Uncovering the Journey from Accounting to Real Estate: A Conversation with Sharon Ames

In this episode of the Agents Lounge Podcast, host Nathan Gaylor, along with his co-host Francisco Bermudez Jr., sit down with special guest Sharon Ames, a realtor with Caldwell Banker. The conversation revolves around Sharon’s unique journey from a 25-year career in accounting to pursuing her passion for real estate.

Sharon shares her motivation for making the career switch, explaining how she wanted to escape the confines of a cubicle and yearned for more interaction with people. After deciding to move to San Antonio to be closer to her sons, Sharon took the leap and enrolled in real estate school. Although she paced herself over nine months to complete the courses, she quickly realized that becoming a successful real estate agent would require much more than just obtaining a license.

The hosts delve into the challenges Sharon faced when she started her real estate career, particularly highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite the difficulties, Sharon emphasizes the importance of perseverance and building relationships with clients. She shares her strategies for networking, such as engaging with people at Starbucks and offering to buy them coffee to discuss real estate.

Throughout the episode, the hosts and Sharon explore the role of technology in the real estate industry, with Sharon revealing her recent experience with Chat GPT to enhance her listing descriptions. The conversation also touches on the ever-changing housing market and mortgage industry, with Sharon encouraging prospective homebuyers to take advantage of the current interest rates and not wait for the market to shift.

Additionally, Sharon and Javier Alonso, another guest on the podcast and owner of Floor Coverings International, discuss their involvement in community initiatives. Sharon participates in monthly volunteer work at the New Braunfels Food Bank, while Javier’s franchise supports organizations like the Ronald McDonald House and Habitat f