Sabra Girard Takes Her Years of PR Know-How to Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

Having worked in public relations for more than a decade, Sabra Girard is no stranger to the art of the sale. She obtained her real estate license in January, and she is now ready to apply her extensive marketing experience to a new and noble pursuit — helping people find and sell their dream homes at Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty.

Girard has been a friend of CandysDirt.com founder and publisher Candace Evans for roughly 15 years. She credits Evans with guiding her transition into real estate, which she is now tackling as an agent. Turns out her years of public relations and marketing have translated into at least two years worth of real estate foundation.

How long have you been working in real estate, and how did you get your start?

Girard: A few years after I graduated from Texas Tech, I worked at a local commercial real estate company which planted the seed for a future in the industry. I learned the basics of real estate as a young professional, and learned that ultimately, I wanted to move towards the residential side. I worked in sales, communications, PR and marketing, and launched three companies utilizing those skills—all in Dallas.

Prior to joining BFSIR, I had a boutique PR firm for 12 years concentrating on hyperlocal businesses. And prior to that I served as a writer and editor-in-chief for local media. Through this experience,  I became extremely familiar with Dallas, its neighborhoods, and the differing lifestyles Dallas has to offer. I learned the nuances of where and how people live, where they concentrate their time, go to work, play, and be entertained. This benefits me in the world of real estate. Also, my press contacts from the past twelve years come in handy when I feel a property warrants a pitch. 

What’s been your biggest key to success so far?

Girard: I can’t be a success unless my clients feel successful in their transactions. Being a part of the BFSIR’s well-oiled machine is the main key because they ensure that all they do, leads to a successful client experience. They have such a strong support system for their agents, a well-educated staff, premier, and ongoing, training and encourage a custom approach to their clients. Additionally, I carry the perspective that the quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life. This helps guide my motivations, and see how it’s true when everything comes second to a healthy dynamic with someone personally or professionally.  

Personally, as a professional woman, just finding something that enriches you is what is going to bring success. Whatever enriches you is ultimately going to help enrich someone else’s life. You have, on each side, you as a professional and the person who is receiving your professional service. That’s my vision of success — when the person is satisfied with the service they’re receiving. 

A part of my vision of success: Helping someone find a home. That atmosphere that you’re placing them in, it’s incredibly satisfying. When it comes to finding someone a home, they’re there every day, and they live with what you do every day. It’s a long-term effect. It’s neat to be able to help someone with a purchase so major and impactful. 

What was your biggest motivation for choosing Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty?

Girard: Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty has deep historical roots in Dallas and a global reach. I wanted to be a part of something hyperlocal yet have the ability to service someone if they need help beyond Texas. And the training and the professionalism that Briggs Freeman offers is for the lifetime of an agent. Additionally, I have a couple of friends that work with BFSIR and really appreciate working along those I enjoy and trust.

What are you most looking forward to in the future of your career?

Girard: I imagine like most agents, on any given day, they look into the future and see clients that trust them for the duration of their evolving property needs. For each of my clients, rather they use me today or 10 years from now, that is my future hope with them. And it’s always nice to meet office goals and professional milestones, I specifically look forward to building a team within BFSIR where we can feel like a community within a community. I love to collaborate and work within a spirited group. 

What is your biggest tip for anyone looking for a new house?

Girard: Identify priorities for the property, know your budget-don’t buy beyond your means and know you can make a house your own if it’s not 100% at the showing. Also, drive the neighborhood where you might put in an offer, observe the surroundings to ensure it aligns with your ideal neighborhood vision. The list of tips can go on, most of all though—go through the experience with a realtor you trust. You want to feel confident about the biggest transaction(s) of your life.

What are your favorite things to do when you aren’t working?

Girard: I haven’t left my past writing career behind, I’m a member of a group called the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). I’ve been a part of a critique group for a couple of years now and am in the midst of writing a middle-grade chapter book. It’s a long process, but that’s where I like to spend some of my down time. I love to exercise, bike, walk our Sheepadoodle, or find a good Pilates video online — it’s a great stress reliever at a minimum. I also love to sit game-side when my girls play volleyball and cheer them on. And I’m a lighting aficionado: if I ever go missing, they know to find me in a lamp store!