By Vanessa Saunders – Founder & CEO – Global Property Systems
Coming from a corporate global marketing background, transitioning to real estate in 2002 might seem a stretch for some, but not for me. With a strong moral compass guiding my every move, I quickly realized that the real estate industry craved disruption.
In the Beginning
Before embarking on my real estate journey, I had been deeply rooted in global marketing, working alongside Fortune 500 companies. My endeavors and experiences in this realm gave me a unique perspective that most in the real estate sector didn’t possess.
However, life had its plans. A catastrophic incident in the form of the 9/11 attacks became an inflection point in my life. The devastation of that day prompted me to contemplate my direction and seek safer avenues.
A Shift in Perspective
Embracing the real estate industry, I committed to high ethical standards and transparency. But being honest was not enough; I aimed to revolutionize how business was done. A decade of relentless effort as an agent resulted in obtaining my Associate Brokers’ license. But that was just the start.
In February 2012, I took the leap of faith and founded Global Property Systems, the first cloud-based brokerage on the East Coast, ingeniously merging the domains of real estate and marketing.
For those interested in diving deeper into my journey, my 2019 interview with Inman News sheds light on my ethos and drive to stand out. More recently, my thoughts on maintaining honesty in the real estate business have been highlighted in a feature by Reminder Media a leading industry media outlet. Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of sharing my insights on their podcast.
While the title of my upcoming book and podcast, “Never Trust a Realtor,” might appear provocative at first glance, it’s essential to clarify that it’s not intended as a critique of my colleagues in the profession. Instead, it serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the necessary changes and evolutions the industry needs to undergo, albeit in my humble opinion, to exist in the future. The aim is to bridge the trust gap with the public and foster a relationship founded on transparency, honesty, and mutual respect.
Embracing Future Endeavors
In addition to my deep commitment to transforming the real estate industry, I’m venturing into another promising domain. Currently, I’m laying the groundwork for a pioneering company that aims to cater to our aging population in an unparalleled manner. Recognizing the profound importance of allowing our elders to age in place comfortably, this venture seeks to introduce an entirely new solution. The potential of this endeavor to elevate the quality of life for many is something I’m deeply passionate about. For anyone interested in learning more or exploring collaboration opportunities, I encourage you to contact me directly.