association requirements, recorded easements, or other matters affecting their use or transfer.

Identifying these issues early allows the appropriate parties to determine what steps are necessary to address them.

It is also important for buyers to understand the purpose of title insurance.

Unlike many insurance products that provide protection against future events, title insurance generally protects against covered title defects, liens, or other ownership issues arising from circumstances that existed before the policy date, subject to the policy's terms, exclusions, and exceptions.

There are typically two types of title insurance policies:

• Lender's title insurance, which protects the lender's insured interest in the property.
• Owner's title insurance, which protects the owner's insured interest, subject to the terms and coverage of the policy.

A lender's policy does not provide the same protection to the property owner as an owner's policy.

Understanding the difference allows buyers to make informed decisions about protecting their investment.

What Happens After the Contract Is Signed?

Once a purchase agreement is executed and escrow is opened, several processes may begin.

The specific steps depend on the transaction, financing arrangements, contract requirements, and applicable state laws.

Generally, the process includes reviewing the contract, opening the escrow file, ordering necessary reports, coordinating with the lender and real estate professionals, and identifying the documentation required to complete the transaction.

The title company reviews the property's ownership history and recorded matters affecting title.

The lender, when financing is involved, completes its underwriting and approval requirements.

Inspections, appraisals, and other contractual obligations may also need to be completed within specified deadlines.

Meanwhile, the escrow or settlement professional gathers the information necessary to prepare for closing, including payoff statements, applicable tax information, and other required documentation.

A real estate closing involves multiple parties working toward the same goal, but each has separate responsibilities.

That is why timely communication is essential.

A delay in receiving information from one party can affect the ability of others to complete their work.

Common Issues That Can Delay a Closing

Even a transaction that appears straightforward can encounter unexpected complications.

Over the years, I have learned that many closing challenges are not necessarily caused by one major problem. Sometimes, several smaller issues arise at the same time.

Some common examples include:

Outstanding liens or unresolved title matters. A mortgage, judgment, or other recorded obligation may require additional research, documentation, or payment before closing.

Delays in loan approval or closing documents. If the lender has not completed underwriting or provided required documents, the scheduled closing may need to be adjusted.

Incorrect or incomplete information. Errors involving names, legal descriptions, vesting, signatures, or other transaction details may require corrections.

Homeowners association requirements. Properties within an association may require additional information concerning outstanding assessments, resale disclosures, transfer fees, or other obligations.

Scheduling and signing complications. Coordinating signatures among buyers and sellers in different locations can require additional planning, particularly when remote signing or mobile notary services are involved.

Not every issue results in a delayed closing, but unresolved problems can affect the transaction's timeline.

The important lesson is that preparation and early communication can help reduce unnecessary complications.

Why Closing Dates Are Not Always Guaranteed

Many buyers and sellers understandably view the closing date written in their contract as the day everything will be completed.

However, a scheduled closing date does not automatically mean all requirements have been satisfied.

Loan documents must be ready, necessary funds must be available, required signatures must be obtained, and outstanding title or escrow matters must be addressed.

The requirements for recording and disbursement may also vary depending on the state and type of transaction.

For example, receiving signed documents does not always mean the transaction has officially closed.

In certain transactions, the lender must review and authorize funding, and documents must be recorded with the appropriate county office before closing can be finalized.

Understanding these distinctions can help buyers and sellers avoid making assumptions about when they can receive sale proceeds, take possession, or obtain keys.

When planning a move, scheduling contractors, or coordinating another property purchase, it is important to communicate with the appropriate professionals about the anticipated closing timeline and any outstanding requirements.

Understanding Closing Costs and Settlement Statements

Another important part of the closing process is understanding the financial details of the transaction.

Closing costs vary depending on the property, financing, location, contractual agreements, and services involved.

They may include title insurance premiums, escrow or settlement fees, recording charges, lender fees, prepaid expenses, prorated property taxes, and other transaction-specific costs.

For many residential mortgage transactions, the lender provides a Closing Disclosure outlining the final loan terms, projected payments, and closing costs.

Under applicable federal requirements, borrowers generally must receive their Closing Disclosure at least three business days before consummation of the mortgage loan.

This review period gives borrowers an opportunity to examine the information and raise questions before signing their final loan documents. Certain types of financing have different disclosure requirements.

Buyers should carefully review their loan amount, interest rate, closing costs, prepaid expenses, and funds required to close.

