Compass Agent Michelle Hopson Defines Dedication in Real Estate

In the past two decades, the real estate world has proven to be anything but easy-going. With the 2008 financial crisis and the recent red-hot post-pandemic market, this business isn’t for the faint of heart. However, factoring a life-changing battle with breast cancer into this equation calls for a whole different kind of stamina. Compass agent Michelle Hopson is one of the very few who can speak to this experience. Her unique relationship with resilience is what’s made her one of the absolute best in the business and we’re so excited to share her story in this Inwood Agent Spotlight sponsored by Inwood National Bank.

From a Family Business to Full-On Agent 

Hopson acquired her real estate license in 2000 and has served the East Dallas sector for over 20 years. A former marketing and business development specialist, Michelle pivoted to real estate when her husband began building custom homes.

“I worked with my husband for a little while, helping to get his business going,” said Hopson. “Then, we thought it might be beneficial for me to get my real estate license. I got my license in 2000 and started selling real estate in 2001. It’s funny because he became a custom home builder but I didn’t end up ever selling his homes.”

However, being so close to a construction expert certainly had its advantages for Hopson.

“The knowledge I have from being married to a custom home builder for 20-something years has been invaluable to my clients,” said Hopson.

Off the bat, she had a huge knowledge bank on what goes into quality craftsmanship and could spot everything from plumbing leaks to foundation slopes. For many agents, this takes years to learn.

Hopson’s Highs, Lows and Triumphs 

Hopson sold her first home within four months, two months ahead of the average for rookie agents. With a contractor’s eye and impeccable attention to detail, she amassed a clientele base that’s been with her through the years.

However, things weren’t always picture-perfect.

“In 2008 everything tanked,” said Hopson. “That was challenging. I had one listing that was on the market for two solid years. I used to tell people, ‘Just wait until you have to pick up the phone every Monday for two years and tell your client why their home isn’t selling.’ It is funny how the market changes.”

Of course, market fluctuations are a given in this business. It’s what Hopson didn’t plan for that proved to be her biggest hurdle.

“Almost 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” said. “I found it myself and immediately had a very aggressive eighteen-hour surgery to remove it. The doctor slated a recovery time of about six weeks, which is an eternity in real estate. I was so panicked. About four weeks in, one of my closest clients calls and says, ‘I don’t want to bother you but we really need to see this house.’”

Driven by her unwavering dedication, Hopson had her husband drive her to the property still in bandages. She spent that next summer in chemotherapy, simultaneously selling homes and being right there for her clients.

“Trekking through the Texas heat, showing houses, getting in the car, and realizing my wig was crooked was a whole adventure,” said Hopson. “It was so funny. Everyone knew what was going on and everyone was really great. Initially, I was so scared that my clients would go off to find someone else but they were supportive the entire time. It just became part of the journey.

Hopson worked all through her chemo and came out of it stronger than she could have imagined. To regain her strength, she began physical therapy with a triathlon coach. In short order, she began training for triathlons herself and has now completed three full and 15 half Iron Man events.

Looking Ahead

In recent years, Hopson helped start the Summit Group with Mohammed Jaber and Paul Sanders with the goal of delivering higher-level client-care experiences.

“It was a little bit scary at first but it has been such a blessing. We have an incredible team. We’ve hung together through COVID and all the craziness of the last few years. It adds another layer of community to the business. We’re going strong and have no plans to change that.”

With an excellent team behind her, Hopson is able to travel, compete in more triathlons, and be present with her family.

“It’s so fun,” said Hopson. “I feel really great about everything now and am excited for what’s next. I absolutely love my clients in East Dallas. Being able to see them through different phases of life and help them buy and sell thier homes is really rewarding to me.”