About

Areas I Serve

Through my affiliation with Five Star Real Estate, I have access to dozens of beautiful offices across the state of Michigan. I primarily serve West Michigan. For me, this loosely translates to: west of Lansing, South of Newaygo, North of Kalamazoo, includes Greater Grand Rapids (Rockford, Sparta, Ada, Cascade, Lowell, East Grand Rapids, Byron Center, & more), and along the Lake Michigan Lakeshore (Saugatuck, Douglas, Grand Haven, Holland, Muskegon & more).

West Michigan is known for our beautiful fresh water beaches with forest dotted sand dunes, verdant landscapes, and Grand Rapids (the 2nd largest city in the state). Grand Rapids is home to the Medical Mile, Heritage Hill (one of the largest historic districts in the country), Gerald R Ford International Airport (GRR), and several colleges and universities. I’ve helped clients relocate to West Michigan from Washington, Florida, Montana, California, Illinois, Ohio, and Colorado.

Are you moving outside West Michigan and still want to work together? I have a rich network of trusted referral partners around the country and world.

As a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), and member of CREA (Canada) & AMPI (Mexico), I’m available to consult on your international home or property purchases to help make your international dreams a reality. In some scenarios, I’m available to travel for out-of-area purchases, and I’m able to be a part of the process from my home-base in Michigan.

I’m continually building and nurturing my network of international tax consultants, currency advisors, real estate brokers, escrow and title professionals, lenders, and attorneys (real estate, immigration, estate, business incorporation). While I have relationships around the world, the strongest international connections I have to offer my clients are tied to Austria, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Canada.

 

Geography and Education

I’ve moved 31 times - throughout 3 U.S. states and 5 countries (U.S.A., Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and Spain). I understand the importance of home! I’ve lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan for a total of 16 years and lived in Detroit for close to 7 years. I’ve also lived in Milwaukee, WI and Chicago, IL. I currently own a home within the city of Grand Rapids.

I hold an M.A. in Linguistics, a B.A. in International Relations, and a B.A. in German. I speak English and German fluently, and am working on building fluency in Spanish.

Career

I spent the majority of my pre-real estate career in corporate America serving in Instructional Design and International Business roles.

I’ve been a licensed REALTOR® for 6 years (2018). I shifted to a full-time career in real estate in January 2021 following a Covid-related layoff. Real estate sales is endlessly fascinating, challenging, practical, and there’s always something new to learn. This career is a rewarding, high-stakes puzzle with many moving pieces to place and solve. I’m grateful for this opportunity and look forward to work every day. Real estate affects everyone, everywhere, every day. It’s my joy and honor to help provide my clients with wise council in this field.

I hold a Real Estate Broker license (2023) as well as the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS, 2023) designation through the National Association of REALTORS®. In 2023, I ranked in the Top 10% of agents in Greater Grand Rapids, based on real estate sales volume.

For details about my career and educational background, visit my LinkedIn profile.

Core Values

  • Inclusion: I value diversity and ensuring clients feel welcomed, appreciated, and respected

  • Hospitality: I prioritize warmth and generosity in client interactions

  • Integrity: I commit to honesty, ethical behavior, and doing the right thing

  • Resourcefulness: I find creative and effective solutions to challenges

  • Gratitude: In everything

  • Creativity: I value innovation, humor, and joy in problem solving and marketing

  • Strategy: I value focusing on long-term planning and thoughtful decision-making

  • Continuous Improvement: I work to enhance my skills, processes, and client experience

  • Professionalism: I maintain a high standard of conduct, reliability, and expertise

Credentials

Memberships & Affiliations

Hobbies & Interests

In no particular order: travel (have visited 25 countries on 5 continents), architecture, exploring cities, design, entrepreneurship, language study, art, quality time with friends, playing piano, audio books, learning anything new, long walks, time in nature, home improvement projects, social events, dance, yoga, pickleball, cooking, cross-country skiing, shared meals, and balancing out my long work days with naps.

Let’s Work Together

Schedule an introduction in person or via Zoom or Google Meet. Call or text me any day, anytime to confirm if working together is a good fit on both sides.