We’re proud of the team of agents we’ve assembled here at Nest Realty. We think they’re pretty awesome, and we think you will too. During our “Meet the Agent” series, we sit down with our agents to learn more about them, what makes them tick, and why they’re passionate about the real estate industry. In this installment, we chat with Andrea Dorman, a Realtor with Nest Realty in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Nest Realty: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from? What brought you to Harrisonburg?
Andrea Dorman: Yes! Hi! I am a mom to four kids and I stay very busy on our mini-farm in Elkton. I’m originally from Miami, Florida, but have lived in Tennessee, Michigan, NYC, and Richmond before fully committing to the Valley in 2012. I have been selling real estate for the past three years. After meeting Keri and chatting for more than two hours about the opportunities to customize my business to ME, I just knew that Nest was the right fit for me.
NR: How did you get into real estate?
AD: Well after having three kids in less than three years, I needed to get back to work for my sanity. I started considering it while working for a communications company as a project manager. After almost a year with them, I knew that I needed more control over my schedule as well as a job where I could grow organically.
NR: What was your previous career? How has that prepared you for real estate?
AD: Well, I was briefly with a communications company and we handled marketing, advertising, copywriting, web work, and all kinds of creative editing. Before that, I worked for eight years as a legal/executive assistant and handled legal cases from start through full litigation at every level of court. It was a time-consuming job that I liked very much, but once my kids came along, I knew I wanted more flexibility, and court deadlines are NOT flexible—ha! One of my favorite previous jobs, though, was waitressing at a pizza place here in my little town when I first came to Virginia. I loved the fast pace and I loved seeing my regulars every week or so. It was a great way to get to know the community. I still know lots of people from my early days at Ciro’s in Elkton!
NR: What led you to Nest Realty, as opposed to another brokerage?
AD: Because I have previously worked with creative types, I fully appreciate the focus and commitment that Nest has toward their marketing efforts. I really strive to seek beauty and truth in all areas of my life and to teach this to my children, and I feel like Nest is doing that with their marketing and administrative support of agents—seeking truth and beauty to allow us to fully develop our talents.
NR: What is your favorite part of being an agent?
AD: I actually love getting to know my clients. It’s an interesting and at times strange relationship you develop with each other, and I truly love it. Even when we may not always be on the same page, I really do enjoy the back and forth communications as well as honing in on a specific property, or helping them ready their listing for sale. I’ve always prided myself on being a great friend and this profession lends itself well to loyal friends.
NR: Do you have a specific area of expertise to offer clients?
AD: I love love love fixer-uppers and old houses. Truly, I have a soft spot for historic homes and even just simple, older homes really grab my attention because I can see how they have been loved and how they can be lovable again with some work. I know lots of excellent workers, too, and enjoy connecting people.
NR: What makes you different from other agents? What sets you apart?
AD: I really see myself as a facilitator and guide and never tout my experience as some reason my clients must do exactly what I say. Instead, I prefer to develop a relationship where my clients can safely come to me with any questions, concerns, or needs and I will find a way to help. This may go back to my fierce loyalty. I’m also hilarious.
NR: What are five adjectives that describe you?
AD: Friendly, tall, brave, generous, and gregarious.
NR: Who would be your dream client?
AD: Ha! Tricky question. How about the Roosevelts…Eleanor and Franklin D., of course. I think FDR would’ve gotten a kick out of Eleanor and my witty banter.
NR: If you had one piece of advice for a first-time home buyer, what would it be?
AD: Get a full mortgage breakdown from your lender with a payment schedule when you get your pre-approval. Often what people are pre-approved for is NOT what they can comfortably afford. Being house-poor leads to unhappy buyers.
NR: What is your favorite season in Harrisonburg?
AD: I love fall in the Valley. The weather is usually lovely with occasional warm days, and the holidays are on the horizon. My kids also love apple picking and Halloween SO MUCH.
NR: What is your all-time favorite house?
AD: I go back and forth on this one between my grandparents’ houses when I was a child, both of which were in Michigan—one in Ann Arbor, which was a gorgeous split-foyer mid-century modern on a cul-de-sac that bordered a lush park, and the other one a basic farmhouse on a dirt road, with a giant kitchen sink, orange floral vinyl flooring, and giant black walnut trees lining the road. Both houses hold a lot of lovely memories. Last time I was in Michigan, we drove past the farmhouse outside of Flint, and I got choked up when I saw that the new owners had lovingly renovated much of the outside. Clearly the house is still very loved.
Andrea is a Realtor with Nest Realty Shenandoah Valley. Her flexibility and willingness to learn on the go allows her to adapt in an evolving, rapidly changing marketplace. To learn more about Andrea, visit her agent page.