Sellers should also review their settlement figures, including mortgage payoffs, applicable commissions, agreed expenses, prorations, and anticipated proceeds.

If something does not appear correct, it is important to ask questions before closing.

Never assume that a figure is correct simply because it appears on a final document.

Taking the time to review the numbers can help identify discrepancies before they become more difficult to resolve.

Protecting Yourself From Wire Fraud

As the real estate industry has become increasingly digital, fraud prevention has become an essential part of the closing process.

One of the most serious risks involves fraudulent wiring instructions.

Criminals may attempt to impersonate real estate agents, title companies, escrow officers, or other parties involved in a transaction.

These schemes may involve emails or messages that appear legitimate but direct funds to fraudulent accounts.

Because real estate transactions often involve substantial amounts of money, the financial consequences can be devastating.

Buyers and sellers should take several precautions:

• Verify wiring instructions using a trusted telephone number obtained independently, rather than relying on contact information provided in an unexpected email.
• Treat last-minute changes to wiring instructions as suspicious and confirm them directly with the appropriate professional.
• Avoid clicking unfamiliar links or sending sensitive financial information through unsecured communication channels.
• Contact the title or escrow company immediately if any payment instructions seem unusual.

Real estate professionals also have a responsibility to maintain appropriate security practices and educate clients about potential risks.

Technology has made many parts of the transaction more efficient, but convenience should never come at the expense of protecting personal information and financial assets.

The Value of Communication and Professional Coordination

A real estate transaction is rarely completed through the efforts of one individual.

Buyers, sellers, real estate agents, lenders, title professionals, escrow officers, inspectors, and other service providers may all play important roles.

Each party has responsibilities, deadlines, and information that others may need.

When communication is clear and timely, the process generally becomes easier to manage.

When information is delayed, incomplete, or misunderstood, complications may arise.

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned throughout my career is that effective communication is not simply about providing updates. It is also about anticipating potential problems, asking the right questions, and making sure everyone understands what is needed.

Professionalism is especially important when unexpected issues arise.

The goal should always be to identify the problem, understand the available options, and work collaboratively toward an appropriate resolution.

What Buyers and Sellers Can Do to Prepare

Although buyers and sellers cannot control every aspect of a transaction, there are practical steps they can take to help the process move forward smoothly.

For buyers, preparation begins with understanding financing requirements, responding promptly to requests for documentation, reviewing the title commitment and applicable exceptions, arranging required funds safely, and allowing adequate time to examine closing documents.

For sellers, preparation may include identifying existing mortgages or liens, gathering relevant property and association information, responding to requests for documentation, and reviewing anticipated closing expenses and proceeds.

Both parties should remain aware of contractual deadlines and communicate promptly if circumstances change.

It is equally important to understand that asking questions is a normal and valuable part of the process.

No buyer or seller should feel uncomfortable requesting clarification about documents, financial figures, or procedures they do not understand.

Informed clients are often better prepared to make decisions and respond appropriately when unexpected issues arise.

Experience Matters, but Education Matters Too

After more than 30 years in real estate, I have witnessed tremendous changes in how transactions are processed.

Technology has transformed communication, document preparation, signing procedures, and the way information is shared among professionals.

Many processes that once required extensive paper documentation and in-person coordination can now be completed much more efficiently.

Yet despite these advancements, the fundamental responsibilities remain the same.

Accuracy matters. Communication matters. Accountability matters. And the protection of the parties involved should always remain a priority.

Technology can improve efficiency, but it does not eliminate the need for experienced professionals who understand the details and recognize potential issues.

I also believe there is tremendous value in helping consumers better understand the process.

Real estate transactions can be intimidating, particularly for first-time buyers or individuals who have not purchased or sold property in many years.

Providing clear information helps reduce uncertainty and encourages more meaningful conversations among everyone involved.

Closing With Confidence

A successful real estate transaction is about more than reaching the closing table.

It involves understanding the process, recognizing potential challenges, protecting financial interests, and working with professionals who take their responsibilities seriously.

Whether someone is purchasing a first home, selling a long-held property, or navigating another real estate transaction, knowledge can make a meaningful difference.

My hope is that buyers and sellers approach the process with greater confidence, ask questions when something is unclear, and understand the important work taking place behind the scenes.

The contract begins the transaction, but preparation, communication, and attention to detail are what help bring it to a successful closing.

After more than three decades in this industry, that remains one of the most important lessons I can share.

