What is Giving Back? For Rebecca Lightfoot, Leading The Women's Council of Realtors is Walking the Walk

Rebecca Lightfoot has always wanted to help others, and she’s found a way to make the most impact by leading the Dallas chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors.

Of course, leadership didn’t come naturally for Lightfoot, and becoming the president of the WCR has definitely helped her walk the walk and talk the talk. So naturally she’s proud to promote this year’s WCR High Tea and Fashion Show set for next Thursday, Oct. 3. The event, which features Tim Vasquez as emcee, will benefit the “Be The Difference” Foundation in the fight against ovarian cancer.

Learn more about Lightfoot after the jump!

CandysDirt.com: Where are you from?
Rebecca Lightfoot: Originally San Antonio, Texas though I lived in Houston for 3 years and Austin for 10 years. I’ve been in Dallas for 3 ½ years.

CD: How did you get into real estate?
Lightfoot: One of my sisters and my parents are Re/Max owners. In 2009 I shut down my remodeling company in Austin, got my real estate license, and spent 10 months in New Braunfels at Re/Max before moving to Dallas. I had planned to get my license and with the economy the way it was it seemed like the right time.

CD: You’re very involved in the community. Does it enhance your role as a Realtor?
Lightfoot: My main involvement is with the Women’s Council of Realtors, Dallas Chapter. I’m the 2013 President. WCR is a network of successful Realtors empowering women to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders. That’s our mission. WCR National is rolling out the 2014 strategic plan and we are going to see big changes from what I gathered at the WCR State Strategic Planning weekend I attended. I stood up and literally applauded when I heard what the revised strategy entailed.
Being involved in the community is important and really easy to plug into really. What I’ve had to embrace is time management and true leadership. You can’t fully understand until you are the one. It’s like the old saying “Walk a mile in her shoes.”

CD: What do you love best about being a Realtor?
Lightfoot: Being a Realtor isn’t what gets me excited to be honest. It’s helping people. You know, visualizing and being creative. I can negotiate hard core but building relationships and outdoing myself is more of a thrill. I believe you must always challenge yourself to the breaking point in order to build stronger muscles if that makes sense.

CD: And you drive a … let me guess, Mercedes Benz?
Lightfoot: NO! But, my mimi had one named Buttercup. You know the old-school body style and it was creamy yellow. I thought that car was so classy. I drive a 2006 white Tahoe left over from my interior design and staging era. I’m picking up design clients again so I’m glad I still have it.

CD: What’s your favorite ‘hood in Dallas and why?
Lightfoot: I guess right where I live. Prescott and Oak Lawn area. You can walk to Turtle Creek and Whole Foods or drive down to the restaurants on Cedar Springs and McKinney. Plus I’m so close to the design district and downtown.

CD: What was your best/highest sale?
Lightfoot: Around $200,000. It was a home on Dunhaven that needed to be remodeled. An investor bought it.

CD: Likewise, what was your most challenging or memorable transaction?
Lightfoot: Each transaction has twists but I had a listing that went south and it only takes one like that to make you read your Code of Ethics a few times. As Realtors we have to know what the rules are and review them regularly. They do get amended. I have no problem asking the agent on the other side if he/she has read the Code lately.

CD: How quickly have you ever turned a house?
Lightfoot: 11 days!

CD: How much did you sell last year?
Lightfoot: Not enough. I was only full time for 8 months of last year. I sold around $500,000.

CD: What have you learned about selling that makes you so successful?
Lightfoot: I think listening is key. People think they hear themselves and others but I bet if you record yourself in a conversation you’ll be disappointed. I’m genuine and believe in upholding the integrity of the transaction. I make sure there is value and a one of a kind experience.

CD: If you ever change careers for an encore you’ll…
Lightfoot: I meet with a design client this weekend and will always be involved in art dealing and interior design.

CD: Do you have a second home? If so, where?
Lightfoot: No, but I visit my parents in the Hill Country. They have a horse farm in Blanco. I love walking up to the old barn and hearing the old San Antonio station playing country music low in the background. Watching those horses and looking at all the old saddles and ropes is therapeutic somehow. I guess that’s home in a way.