As you’ve probably noticed, I’ve gotten a little thick around the middle, and it’s not entirely related to my sweet tooth. As of today, we plan to welcome Lucas into the world around March 9th, so what can you expect while I’m expecting?
It’s my hope that our systems and processes will allow my team to continue seamless operations while I’m on new-mom duty. If you didn’t already know, while I’m the face of Allen Realty Group, I have an amazing behind-the-scenes team, too! For years, all the things you probably assume I do are actually accomplished through teamwork with some of the best colleagues I could ask for!
Brittany is my right-hand woman, managing day to day operations of running the business, and has been for 2 years now. Brittany is essential to helping me research properties, collect records, manage our marketing and social media, and so many other day-to-day tasks. She’s presently studying for her Real Estate exam, so she can help me with licensed activities. She’s been job shadowing me, learning how I do what I do.
Jessica, my Transaction Coordinator, has been an integral part of my team since the beginning, managing our transactions from contract to close. If you’ve bought or sold a home with us, chances are Jess has helped you through the real estate process, managing timelines, documents and all the cooperating parties involved. Nothing will change here.
It’s my goal that there will be minimal interruption to business operations, but I’m also aware that I just don’t know what I don’t know! Luke will surely throw a wrench in my best laid plans, which is why I’ve got backup plans! While my systems will remain seamlessly operational, I still haven’t figured out how to clone myself.
Where can you expect to see changes? Primarily showings. As I settle into the new routines (or lack thereof) of motherhood, I probably won’t be able to hop in the car and show houses on a whim. Fortunately, my family at KW Coastal Lakes & Mountains Realty is eager to help! I have great partnerships with fellow agents who will be helping me on a case-by-case basis depending on where we are in the process. For those of you under contract, they will step in and finish the transaction where needed, with my guidance. For those of you beginning the home search, or getting ready to list, they will help out where needed. If you’d be more comfortable with a full fledged referral, we can do that, too!
Will I be working while on Maternity Leave?
Yes. Unfortunately the US doesn’t actually have paid Maternity/Paternity Leave, and being that I’m self-employed… well neither does my employer! That means little Luke is forcing me into a no-expenses-paid staycation, and I’m not gonna lie, the itinerary doesn’t look all that fun. Both my husband and I will be working, albeit weird hours.
I expect March will be Hell Week (x4) and hope that by mid-April, I’ll have enough control over my day that my husband and I can alternate Luke-duty for a couple hours a day so we can alternate half days. I expect most of my communication will be text and email, plus calls during nap-time, and the occasional Zoom consultation. Showings/Inspections will be facilitated with Brittany or my colleagues who’ve volunteered to help, and I’ll continue to handle negotiations and advice.
I will not be 100% completely hands off, unless that’s our game plan. I won’t drop you like a hot-potato (unless I happen to be in labor, in which case I really hope you’ll cut me a little slack!)
In the meantime, if you have questions, which I hope you do, please call me! Right now, the house is quiet, and I don’t have a little barnacle clinging to me, so it’s a great time to talk. Let’s strategize your plans for 2025, and if you’ve got some parenting tips, feel free to be the one giving me advice for a change!