This article provides general educational information. Real estate procedures, legal requirements, and closing practices vary by state and transaction type. Buyers and sellers should consult the appropriate real estate, lending, title, escrow, or legal professionals regarding their individual circumstances.

When Cases Go Cold, Families Don't: The Human Cost of Unsolved Cases

There is a reality that families of unsolved homicide victims understand all too well: the world continues moving forward, even when a part of yours feels permanently suspended in time.

Days turn into months. Months become years. News coverage fades, public attention shifts, and life continues around you. Yet the questions remain unanswered, the loss remains deeply personal, and the desire for justice never disappears.

When a homicide remains unsolved, it is often described as a cold case. But for the families left behind, there is nothing cold about it. The grief, uncertainty, frustration, and hope are very much alive.

I know this reality because I live it.

On July 18, 2021, my 23-year-old daughter, Destiny C. McClain, was murdered in Phoenix, Arizona. More than five years later, her case remains unsolved.

In the years since losing Destiny, my personal journey has led me into victim advocacy, where I have had the opportunity to connect with other families, support victims and survivors, and participate in efforts to bring greater attention and resources to unresolved cases.

These experiences have reinforced something I believe more people need to understand: when an investigation remains unresolved, the impact extends far beyond the case itself.

Behind every case number is a human being whose life mattered and a family whose life was forever changed.

The Emotional Weight of Unanswered Questions

Losing someone to violence is devastating. Losing someone to violence without knowing who is responsible adds another layer of uncertainty that can be difficult for others to fully understand.

There are questions that families carry every day.

Who did this? Why did it happen? Does someone know something they have not shared? Will there ever be an arrest? Will we ever see accountability?

For families of missing persons, there may also be the agonizing uncertainty of not knowing what happened to their loved one or whether they will ever return home.

These questions do not simply disappear with time.

People often speak about grief as though it follows a predictable path, with a beginning, middle, and eventual resolution. But grief does not operate according to a schedule, and the absence of answers can make the experience even more complicated.

Families learn to continue living, working, raising children, celebrating milestones, and participating in everyday life while carrying questions that remain unresolved.

Moving forward does not mean forgetting, and finding moments of happiness does not mean the pain has disappeared.

It means learning to live with a reality we never wanted.

The Difference Between a Case and a Life

In public discussions about crime, it is easy for victims to become statistics.

We hear about homicide rates, clearance rates, investigative backlogs, and the number of cases awaiting resolution.

These numbers are important because they help us understand the scope of the challenges facing communities and law enforcement agencies.

But they never tell the complete story.

A case file cannot fully capture someone's personality, dreams, accomplishments, relationships, or the future they should have had.

It cannot describe the sound of their laughter, the traditions they shared with family, or the countless everyday moments that are now memories.

Destiny was more than the circumstances of her death. She was my daughter, a sister, a friend, and a young woman with dreams, relationships, and a life that mattered.

Every family I have encountered through advocacy has its own version of this reality.

They are not simply seeking justice for a case number. They are seeking justice for someone they love.

Our loved ones deserve to be remembered for how they lived, not only for how they died.

That distinction is important because meaningful victim advocacy must always recognize the humanity behind every investigation.

Communication Is Not a Luxury. It Is a Necessity.

One of the issues that frequently comes up in conversations among families of unresolved cases is communication.

For families waiting for answers, uncertainty can be one of the most difficult aspects of the experience.

Not every investigation will produce new information each week or even each month. Families understand that some cases are complex, evidence may be limited, and investigative progress can take time.

However, the absence of significant developments does not eliminate the need for communication.

Families deserve to know that their loved one's case has not been forgotten.

They deserve respectful treatment, honest information when it can be shared, and a reasonable understanding of what to expect throughout the investigative process.

Of course, there are circumstances in which investigators cannot disclose certain details without potentially compromising an active investigation. I recognize and respect those limitations.

But there is a difference between protecting sensitive information and leaving families feeling disconnected from the process.

I am grateful to have maintained communication with the detective assigned to Destiny's case. I also recognize that not every family has had the same experience.

Through advocacy, I have become increasingly aware of how important it is for agencies to establish consistent, compassionate communication practices that recognize the needs of surviving family members.

Families should not have to feel that they are asking for too much simply because they want to know whether efforts to find answers are continuing.

The Importance of Resources and Accountability

Unresolved cases are not simply a matter of families waiting for time to pass.

Investigations require resources.

Dedicated personnel, forensic testing, technology, training, information sharing, and sufficient time to review evidence can all play important roles in advancing investigations.

