“I was so nervous, but I weighed my pros and cons, and jumped,” says Beacham agent Hilary Bell on her transition into real estate. After being a teacher for nineteen years and a successful run in the building industry with her family business, Hilary’s transition into real estate was a natural one.
Originally from Tampa, Hilary attended Florida State University then moved to Atlanta after graduating, and she’s been a resident ever since! Her close friend, now colleague, Kristen Sodemann told her, “You really should go into real estate, you know houses, you’ve built houses…come work with me,” giving her the final push. Hilary joined the Skogstad-Sodemann team, which consists of Kristen Sodemann and Ruth Skogstad, who together have been selling real estate in Atlanta for two generations. After learning invaluable experience from the best, Hilary made the decision to go off on her own at the beginning of this year (2020) and rebranded to Hilary Bell Homes.
Hilary’s passion for real estate stems from her love of helping others and finding excitement through all the different avenues in this industry. Working with new home buyers and friends who are downsizing, she is always there for her clients to lean on and help them set up their nest; understanding firsthand how emotional this experience can be. Hilary’s knowledge of Atlanta’s school system is simply unmatched. With her girls having attended a few different schools and her education background from teaching at many of them, this is especially useful for clients moving in from out-of-town. Staying incredibly involved in the community, she is currently active in Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, held various positions on the PTA at Warren T. Jackson, is a member of the Chastain Park Conservancy, the Atlanta Food Bank and also attends Peachtree Road Methodist.
This is Hilary’s first year as an individual agent, and while 2020 has already proven difficult to navigate and the future for everyone is unpredictable, Hilary is looking forward to a busy summer and fall as she continues to establish and expand Hilary Bell Homes.
What influenced your career move from teacher to real estate agent?
“My first teaching experience and being married to a builder helped me transition to real estate in so many ways. Teaching in four schools in the Atlanta area also made me very knowledgeable of the different schools and areas. All buyers need to be aware of their local schools, whether they have school age children or are using private or public schools. These are the single most biggest attraction to buying real estate, so being aware helps buyers and sellers.”
Why do you Broker with Beacham?
“Since joining real estate I have only worked for Beacham and Company. I knew I wanted to start my career working with the Skogstad-Sodemann Team, so it was an easy choice! After getting to know Glennis Beacham I can’t imagine working for another broker. She is honest, fair and cares about her agents. That is how I feel about all of my clients, so it is the perfect fit to work for a company that shares the same values as I do.”
Do you believe a certain personality trait attributes to your success?
“Building a friendship with all of my clients makes my transactions a positive experience. All of them are built on trust, honesty and the ability to listen and care about their needs. A home is most likely their biggest asset and they need to know I will always be a friend first!”
Has anyone in this industry directly influenced you? If so, how?
“Kristen Sodemann and Ruth Skogstad have been instrumental in my success. They helped me create checklists to meet all deadlines, shared contractors and professionals in the field, read contracts and helped me with special stipulations and introduced me to so many agents in the business. Kristen has been my mentor and biggest supporter, and I appreciate everything she has helped me do. I hope to be able to mentor new agents and pay it forward someday soon!”
How would you say you are adapting to the current Covid-19 pandemic?
“During this pandemic I have had to be creative. With listings, I have completed drone videos so buyers are able to virtually tour the property. I have been reaching out to past, present and future clients through phone conversations and drop offs. For example, I am supporting local businesses by dropping off food and flowers on front door steps…because who doesn’t love flowers? They brighten anyone’s day! I am reaching out by phone to at least five clients a day. If I can put a smile on someone’s face every day that makes me happy and feel like I am doing positive things during this crazy time.”
What energizes you outside of work?
“I am a people person, so being around friends and family energizes me! If you can do it outside, even better! I love to do activities outside with friends and family. The past couple summers I’ve traveled to Crested Butte, CO with my brother. I love it out there!”
What is something most people probably don’t know about you?
“I have become a regular on the Atlanta & Company TV show! I sit on a panel of four, including myself, the two hosts and another guest. We have an open question and answer session on any number of topics. I have enjoyed this opportunity to speak to our community about my personal experiences.”
Where is the farthest you’ve ever traveled from home?
“I had an apartment in Florence, Italy for five months. It was the longest time away from home and the best time of my life. Meeting so many different people, adapting to another culture and traveling is the greatest gift of all!”
What makes your house a home?
“In my experience of owning multiple homes, I have learned home truly is where the heart is. When I got divorced, I was afraid for my three daughters to move from their house and move to a smaller space, but we have embraced it! Yes, our house is smaller, but our home is still warm, cozy, safe and filled with family dinners, friends, laughter and so much love! Stuff doesn’t make a home, these things do!”
If you’re interested in working with Hilary, click here!
