Pilar Hamrick is one of the top Latina realtors in Atlanta whose heart and soul not only goes into her work, but her clients as well. Her passion and drive are an inspiration to any entrepreneur who tirelessly pursues their dream. As a mother of two and successful business woman, Pilar Hamrick teaches us that “there are no excuses when one has a commitment of heart and a commitment as big as being a mother.”
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you grew up?
I was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia in a small but close-knit family. My mother played an important role in my growth and that of my sisters because from an early age she focused us to fulfill our goals and achieve our objectives in life. She was always a good student at school, disciplined and creative, two characteristics that have accompanied me throughout my life. I did my higher studies in marketing and advertising, and so far they have always helped me by opening the doors to a world of possibilities after I immigrated to the United States. Like any immigrant, at the beginning things are not easy, changing countries, learning new cultures, different living conditions, radical changes for which no one has a training manual, however the universe was leading me down the right path and today after more than twenty-two years of having arrived in this country, I can tell myself that I have achieved my American dream and that there is still a sea of possibilities to continue to grow and achieve my goals.
How did you get into the real estate business and why did you decide to continue on this journey?
Buying a house was always my parents’ dream, after a long time of renting and with great effort they finally managed to give us our own place where we grew up, which we call home. I remember as a child that it was not easy for them because they never had someone to guide them, to support them, and sometimes desperation overtook them because they were doing such an important process all alone and adrift. That was always engraved in my mind. When life put me on the path of the real estate market and I became a realtor, I promised myself that the families that I would assist would never go through the same inconveniences that my parents had to go through. For over fifteen years, I have helped hundreds of families make their dream of home ownership a reality. I have been with them step by step taking them by the hand through the whole process making sure that their experience is the best. Owning a home in this country is a great accomplishment, and I love being able to be a part of that moment of triumph that every family has when they finally close and are handed the keys to their home. My job is definitely not easy, and sometimes I feel like I am on a roller coaster of emotions and situations that are not easy to control, but without a doubt the experience of all these years allows me to take each case with a cool head and with the necessary focus to help these families achieve their goal of becoming homeowners.
As a Latina business woman, what have been the greatest challenges you’ve faced and how have you overcome them?
I have never felt discriminated against for being Latina or for being a woman, and although I move in a highly competitive market I have always thought that weaknesses are only in our minds. However, we cannot separate our personal life from our work life and without a doubt, being a single mother of my two daughters at the same time that I started my career as a real estate agent was a complete challenge. I remember I had my first job interview when I just arrived in Atlanta with my first broker. I didn’t know anyone in the city and I had no choice but to
take my three and five year old daughters with me. It was an interesting interview that I will never forget, but that is where you understand that everyone has their human side and there are circumstances that are totally understandable. At the end of my meeting, I was hired and I was with that same broker for more than eight years. My daughters have always been my driving force and who inspire me every day to move forward and help me to overcome the challenges that I face successfully.
What separates you from other realtors in your area?
In my area, real estate is a profession that has become fashionable. Many people start their careers as agents for various reasons, but not for a sincere vocation of service to the community. I don’t like to compare myself with other colleagues, but I compare myself with myself in order to be a better person every day from an integral point of view. But if you ask me what can be my difference with other agents I would tell you that I have a great negotiation capacity that allows my clients to be sure that they are in the best hands. On the other hand, the experience of all these years helps me to successfully face any adverse situation. I have created a team that is 100% oriented to the satisfaction and service to our clients; but without a doubt a great difference for the clients that work with me is my patience to understand their needs and to work with each of the specific situations of each family.
What advice would you give first-time homebuyers?
Like everything in life there is always a first time, and being a realtor who specializes in first time buyers, I always have two very important pieces of advice. The first is that it is essential to be prepared, to know the process and to have the documents up to date. When buyers come to my office, they always leave with a defined path because they are given the necessary guidelines for excellent preparation. The buyer who is well prepared is just like the student who studies conscientiously for his exam, he passes it with peace of mind and without problems in an easy way. The next piece of advice is to be aware that the first house does not have to be the palace you always dream of, you have to start with something that is in line with your financial situation and as you move forward in life you can look for better alternatives for the future, but the important thing is to start with something and stop paying rent. That is the most important thing, little by little we are getting better and better.
And what advice would you give to young, aspiring real estate agents?
I love to see young people who want to be agents because they inject a lot of enthusiasm and energy, but I would give them the advice not to get carried away by the reality shows where mansions are sold and everything is rosy. I would tell them to focus more on helping families achieve their dreams and to always act with integrity to be able to hold their heads up high.
What are the biggest mistakes people make in real estate and how can they avoid them?
The real estate market is constantly changing.Year after year, there are new laws and regulations just as technology is constantly advancing. In this aspect, the biggest mistake for agents is not updating themselves and not taking continuing education programs that allow them to be at the forefront with all the changes and innovations in the market. For buyers, I think a big mistake is not choosing an agent to help them with the process of buying and selling a home with whom they feel a good chemistry. Many people only go with one agent and with the first one they go with they are left without the expectations of service being 100% covered.
Like everything in life, I wouldn’t do such an important business with someone I don’t feel comfortable with. For home sellers a very big mistake is to place excessively expensive upgrades on the property and that are very personal so at the time of sale they do not add value to the property, or that are so specific that they are not to the general public’s liking.
Who has been your inspiration or motivation in life?
My greatest motivation in life has been my two daughters, to go forward for them and for them is an engine that drives me with the strength of a cannon regardless of adversities and obstacles. There are no excuses when one has a commitment of heart and a commitment as big as being a mother.
Can you share with us your favorite motto or quote and why?
I have always believed deeply in the power of the mind and my motto is what you focus on expands. If I focus on success, happiness, prosperity, health and wellness then that is what I will attract into my life day by day.
Any last words?
I have learned something that I would like to share briefly with everyone, and that is that life goes by very quickly, as if in the blink of an eye, and it slips through our fingers, so the important thing is to live it to the fullest, to keep in mind the great power of the “Present” moment, because it is nothing more and nothing less than a wonderful gift that must be enjoyed. And finally, it is not about living life but about feeling that we are alive.
Muse
PILAR HAMRICK @Pilar_Hamrick_Realtor
Production/Pr
BURGERROCK MEDIA @Burgerrockmedia IRMA PENUNURI @Burgerrock
Photographer
ERICK MARTINEZ @Conermartz
Editor
JESSICA HOWES @Jessicahowes_
Production Assistant
BALDO MENDOZA @Itsbaldooo Marianela Valderrama @Cafe.Conflores
Stylist
EMILY ALVAREZ @Emily.Alvrez
Interview
ROMINA OLIVIA @Rominaolivia_
Glam
SHIRLEY MARTINEZ @Glorifybydafne