As investigative techniques evolve, cases that once appeared impossible to solve may present new opportunities for examination.

Advances in DNA analysis, forensic science, and investigative genealogy have demonstrated the potential for new technology to assist investigators in certain cases.

But technology alone is not enough.

Law enforcement agencies must also have the staffing, funding, training, and support necessary to evaluate evidence, pursue leads, and make effective use of available tools.

This is why I have become involved in advocacy efforts calling for greater attention and dedicated resources for unresolved homicides and missing persons cases in Arizona.

In September 2026, I joined other families and advocates at the Arizona State Capitol to bring attention to the challenges surrounding unresolved cases.

That same month, Arizona officially recognized Unresolved Case Awareness Week and National Cold Case Month, acknowledging the importance of continued investigative efforts and support for affected families.

These efforts represent opportunities to move important conversations forward.

However, proclamations and awareness initiatives should be viewed as starting points, not final accomplishments.

Real progress requires sustained attention, thoughtful policy discussions, appropriate funding, and accountability in how resources are used.

Families should not have to rely solely on media attention or their ability to maintain a public presence to keep their loved one's case from being overlooked.

Every victim deserves a meaningful effort toward justice.

The Families Who Become Advocates

One of the things I have come to recognize through my own experience is how many families find themselves becoming advocates under circumstances they never would have chosen.

Before losing Destiny, I never imagined that I would be participating in conversations about investigative resources, victim services, unresolved cases, or the challenges families encounter within the criminal justice system.

I never anticipated speaking publicly about these issues, connecting with other families affected by violent crime, or working alongside organizations committed to improving support for victims and survivors.

Yet these experiences have become an important part of my life.

Through my volunteer work as a victim advocate, I have had opportunities to support individuals navigating difficult circumstances, including attending court proceedings and providing a compassionate presence during challenging moments.

I have also connected with families whose determination, courage, and commitment to their loved ones continue to inspire me.

Many of these individuals have spent years searching for answers, contacting agencies, sharing information, organizing awareness initiatives, and advocating for changes they hope will benefit other families.

Their persistence is remarkable, but it also raises an important question.

Why must grieving families work so hard to ensure their loved ones remain visible?

Advocacy can be meaningful and empowering, but it can also be emotionally demanding.

Not every family has the time, resources, emotional capacity, or desire to become a public advocate. Some may prefer to grieve privately, while others may be unable to participate in awareness efforts because of employment, caregiving responsibilities, or other circumstances.

Their absence from the public conversation should never be mistaken for a lack of concern or commitment.

Every family deserves compassion and support, whether they choose to speak publicly or remain private.

Awareness Must Lead to Continued Action

Public awareness plays an important role in unresolved cases.

Media coverage, community events, public appeals, and awareness campaigns can help keep cases visible and may encourage individuals with information to come forward.

I have seen firsthand the value of media professionals who remain committed to telling victims' stories and ensuring families are not forgotten.

However, awareness must be accompanied by meaningful action.

It is not enough to acknowledge that unresolved cases exist. We must also examine the challenges that prevent progress and identify opportunities for improvement.

That includes supporting investigative resources, encouraging collaboration among agencies, strengthening communication with families, and recognizing the importance of victim-centered practices.

It also means understanding that the needs of families do not end when a news story disappears from public attention.

The emotional, financial, and practical consequences of violent crime can continue for years.

Families may need assistance navigating available victim services, understanding the criminal justice process, accessing counseling and support, or connecting with organizations that understand their experiences.

A compassionate system must recognize these needs and respond to them with consistency and respect.

Justice Should Not Depend on Visibility

One of my greatest concerns is that some cases receive substantial public attention while others receive very little.

Certain stories become widely known through extensive media coverage and community interest. Others struggle to receive even a fraction of that attention.

Yet the value of a person's life is not determined by how many news stories are written, how many social media posts are shared, or how many people attend a vigil.

Every person matters.

Every family deserves to be treated with dignity.

Every unresolved case deserves appropriate investigative consideration.

As a community, we must resist the idea that visibility determines importance.

Advocacy should include efforts to support families whose stories are not widely known, whose resources may be limited, and whose loved ones have been missing or have gone without justice for many years.

The pursuit of answers should not depend on a family's ability to generate public attention.

What Meaningful Support Really Looks Like

People often want to help families affected by unsolved cases but may not know what to say or do.

Support does not always require a public demonstration or a major commitment.

Sometimes it begins with listening.

