Since Mother’s Day, we’ve been talking to mother-daughter Realtors who share a passion for real estate. Today, we’re speaking with Leslie Rouda Smith, a Broker Associate with The Country Connection team at Dave Perry-Miller and Associates, and her daughter Kristin Smith, a Realtor at Dave Perry-Miller’s Park Cities offices.
The two are busy and well-connected! Leslie is the incoming chairman of the board of the Texas Association of Realtors and Kristin is active in the Young Professionals Network (YPN), an entry point for real estate professionals striving to become more successful in their careers and gain leadership experience.
We asked them a few questions about their experience, and what they love about being Realtors.
CandysDirt: How has working in the same career impacted your relationship?
Kristin Smith: As someone who grew up in the business, I’ll say it has impacted our relationship positively since the beginning. My parents made sure we comprehended the benefits of being a Realtor from day one. Be your own boss, create your own schedule, and there is no salary cap. This industry requires structure, discipline, and self-motivation, but I played every sport you can imagine and my parents never missed a game.
Leslie Rouda Smith: I get to talk to Kristin more than I would normally, but I don’t get to see enough of her. We communicate electronically most of the time. State and national conventions, as busy as we are, are our family reunions.
CD: How long has each of you been Realtors?
KS: I’ve had my license since 2010.
LRS: I’ve been in the business 40 years and licensed for 30 years. I grew up in the family real estate business.
CD: What traits do you share as Realtors? How are you different?
LRS: We are alike in many ways. We are very driven, overachievers, committed leaders in our industry, hard-working, and we have big hearts for animals, kids, and those less fortunate. Since Kristin is so involved in the Young Professionals Network and being a young Realtor herself, there’s no question that she’s more proficient in technology than I am.
CD: What do you love about being a Realtor?
KS: My favorite part about being a Realtor is helping clients set up for their future, making clients money/keeping money in their pocket, and a mobile/flexible job isn’t so bad either. I can work from anywhere, including the beach!
LRS: I love the flexibility of being in real estate, being our own boss and of course, working together with our family. Our team is dedicated to giving the best service to our clients and customers. We lift each other up and fill in for each other when needed. We are a highly involved and well-networked family in the real estate industry and beyond.
As a side note, as incoming chairman of the board of the Texas Association of Realtors, I couldn’t do what I do in this industry without the support of Kristin and the rest of our family.
