HGTV Influences Fort Worth Therapist Into Career as a Realtor
Share News:
By Rick Mauch
Candy’s Dirt Contributor
You could say Trudy Bennett’s career in real estate began after she nursed the idea for a couple of decades. Around 1994, a lot of new homes were being built in her westside neighborhood in Fort Worth.
“I toured one of the homes and found the Realtor engaging, nice, and rather knowledgeable,” Bennett said. “I told her upfront I was not going to buy a house, but she took her time to show me around the model home, pointing out the features, etc.
“At that time I began to think how fun this job would be. Also, I began watching HGTV where some of the shows would feature a Realtor showing people’s homes. That sparked my interest further, and I began to pray about becoming a Realtor.”
But she already had a career in the medical field and was the mother of a young son, so she had neither time nor resources to pursue a second career. Fast forward to 2013 when her mom passed away, the resources became available and her son had graduated high school. The opportunity finally arrived.
“It took me a while to complete my studies, but in January of 2016 I finished my courses, took my exam, and here I am,” Bennett said.
Bennett, 58, is now an agent with Aledo-based DFW Real Estate Group. She primarily sells in Tarrant and Parker counties.
“I was drawn to real estate because it was not like anything else I had ever done,” she said. “I find real estate exciting because each client is so different, with different needs and wants.
“Seeing my clients’ excitement when they are given the keys to their new home or I have helped them sell their home in order for them to move on to the next chapter in their lives gives me a great deal of satisfaction and accomplishment.”
She also maintains a dual career. She remains involved in the medical industry working in physical therapy. This works to the satisfaction of herself and others in several ways, Bennett said.
“One of the things that separates me is the fact that I am dual career, so that gives me the opportunity to pick and choose my clients,” she said. “But because I do not have many clients that I am working with at once I have more time to give to the ones I am working with.”
“When I received my license in physical therapy I already had training as a student when I graduated and received my license. That is not the case in real estate,” she said. “You get your license, and while, yes, you know the ‘rules’ you don’t have experience, and with some firms, the training is not that good.”
Trudy Bennett, on changing the process of getting a license to sell real estate
Like many others in the business, she is not keen on do-it-yourself apps for buying a home. Not only does it take away from prospective profits for agents, she believes it can be a detriment to the purchaser as well.
“Buyers need someone on their side to help them navigate the challenges of buying a home,” she said. “I think one of the challenges of today is the do-it-yourself apps. A buyer may think they can navigate the process themselves, but without representation, they can be taken advantage of.”
When she’s not selling — or providing therapy — you can usually find her reading a good book or working in the yard or garden. But often she just can’t wait to get back out and work with clients.
“Real estate is a great career. I am very fortunate to work for a firm that is small, but we truly are a team,” she said. “We help each other out and provide support for each other. Our broker is amazing and always emphasizes putting our client’s needs first, operating with integrity.”
If you know of an agent for us to profile, email Rick Mauch or [email protected]
