There are many valuable lessons I have learned on my journey as a mom of three and REALTOR®. It was a balancing act at times, but I am proud of my accomplishments and ability to achieve what I set my mind to.

It didn’t seem like a big deal at the time. My stepdad, Bill Hightower, asked me to cover the role as his assistant while she was on leave. I had two young kids at the time and was a stay-at-home mom, but I knew I would be able to handle working part time. I was excited to see what his business was like after years of seeing his reputation amongst the community. I have always thought the world of him and saw it as an opportunity to spend more time with him.

Just two years before, in 2002, I graduated with a bachelor’s in early education. As a mom with young kids, I was very busy caring for them. Before they were all in school, working full time didn’t feel like an option. I knew I didn’t want to be a teacher anymore. Something had changed, and it no longer seemed like the right fit for me. When I went to work for my stepdad, I had zero expectations to make a career out of it.

It didn’t take long working in real estate before I realized just how fulfilling the process is. Meeting new people and helping them on their journey was very appealing to me. It was a natural fit, and I was eager to continue learning and growing my industry knowledge. In 2004, I received my REALTORS® license and hit the ground running. In those first years in real estate, I had to put myself out there and establish a reputation of my own within our community.

It was a very busy time as I raised my three children while simultaneously growing my business. There were so many things that needed to be taken care of every single day. Looking back, I was balancing a lot at once. With three kids, there was always something to attend. It wasn’t always easy, but I am proud of my ability to be there for my kids while also building a business.

In June 2022, my father and I officially bought the local ReeceNichols office. It was an exciting joint decision to officially own this business together. With this new transition, I also took on the role of broker. I have more responsibilities than ever, but I have enjoyed the challenge and see it as a new opportunity to grow. It is incredibly rewarding to see my hard work pay off and build something for myself beyond what I ever could have imagined.

Having a positive mindset has been foundational in my life. Every obstacle is another opportunity to find a creative solution. In my early days as a REALTOR®, someone once told me, “You are really optimistic. I love it!” It still rings true today. By upholding positivity, even through hard times, I have been able to enjoy all the wonderful gifts I have in my life.

As my children have grown older, it has been exciting helping them start their own journeys in life. It is crazy how fast the time has gone. I have begun prioritizing living in the moment and appreciating the little things. It can be easy to get caught up in the routine of working. As my career continues to grow, I have made it a point to slow down and enjoy every moment I have with my kids. In my free time I like being active by riding my bike and running.

My favorite part about being a REALTOR® is meeting new and interesting people. Above all else, I prioritize relationships. When you work with me, I take the time to learn your story and find out what your goals are so I can establish a plan to achieve them. This process is about you. No matter what obstacles may arise along the way, I ensure I am always serving in your best interests.

Through my extensive experience, I have developed the skills and knowledge to create a smooth process for my clients. I provide consistent communication throughout the entire process, so you are always in the know. As I guide you through the buying or selling experience, I will educate you on current market trends and prepare you for potential outcomes. Even after the transaction is over, I am committed to serving as your lifelong REALTOR®.

Sincerely,

Melissa Bartlett
Broker-Owner