Agent Spotlight: Becky Smith

Get to know Becky Smith, a standout agent from Baird & Warner Fox Valley with a diverse background that includes being a stay-at-home mom, running a secretarial services company, truck repair entrepreneurship, interior decorating, advertising and more. With a nine-year tenure as a real estate agent, Becky's serious and hands-on approach sets her apart in the field.

As someone who has had a hand in so many industries and such an entrepreneurial spirit, it makes perfect sense that Becky would thrive in the world of real estate. Becky relishes the flexible and sometimes unpredictable role of being an agent but still takes a committed, ambitious approach to her work. 

Most of all, Becky never loses sight of the client. "I love the joy of helping a buyer find their perfect home," says Becky, who leverages her skills and network to benefit both her buyer and seller clients. "I use my experience to create demand for my seller's home, to get more money for their home and to get under contract quickly."

Becky values Baird & Warner for its familial atmosphere. Outside of work, you'll most likely find her on the tennis court. Becky participates in three competitive leagues!

Read on to learn more about Becky, her background and her advice to other agents. To get in touch with Becky, you can email her at becky.smith@bairdwarner.com or visit her website.                            

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

First, I was a stay-at-home mom to 6 children. Then I started a secretarial services company and did medical transcription and other services for business people, hospitals and colleges. I also started a truck repair company and sold it a few years later. In 2005, I became a certified interior decorator and started a successful interior decorating business and also sold jewelry for 3 years. I went to the University of Missouri for a degree in advertising, after which I sold and created advertisements for a baking industry magazine.

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

I've been an agent for 9 years. I love the flexible schedule. I love meeting with clients, seeing their homes and getting their homes prepared to sell. I use my experience to create demand for my seller's home, to get more money for their home and to get under contract quickly. I love the joy of helping a buyer find their perfect home. 

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

I had a client who lived in a 150-year-old home with some concerning issues — water in the basement when it rained, laundry was tucked so far back in the basement you had to duck to even use it and an awkward floor plan. She fell in love with a new home and really wanted to move, but she thought she'd never be able to sell her old home. We worked diligently, got her home sold using open houses and social media, and got her into her dream home even though there were multiple offers. I felt very accomplished to get that done for her!    

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

Your job is to get your client into their home and get their home sold.  Keep your own feelings out of it, and focus on your client!

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

The key is making everything about your client, their needs and their goals. Keep focused — I think too often agents get carried away with getting "likes" on their social media and creating the best marketing pieces, which is fine, but need to ask themselves if this is really getting clients, or just having great social media and marketing! Real estate is a personal business, and you need to be interacting with live people.

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

The people at my Baird and Warner are like family. It's a great place to work!  

What is one of your favorite local restaurants and why?

I am so fortunate to live in Geneva and be surrounded by great restaurants in Geneva, St. Charles, and Batavia! If I had to choose one in particular, I would choose Aurelio's! We love the family-friendly atmosphere, and with a family as large as mine, it's a great place to all meet for pizza and drinks.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I am in 3 competitive tennis leagues — tennis is my passion!