Remembering a loved one's name, checking in with a family, sharing verified information about a case, attending a community awareness event, or supporting organizations that provide victim services can all make a difference.

For those in positions of professional or community leadership, meaningful support may also involve advocating for appropriate resources, improving access to information, and encouraging policies that prioritize victims and survivors.

It is important to remember that families are not looking for sympathy every moment of their lives.

They are people navigating an experience that has permanently changed them, and they deserve respect, understanding, and opportunities to be heard without being defined entirely by their loss.

Compassion should be reflected in how we treat people, not simply in what we say to them.

The Work Must Continue

More than five years have passed since Destiny was murdered.

During that time, I have continued my professional career, established Our Destiny Our Future Foundation, expanded my involvement in victim advocacy, and found opportunities to support others who are navigating their own difficult experiences.

I am proud of the work I have been able to do, the relationships I have developed, and the opportunities I have had to contribute to conversations about victims' rights and unresolved cases.

But I would never want anyone to mistake that progress for an absence of grief or a diminished desire for answers.

My life continues, but my daughter's case remains unsolved.

Both realities exist at the same time.

Through advocacy, I have learned that families can experience joy, pursue professional goals, contribute to their communities, and build meaningful lives while still carrying the pain of unanswered questions.

Our lives are not defined solely by what happened to our loved ones, but those experiences will always be part of our stories.

When I speak about unresolved cases, I am not asking for special treatment. I am asking that we recognize the human beings behind the investigations and the families who continue living with their absence.

I am asking for thoughtful communication, sustained resources, accountability, and the willingness to continue pursuing answers even when years have passed.

Most importantly, I am asking that we never become so accustomed to hearing the words cold case that we forget what those words mean to the people left behind.

A case may grow cold in the eyes of the system, but the love families carry, the questions they live with, and their hope for justice do not.

For families like mine, the passage of time does not close the case.

And until there are answers, the need for compassion, attention, and meaningful action remains.

More Than a Career: What 30 Years in Real Estate Taught Me About Leadership

When I first began my career in the real estate industry more than 30 years ago, I could not have imagined how much the experience would shape me, both professionally and personally.

What began as a career became decades of learning, adapting, building relationships, overcoming challenges, and developing a deeper understanding of what leadership truly means.

Over the years, I have witnessed changes in technology, industry practices, market conditions, and the expectations placed on real estate professionals. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: the importance of integrity, accountability, and the relationships we build along the way.

Looking at my career today, I recognize that some of the most valuable lessons I have learned have had very little to do with real estate itself.

They have been lessons about people, perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of continuing to grow, regardless of how long we have been in an industry.

Experience Is Valuable, but Growth Is Essential

One of the most important lessons my career has taught me is that experience should never prevent us from being willing to learn.

After more than three decades in the industry, I have seen firsthand how quickly things can change. Processes that were once standard have been replaced with new technologies, procedures, and expectations.

Adapting to those changes has required patience, flexibility, and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone.

It can be easy to become comfortable with familiar routines, especially after spending years developing expertise in a particular field. However, I have learned that professional growth requires us to remain open to new ideas and approaches.

Experience provides a foundation, but adaptability allows us to continue building upon it.

I believe some of the strongest professionals are those who understand that no matter how much they know, there is always something new to learn.

Relationships Are at the Heart of Every Successful Career

Real estate is often viewed as an industry centered on properties, contracts, transactions, and deadlines. While those elements are important, the relationships behind them are equally significant.

Throughout my career, I have worked alongside individuals with different personalities, professional backgrounds, expectations, and approaches to problem-solving.

These experiences have reinforced the value of communication, mutual respect, and building trust.

I have learned that how we treat people matters just as much as how well we perform our responsibilities.

Professional relationships are not built overnight. They develop through consistency, reliability, honesty, and the willingness to work together when challenges arise.

Whether working with colleagues, clients, lenders, or other industry professionals, I have always believed that maintaining strong relationships is essential to long-term success.

People may not remember every transaction or every detail of a project, but they often remember how they were treated throughout the process.

Leadership Is Not Defined by a Job Title

Over the years, my understanding of leadership has evolved.

Earlier in my career, I associated leadership primarily with management positions and individuals responsible for supervising others.

Experience has taught me that leadership extends far beyond an official title.

Leadership is demonstrated through our actions, our willingness to take responsibility, and how we respond when situations become challenging.

It can be found in the person who steps forward to help a colleague, identifies a potential problem before it becomes more serious, or remains calm and focused when others are feeling overwhelmed.

