When Realty Executives Premier Real Estate Agent Frances Burkett was driving through Valparaiso with her husband a few years ago, it took her only one car ride for her to decide that Valparaiso was the place she wanted to be.
"After one drive, I knew this was the place," says Burkett. "Valpo just has that feeling that this was the place. I knew that it was Valpo or nothing."
Burkett's background involves a varied assortment of jobs and locations before settling on her current career and residence. While some individuals have an idea of what they want to do with their future career, Burkett's background started out quite differently.
"I previously worked in the medical field as a respiratory therapy specialist," says Burkett. "I worked in this field for eleven years but during this time, I always had real estate in the back of my mind."
Burkett credits her desire to enter real estate to her mother, whose experience in sales was a consistent and constant part of her young life.
"I always saw what she did for her job," says Burkett. "Through her I saw that sales really consist of getting what you put out for it."
When Burkett made the jump to real estate her first years were started out slow, with most of her time clinging onto and shadowing agents as she slowly learned the ins and outs of real estate.
When her friend recommended Realty Executives Premier to her, she wasn't initially familiar with the company, but after having a meeting with Broker and Owner Mike Tezak, she knew that she had found the ideal place for her to work.
"My friend loved Realty Executives and what they did for selling houses and I was curious about why one particular business was better over the other since housing doesn't really change," says Burkett. "However once I met and spoke with Mike, I was blown away by the opportunities and what was offered."
Burkett appreciates that the members of Realty Executives Premier are close knit and dependent on each other as essential components to the overall team.
"Everyone is so willing to help each other out," says Burkett. Everyone is competitive and wants everyone to succeed. Sure we can be competitive but everyone is very friendly to one another and talk to each other inside and even outside the workplace. I feel like a part of a family, we're all different, but part of one thing, serving clients."
Outside her work with real estate, Burkett enjoys spending with her children and watching sports. Besides family time, Burkett spends a large amount of time to volunteering at St. Paul Catholic School.
"So much time is spent helping out the school," says Burkett. "We do fundraisers, events, planning and so many other things."
At the end of every work day, Burkett feels the satisfaction of serving her community and serving those looking for help on the real estate market and looks for even more personal growth for her and her career, still remembering the lesson she was taught years ago.
"I still believe that I get what I put out to everyone," says Burkett. "I want to help clients move onto the next stage of life."
While her personal goal of growth is still continuing, her time at Realty Executives Premier looks remain for a long period of time.
"I don't seem myself leaving here, I don't see how it's going to happen," says Burkett. "It's my home."