Michelle Atkinson - About Michelle

Buying her own home led to Atkinson's real estate career

Michelle Atkinson of South Bay Brokers never thought of a career in real estate until she experienced buying her first home.

"At the last minute, the seller backed out," Atkinson said.

It was her will to overcome this challenging transaction that motivated her to discover a new career. "Everything worked out in the end and we bought the house, but it wasn't easy," she said.

It was her quick and creative thinking that ultimately saved the transaction as well as caught the attention of the real estate agents she was working with. "They suggested that I give it a try," she said. "They thought it was a good fit for me."

It's almost four years later and Atkinson couldn't be happier. She has successfully completed a few large transactions and said she has a thirst for more business. "I know how emotional it was for me when I was buying my first home so I can relate to people's anxieties and challenges," she said. "I really enjoy helping them through this period and being there for them."

Before her career in real estate, Atkinson ran the wholesale division for a cellular phone company. Before she moved to California from the Midwest she was a business owner. "I have been able to apply a lot of my public relations and marketing skills toward my career in real estate," she said.

Atkinson appreciates the flexibility that comes with being a real estate agent. She said that unlike her previous career choices, becoming an agent has allowed her to be more involved with her children.

"I can be there for my family and my clients," she said. "It has been very rewarding for me."

Working with the agents at South Bay Brokers has been equally rewarding for Atkinson. She said the company is like one big family. "I interviewed with a few companies but South Bay Brokers was the most professional," she said. "It has just been a wonderful company to work for."

Atkinson said she appreciates the support South Bay Brokers has given her, especially through a somewhat frustrating time. "There are so many buyers right now but not enough properties," she said. "I think we will soon start seeing more houses go on the market."

Her passion for her family and career is also extended to those whom she'll never meet. Part of the commission she makes is donated to a charity that deals with child abuse. "You have to give back to the community." Along with her family, Michelle started a "Homeless Christmas Project" 3 years ago that she donates and raises money for to help the homeless get clothes, blankets, toys for children and other necessities.

Atkinson said she looks forward to more success and foresees the South Bay sustaining it's strong market. "The South Bay is just a great place to live. It has so much to offer."

This article appeared in the South Bay real Estate Marketplace, was writtenen by Jennifer Evans, and is reproduced on this website with permission.

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