Sometimes leadership means taking initiative. Other times, it means listening, providing support, or recognizing that someone else may have a better solution.

I have learned that being a leader does not require us to have all the answers. It requires us to be accountable, dependable, and willing to contribute to the success of those around us.

The most meaningful influence we have often comes from the example we set rather than the position we hold.

Challenges Are Opportunities to Strengthen Our Skills

Anyone who has spent time in the real estate industry understands that challenges are inevitable.

Deadlines change. Transactions become complicated. Unexpected issues arise, and circumstances do not always unfold as planned.

Throughout my career, I have encountered situations that required quick thinking, patience, problem-solving, and the ability to remain professional under pressure.

Not every challenge has been easy, and not every situation has had the outcome I hoped for.

However, those experiences have strengthened my ability to assess situations, communicate effectively, and focus on finding solutions rather than becoming overwhelmed by the problem.

I have also learned the importance of recognizing what is within my control and what is not.

We cannot prevent every complication, but we can choose how we respond.

Maintaining professionalism, accepting responsibility when necessary, and approaching difficult situations with a solution-oriented mindset are qualities that have served me throughout my career.

These lessons have extended well beyond the workplace and influenced how I navigate challenges in other areas of my life.

The Importance of Integrity and Accountability

In an industry where accuracy, confidentiality, and trust are essential, integrity cannot be optional.

Throughout my career, I have come to appreciate the responsibility that comes with handling important transactions and working with people who depend on us to perform our duties accurately and professionally.

Integrity means doing what is right, even when doing so may be inconvenient or difficult.

Accountability means taking ownership of our responsibilities, acknowledging mistakes, and making the effort to correct them.

Neither quality requires perfection.

I believe professionalism is reflected in our willingness to remain honest, communicate clearly, and take responsibility for the work entrusted to us.

Over time, these qualities become part of our professional reputation.

And in my experience, a strong reputation built on trust and consistency is one of the most valuable things we can develop throughout our careers.

Success Looks Different at Every Stage of Life

My understanding of success today is different from what it was when I first entered the workforce.

Earlier in life, success often seemed connected to career advancement, financial stability, and establishing myself professionally.

Those accomplishments remain important, but over time, I have come to recognize that success is much broader.

It can mean maintaining a fulfilling career while pursuing other passions. It can mean developing the confidence to take on unfamiliar responsibilities or recognizing when our priorities have changed.

For me, success has also meant being able to apply the skills and experience gained throughout my professional career to meaningful work outside the real estate industry.

As the founder of a nonprofit organization and an advocate for victims and survivors, I have discovered that many of the qualities developed during my career-organization, communication, problem-solving, relationship-building, and accountability-are equally valuable in community leadership.

Those experiences have reminded me that our professional skills do not have to remain confined to the positions we hold.

They can become tools that help us build organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute to causes that matter to us.

Continuing to Grow After Three Decades

One of the things I appreciate most about my professional journey is that I am still learning.

After more than 30 years, I continue to encounter new situations, develop new perspectives, and discover opportunities to expand my knowledge.

I do not believe that professional growth has an expiration date.

There is always room to improve, develop new skills, and approach familiar responsibilities with a fresh perspective.

I also recognize that the experience I have gained carries a responsibility to support and encourage others.

Sharing knowledge, offering guidance, and helping colleagues navigate challenges are meaningful ways to contribute to the professional development of those around us.

I believe we should never become so focused on our individual success that we overlook opportunities to help someone else grow.

More Than a Career

When I reflect on more than three decades in the real estate industry, I see much more than years of employment.

I see experiences that challenged me, relationships that shaped me, opportunities that helped me grow, and lessons that continue to influence how I approach both my professional and personal life.

My career has taught me the importance of showing up, following through, maintaining integrity, adapting to change, and treating people with respect.

It has also taught me that leadership is not something we achieve once and then stop developing. It is something we continue to demonstrate through our decisions, our actions, and our willingness to learn.

To women who are just beginning their careers, navigating professional transitions, or wondering what the next chapter might hold, I would offer this encouragement:

Do not underestimate the value of your experiences. Remain open to change, continue building meaningful relationships, and never allow the number of years you have spent in a profession to limit what you believe you can accomplish next.

A career may begin with a job, but the lessons, relationships, and opportunities we gain along the way can shape who we become for a lifetime.

After more than 30 years in real estate, that is what leadership and professional success have come to mean to me.