Name: Rachel Hudgins
Title: Realtor
Company: RE/MAX Pure
What was your first job in the realty industry? I became a Realtor first, but after 3 years I decided to try something different in the industry and I became a Pre-Closer for a well known law firm in the area. After 8 years I decided to go back to following my childhood dream and re-activate my license.
Where did you grow up? Marietta, GA
Growing up, what did you want to be? Initially I wanted to be an astronaut, after the Challenger exploded my 5th grade mind decided I wanted to be the first woman President of the United States. When I was about 15 I came to my senses and I decided I wanted to be like my uncle and sell real estate.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I play Candy Crush Soda Saga. In addition to Candy Crush I like to drive in the car and play my music really loud and sing at the top of my lungs. I also like to hit the gym and work off the stress.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? I have two! Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. I have read every biography on Mr. and Mrs. Roosevelt that has ever been written I am pretty sure. Since I was a kid I have been fascinated by them, partially because they were portrayed in the movie Annie and I thought it was cool, but the more I read the more interested I became. I would love to be able to sit down and actually talk to them in person. That would be amazing!
Where is your favorite place to hang out? It depends on the day. I have a local watering hole that my husband and I enjoy meeting up with friends for football games, NASCAR, baseball and things like that. I also enjoy hanging out at my kid’s sporting events.
What do you love most about the industry? I love that I get to help people follow their dream of buying a home. Buying a home is the largest investment people make and I take that very seriously. My absolute favorite part however is Christmas when I can log on to Social Media and see all of the pictures that all of my past clients post of their homes decorated and I can see how much they love them. It warms my heart to know that I made that possible for them.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I strive to provide personalized client service to everyone. It doesn’t matter how many people I am working with, I want them to feel like they are the only ones. I want my clients to know that I care about them and their best interest and I will work morning, noon and night if I have to, to be sure they are well taken care of.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Delivering bad news. I feel like as agents we always have to be the bearer of the bad news and that is just not fun. I always hate having to tell people that their offer wasn’t accepted or that the buyer on their home terminated. I hate to hear the disappointment in their voice or see it on their face.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I attend my local Chamber functions as well as community events to help promote my brand. On the professional side I attend lender sponsored events and attend my Board of Realtors monthly meetings.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment aside from building my business has to be my 2 children. They have grown into pretty impressive young adults.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? The last good book I read was The Miracle Morning. The author’s story is very inspirational.
What is your favorite restaurant? This is a hard one. I have to say that any Mexican restaurant is probably my favorite! I do love queso!
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta? The Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel. I think it’s pretty amazing that you can sit at the Sundial Restaurant and it rotates around to give you a full view of the city.
What kind of car do you drive? I drive a BMW 330i
Smartphone or paper? Paper, although I am starting to come around.
What is your favorite city after Atlanta? Boston. I think it is cool that you can take water taxis around town and I really love the parks!
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Get training and a coach.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? ShowingTime
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Tom Ferry, my dad and Chelsea Handler