The entrepreneurial spirit is an indomitable one, driving some Realtors into the business and forcing them out of their comfort zone and toward success. It can be hard to come by, but when you see it, it is instantly recognizable.
And boy, does Keller Williams Elite Realtor Elizabeth Wisdom have it. After a stint as a petroleum landman and as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Wisdom is following her destiny in the Dallas real estate marking, hoping that her hard work and negotiating skills will carve out a niche in the industry.
And to keep her busy (ha!) she’s also launching a children’s clothing company with a friend. It’s that drive and sense of purpose that has earned her a spot as this week’s featured Realtor sponsored by Great Western Home Loans. What has your lender done for you lately? See what you’re missing by calling Jeff Lindigrin at Great Western Home Loans today.
Jump to find out more about Wisdom and how this gal went from cheering on America’s Team to slinging Dallas dirt!
daltxrealestate.com: So, where are you from?
Elizabeth Wisdom: I’m a small town girl from East Texas, born and raised in Tyler. I loved being raised in a small and yet very sophisticated town like Tyler. It’s the kind of town where you see everyone you know at the grocery store; if you don’t know them, well, you still get that warm smile and a “hello” as though you were family. Texas is known for that friendly southern hospitality and Tyler is one of those places that will never let you down.
So, what led me to Dallas? I’ve loved Dallas since I was a little girl. My family and I spent a lot of time driving to Dallas to eat and shop. So, Dallas has always felt like home to me. After I became a Kilgore College Rangerette, I decided to continue my journey on the Gridiron as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader while attending Southern Methodist University. Being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader opened my eyes to what Dallas is all about and completely changed my life. Not only did I have the opportunity to cheer for America’s team, but travel abroad with the USO to entertain the men and women of our armed forces. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I’ve always been a Patriot, but even more so after seeing firsthand the sacrifices these courageous people make for our country, daily.
CD: So, how did you get into real estate? What’s your specialty?
Wisdom: Before I became a Realtor, I was in the Oil and Gas Industry for 8 years working as a Petroleum Landman. Everyone in Texas knows what that is, right? Following suit of my Father, who was in the Oil and Gas Business his entire life, being a Landman for me was like a rite of passage. I thoroughly enjoyed researching mineral owners in various parts of Texas, negotiating contracts and meeting so many people from different walks of life. My job as a Landman changed daily and I loved that aspect.
However, after years of friends and family telling me that I “should be in Real Estate”, I decided this might be my calling in life. I love land, homes, staging, negotiating and most of all partnering with people to help them achieve their most emotional investment they will make in life…. their home. From a business perspective, I enjoy the entrepreneurial aspect of real estate; the “eat what you kill” mentality. I like the idea that my success is directly correlated with the amount of work I put in.
Specialty? Since I’m just starting out in Real Estate, I’m working on finding that. I am currently pursuing opportunities within the Luxury Market as I believe that is where I can perform to the best of my ability. However, no deal is too small or too big for me.
CD: How do you stay sharp in a challenging market?
Wisdom: Staying sharp in a challenging market is tough in any Industry. I’ve learned that listening to those who’ve walked the walk long before you are those who can teach you the most when times are tough. I believe it’s important to surround yourself with positive-thinking, successful people and be willing to diversify your skills. This is where talent comes into play and differentiates those who have it and those who don’t.
CD: Where is home for you in Dallas?
Wisdom: My husband and I, along with our 18-month-old daughter reside in the lovely Briarwood area of Dallas at Inwood/Lovers. Being a new mother, I’m learning how to balance marriage, parenthood, a career, and everything in between while trying to live in each and every moment. I don’t want life to pass by too quickly, so living in the moment is paramount to me. There is nothing more important than family.
CD: And you drive a … let me guess, Range Rover?
Wisdom: A Range Rover? I’ll put that on my Christmas list…
CD: What’s your favorite ‘hood in Dallas and why?
Wisdom: There are so many great neighborhoods in Dallas, but the Devonshire/Briarwood/Bluffview area has stolen my heart. I think this area has the perfect combination of quaintness and growth. With a mix of new construction and charming older cottages with character, Inwood Village, shopping and great restaurants, this neighborhood endlessly seems to attract so many. My husband and I love that everything we need is within a 1 mile radius of the intersection of Lovers and Inwood. And when you need some “adult time” Inwood Tavern and Time Out Tavern are the perfect places to find it.
CD: What words of wisdom do you often share with clients?
Wisdom: Given how interaction on social media and the internet have almost become a necessity in people’s daily lives, most clients today are very aware of the details of a particular house before I even show it to them. I always tell them, no matter what the home looks like on paper, the first five steps into a home are the most important. You know when a home is the right one for you, within those first few moments. Home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling.
CD: If you ever change careers for an encore you’ll…
Wisdom: Become a famous actress/singer. I guess you could say the desire runs in my blood. My mother, by the time she was 19 years old, had a No. 5 song on the Billboard Charts. The song, “Playboy” written by her former husband, Gene Thomas, is something I’m so proud of. She actually attended the 3rd CMA’s in Nashville, Tenn. They had many many hits together and started their journey towards fame when life redirected their paths. My mother is a truly talented singer and at such a young age had so much drive. I have that same ambition, passion and desire in all that I do as well.
CD: Do you have a second home? If so, where?
Wisdom: You know; I’m learning very quickly that most successful agents in real estate have a second home. But for now, my second home is my office. Needless to say, real estate keeps me busy full time, but in my limited free time, I’m also working on launching a kid’s clothing line in January of 2016. I’ve partnered with a really good friend of mine and also former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader to launch our company Weldon & Wren. Our children, Weldon & Wren, have inspired us as new mothers, and along our journey we have found a love for children’s clothes and specialty items.
