Your Place in Tucson - What I Learned From Real Estate About Marketing, Resilience, and Trust

A Career Pivot with Purpose

After five years of working remotely and 14 years in marketing—primarily for healthcare and nonprofit organizations—I found myself at a unique crossroads. Real estate had always been a dream of mine, something I’d always wanted to explore. For the first time, I had the flexibility to give it a shot. It felt like the right moment to try something new.

I acquired my license, dove headfirst into the industry, and discovered how much I had to learn. Real estate demanded long nights, weekend work, and an unpredictable schedule—so different from the rhythm I was used to. But I leaned on what I knew best: marketing, storytelling, and connection.

Building a Digital Foundation with Webflow

When I entered real estate, I knew that a strong online presence wasn’t optional—it was essential. I chose Webflow to build my website, YourPlaceInTucson.com, because it allowed me to focus on both functionality and aesthetics. I wanted something fast, user-friendly, and adaptable.

I incorporated best UX practices to ensure every visitor could find what they needed quickly and effortlessly, whether it was market updates, home-buying resources, or insights into Tucson’s unique neighborhoods. But the heart of the site was my content strategy.

Tucson is more than a real estate market—it’s a community with a rich cultural tapestry and a unique desert beauty. My content reflected that. I didn’t just post about homes for sale; I shared stories about the region, the people, and the lifestyle. It set me apart from other realtors and became a trusted resource for my audience.

Social Media and Lead Generation

Beyond the website, I focused on building a strong social media presence. Starting from scratch, I grew an account to several thousand followers by creating short-form videos that were regionally relevant, engaging, and informative. Whether it was spotlighting a local coffee shop, explaining market trends, or sharing tips for first-time buyers, I built a connection with my audience one post at a time.

I also launched targeted lead-generation ads, which brought in new clients and started meaningful relationships. My digital presence began showing up in 45 key Google searches, and within a few months, I had closed on two homes.

The Decision to Pivot Back

Ultimately, I realized that while I loved the creativity and connection of real estate, the lifestyle wasn’t for me. The long nights and unpredictable schedule didn’t align with the life I wanted. But this chapter wasn’t a detour—it was a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and trust.

When I decided to return to marketing, I knew I wanted to refocus on mission-driven work. That’s when I stepped into my current role as the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. As part of my transition, I referred many of my real estate clients—who had grown to trust me—to a mentor with over 25 years of experience, ensuring they were well taken care of.

Why This Chapter Matters

Looking back, my time in real estate was a success, even though it was brief. I proved to myself that I could pivot, learn, and thrive in a completely new industry. I built something from the ground up—a website, a brand, and trust with my clients—and I learned so much along the way.

It’s a chapter that reminds me of the power of courage, the importance of creativity, and the value of always showing up, even when the path feels uncertain.