Agent Spotlight: Laura Winters

Meet Laura Winters, a real estate agent from the Baird & Warner Plainfield office with a unique background in education. Having worked in various roles, from teaching 7th grade to serving as a special education teaching assistant, Laura made the transition to real estate in 2016. "I have always had a place in my heart for helping people, whether it was helping my former students achieve their goals or helping my clients find their dream home," says Laura. 

She initially started in real estate part-time while continuing to teach, but eventually made the full-time commitment to Baird & Warner. As an agent, her experience as a teacher comes in handy — she listens to the needs of her clients intently and is incredibly patient throughout the entire process. "You may have to work with clients for months, or even a year. Choosing to buy or sell real estate is one of the biggest decisions your clients make and shouldn't be rushed," Laura says. 

Laura also stresses the importance of having a great team behind you at all times. "No matter how many deals you've done, something new can always come up and you'll need to lean on your team." As a proud member of Baird & Warner Plainfield, Laura appreciates the supportive community within the brokerage.  For Laura, the office feels like a family, with agents collaborating not only to support each other but also to contribute positively to the surrounding community.

If you want to learn more about Laura, her background and her advice to other agents, check out the following interview. To get in touch with Laura, you can email her at laura.winters@bairdwarner.com.

What is your background? Have you always been a real estate agent? If no, please explain.

My background is in education. I've worked in many positions, from teaching 7th grade to being a substitute teacher to special education teaching assistant. After many years, I decided to make the move to real estate in 2016. 

How many years have you been a real estate agent and why do you enjoy being one?

I have been an agent for 7 years. I started out doing this part-time while still working as a special education teaching assistant and then decided to make the move to doing real estate full-time five years ago. I have always had a place in my heart for helping people, whether it was helping my former students achieve their goals or helping my clients find their dream home.  

What is a meaningful real estate experience you've had with a buyer or seller? 

I have had the opportunity to help first-time home buyers fulfill their dream of home ownership. I have also helped sellers get through the emotions of selling their family home. I look at all my real estate experiences as building relationships with my clients, which is very important to me.  

What's one piece of advice that you can share with other real estate agents?

Be patient. You may have to work with clients for months, or even a year. Choosing to buy or sell real estate is one of the biggest decisions your clients make and shouldn't be rushed.

What do you think is the key to a successful real estate business?

You need to listen to them throughout the process to make sure you are doing the best possible job for them. You also need to have a great team behind you from your manager and lender to attorney and inspectors. Make sure you reach out to them with any questions you may have.  No matter how many deals you've done something new can always come up and you'll need to lean on your team. 

What is something you like about Baird & Warner and/your Baird & Warner office?

Baird and Warner is there to help you succeed, from continuing education to the latest in technology. Baird and Warner Plainfield is truly a family — agents help each other and the surrounding community. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I enjoy walking and biking.