Remember Becky Oliver at Fox 4? That tough-as-nails, pretty blonde consumer reporter who every consumer loved, and every crooked-ass vendor hated and feared? Well dang, she’s gone from the station, as we told you last month. Becky left Channel 4 in June to pursue a real estate career. Well, guess where we found her? Not other than the break room at Champions School of Real Estate! Becky is about 48 hours away from becoming a full fledged real estate agent and if she plunges into RE with the same gusto she displayed in TV, well, watch out North Texas Real Estate! When I heard of her move, I was fascinated by what motivated her to get into the biz. Not too unlike my own decision to ditch mainstream journalism and instead practice a kind of professional blend of real estate-journalism. Here’s a rare look at the real Becky Oliver!
daltxrealestate.com: Becky, we never knew you liked dirt – how did you get started in Real Estate?
Becky Oliver: I bought my first house in Phoenix in the late 80’s and I was hooked. When I moved to Dallas, I rented that house and became a long distance property manager. I started buying rentals in Dallas about 10 years ago and love it. We have great tenants I consider friends.
CD: What part of Dallas do you live in?
BO: I live in Forest Hills in East Dallas. It is our second home there. The lots are huge and we absolutely love living across from the Arboretum and White Rock Lake. It’s a great place to raise kids and I have had a lot of them!
CD: How many homes have you owned in Dallas?
BO: 9
CD: What neighborhoods?
BO: When I first moved to Dallas, I owned a home in Plano but the commute was killing me. I moved to Lakewood in the 90’s and then over to Forest Hills.
CD: Where do you invest in real estate – in Dallas or elsewhere?
BO: I just sold my house in Phoenix late last year. I had that house for 26 years. I currently own 4 duplexes in Casa Linda and Lakewood. We also own a single family rental in East Dallas, all close to our home in Forest Hills. I like to have my rentals close by so we can be available to our tenants. I also have a condo in Copper Mt. Colorado and do short term rentals on VRBO. Working with people on vacation is great. They are so happy and thrilled I have so much knowledge about the area.
CD: Do you have a vacation home?
BO: Yes, we own a house at Lake Cypress Springs in Mt. Vernon. It is the most beautiful lake in Texas. When we first bought in 2002, we didn’t know how much time we’d spend out there but the kids loved it so we purchased a bigger home. The kids grew up on that lake. It’s a great place to raise a family. I’d love to get more Dallas residents out there. I know that lake like the back of my hand.
CD: What do you think of the Dallas Real estate community thus far?
BO: Extremely friendly. In my field of work I encountered a lot of hostile people who were not happy to see me. It is a welcome change to meet so many people who are so engaging, helpful, friendly and positive.
CD: How will your television news background help you with real estate? Could it hinder you???
BO: I think my reputation in Dallas was about exposing the truth and fighting for people. I am a straight shooter and trust and integrity is a big issue in any business. I think that reputation will follow me in real estate. I spent a big part of my career exposing real estate scams in Dallas. I did investigations on mortgage fraud, title fraud and loan modification scams. I think that knowledge and experience is a big plus, not to mention my own experience buying, selling and renting property. I am very attentive to detail, extremely hard working, think quickly on my feet and can work with a variety of people. And don’t forget the visuals. I know all about the importance of pictures. I sold stories for a living. Now I am selling real estate. What will hinder me? Hopefully nothing.
CD: Who are you going to work for…
BO: Virginia Cook!
CD: Yeah! Fantastic!
