Through profound loss, the enduring legacy of my mother became my guiding light. Even in the darkest moments, her heart for service and lessons of strength and resilience inspire me to continue empowering and uplifting others.
It was one of the hardest times in my life—in 2017, we lost our home in the wildfires. In the blink of an eye, everything was gone. Thankfully, we had another home, one we held dear given the potential loss from the 2008 market crash, that became our place of refuge. It was a true blessing in a time of need.
We had just begun to pick ourselves back up when life took an even more heartbreaking turn. A few short months later, my mother received a devastating diagnosis—pancreatic cancer. She passed away just 33 days later; it was a shock to everyone. Even in her final weeks, she was still selling real estate, doing the very thing she loved. When I was at her bedside, planning to cancel a meeting with my clients, she insisted I go, saying, “If you don’t help them, who will?”
After her passing, one of her dear friends said to me, “Your mother was such a great teacher to you and your sisters, even up to her last days.” That resonated deeply with me. My world had been turned upside down, but she reminded me that even though she was gone, her legacy and the lessons she taught me lived on.
Since I was 5 years old, my mother has worked in real estate. I would ride around the neighborhood on my bike, looking for her signs. Even back then, I wanted to be a part of real estate, recognizing the significance of her impact on people’s lives. In those early days, I loved handing out flyers for her and simply connecting with people. It was a lesson in the importance of building relationships and identifying how to serve people, a foundation my mother believed was vital in real estate.
Even though I wanted to work in real estate right out of high school, my mother encouraged me to go to college. She paid for my education, wanting to provide me with opportunities that attending college provides. When I graduated, eager to join her, she insisted on having six months' salary saved up. So, I worked hard in title and escrow industry, saving diligently, to some day become a real estate agent. When the time came to work together, she had prepared me for success, not with handouts but with lessons in hard work, perseverance and unwavering determination.
Her teachings weren't confined to the professional realm; she demonstrated what genuine care for her clients looked like, always placing their needs first. Her compassion and intelligence shaped my character and approach to life. The memories of those early days working alongside her and absorbing her wisdom remain etched in my heart, serving as a constant reminder of her profound impact.
After experiencing so much loss in 2017, real estate became a way to channel my grief and continue the work she had dedicated her life to. Instead of breaking my spirit, this period solidified my resolve, striving to serve as a lifeline for those in need of guidance and hope. Real estate, once a shared passion, is now a personal tribute to her memory. The lessons she taught me became my compass, guiding me through life’s ups and downs.
Healing after loss and rebuilding our lives after the fires, I have reprioritized my life around the things I love. This has enhanced the joy in my work and personal life. My husband, Joe, and I bought a lovely property in Bodega Bay. We love bringing our adult children, Jacquelyn and Nicholas, together along with family and friends, cooking and entertaining.
This journey has taught me that in the face of loss, we can rebuild, thrive, and continue to find joy in the beautiful journey of life. I’m more driven than ever to extend a helping hand to others, being a source of hope—a guiding light in times of uncertainty.
The defining moment that solidified my commitment to real estate occurred during the aftermath of the 2008 market crash. As I navigated through the complexities of distressed properties and short sales, I was heartbroken by the harsh reality of families losing their homes. The emotional weight almost drove me away from the industry, but then, I began to see the results of my efforts pay off—families that were facing financial ruin were able to continue on, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Recognizing I could be a source of hope was the ultimate confirmation, "This is why I do this."
In real estate, I want to be that stabilizing force in people's lives, creating a haven in times of need. Today, I carry my mother's legacy forward, driven by compassion and the belief that, even in challenging times, real estate can be a source of hope and empowerment. This isn't just a profession for me; it's a mission to serve as an advocate, helping people experience the transformative power of homeownership.
Sincerely,
Erin George
REALTOR® | DRE# 01412754
Cell 707.815.5028