Meet Valerie Whitman | Realtor, RE/MAX Alliance Group

We had the good fortune of connecting with Valerie Whitman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Valerie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
One of the main reasons for starting my business was that I wanted to have more control over my days. I wanted to be able to drop off and pick up my children to and from school every day, and not have to rely on daycare. I felt like I was missing out on seeing them grow up.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I sell Real Estate, but my main passion is educating and helping people improve the quality of their lives by way of purchasing or selling Real Estate. The majority of my business comes from referrals, many of my clients had only dreamed of being able to own a home. I’ve been able to make those dreams become reality. I assist with overcoming credit challenges, showing them ways of budgeting and saving for their down payment. I even assist with converting my homeowners to investors. I grew up with a family that believed in homeownership. My parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles all owned homes, even in times of segregation. So I was well aware that this was something anyone that had the will could do. I decided to get my license so that I could not only help people but also help myself in the process.

This journey has not been easy. I was not prepared for the many roadblocks that I faced in the process. Once you get your Real Estate license the real work starts. It took 5 months for me to sell my first house. Many of my clients were not in a position to purchase upon meeting them. Some took 1-2 years to get ready. I learned very quickly that I had to be in control of my finances, get up and go to work every day, and most importantly have a lot of patience.
The one thing I would love for everyone to know about Sold by Val Real Estate is that my business is personal, not transactional. I’m in the business of building lifelong relationships, not just selling homes. Helping people improve the quality of their lives and building communities is what my business is all about. I believe that everyone that wants to own a home can own a home.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I just don’t believe you can come to Phoenix and not eat breakfast at Lo Lo’s! That’s got to be the first stop. Next we have to hike South Mountain. Got to get a little shopping in so Scottsdale Fashion Square it is. Can’t leave the area without having lunch True Food Kitchen is one of my Favs in the area. A visit to the Aquarium and Old town Scottdale would definitely be on the list, and we absolutely have to check out Tempe Town Lake, and shop some more at Tempe Marketplace!
Friday nights are good for live music so we’d either check out Char’s or Va’Bene
Saturday would be a Farmers Market day, so we’d check out the Uptown Farmers Market.
Sundays are best for brunching so we are going to Sugar Jam or Brunch and Sip.
If the Cardinals or Suns are playing got to check out a game, or if it’s spring training season. That’s always fun.
And because selling Real Estate is what I do. We would definitely check out some open houses!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to recognize my friend Koni Gould. She being a Realtor herself, encouraged me when I had doubts, She prayed with me, reminded me to pray and has always been one of my biggest supporters, and one of the main reasons why I have survived this business for 5 years.  Also my very good friend Dieyna Knox. She has supported me from day one, and taught me how to visualize the life and business that I wanted.

Website: soldbyvalrealestate.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sold.by.val/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriemarsh/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valerie.marshwhitman/

Other: Google: Sold By Val Real Estate