In Good Company: Julie Bell
Julie Bell serves as an Exclusive Listing Agent for our Raleigh office. She has recently finished up her first year working at Mark Spain Real Estate and has already made some major accomplishments along the way! Julie hails from Cary, NC and enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her pets! Julie is a fast paced, hardworking individual and we are incredibly proud of her hard work and dedication to her clients. We are so excited to highlight Julie Bell and her talents!
Tell us about you, Julie! Where were you born, where did you grow up? What do you enjoy in your free time?
My name is Julie Bell and I was born in Greensboro, NC which is about half-way between Raleigh and Charlotte. When I was 2 weeks old, my parents moved us to Cary which is right outside of Raleigh. At the time, Cary was tiny. My Dad started his own surveying and civil engineering company (my first exposure to the real estate world) and saw a lot of success as Cary grew to the size that it is now. I’ve moved away several times only to come back. I love the small town feel Cary holds despite being a bigger city.
Growing up in Cary was simply perfect. I had the idyllic childhood that most people wish for their kids. Playing outside until dark, the same kids in my class year to year, great schools, the feeling of safety, etc. I went to college and grad school at UNC for Health Administration, and Duke for Public Policy! I am a huge Carolina fan!
In my spare time I really enjoy being with my friends and family, especially my 16-yr old daughter Madeleine and our two dachshunds, Sammy and Penny. I love photography and even had my own business for awhile! Additionally, I enjoy working with groups that promote older adult issues, eating out, and festivals.
When did you get involved in real estate and how did you become a part of MSRE?
I became part of MSRE just a little over a year ago. I got my license and signed up with another agency for about 5 months. There was no support, no training, no leadership, and I was paying tons of money in brokerage fees, marketing, training, etc. When I was about to quit real estate, I saw an ad for MSRE on Facebook and applied. Almost immediately, I received a call for a phone interview. Things progressed and I was offered a position in a then very small Raleigh office.
I was in awe of the business model and it’s growth. I knew I had to be part of it. The leads were definitely intriguing but at the time it wasn’t why I signed up; it was because of the people I met, everyone in the office was amazing, and our values. I wanted to work for a company that knew who they were. I feel incredibly lucky that I got in during the early stages as I have learned so much about business throughout this amazing journey that Raleigh has been on.
Why Mark Spain Real Estate?
I chose MSRE because I saw an amazing opportunity to contribute to a team. I’m definitely more of a team-player than an individual agent and a solid team was a must-have. The leadership is amazing. They not only care about us as a team but as individuals as well. We are given a vast array of tools to succeed and all you have to do is take them and run.
Leadership is accessible and approachable at MSRE unlike many agencies. I haven’t been this motivated or felt this appreciated in any other workplace. My coaches help me in ways more than they could ever imagine. Finally, I believe and support the values of MSRE. I have implemented many of the values into my personal life and living under these values makes a huge difference in how you see things and react to issues.
What is your favorite part about the people you work with?
I absolutely adore everyone here. We all help and teach each other, celebrate our wins together, and push each other to reach our goals. I have made so many deep friendships at Mark Spain Real Estate, even outside of the Raleigh office. Not only do we talk business with each other, but we are able to laugh together as well. When I was starting out and struggling, my teammates were there for me. I am trying to give back now to new agents and it’s very fulfilling.
Everyone is so friendly, open, helpful, positive, and knowledgeable. Our leaders know exactly how to hire and only choose the best of the best. I am humbled to be a member of MSRE and work with such incredible people. They make my experience so much better. We are a true team, and the very best team in my opinion!
What have you learned the most from working at MSRE?
What haven’t I learned at MSRE?? I’ve learned major industry and life skills during this past year. Probably like most agents, I have learned a tremendous amount about real estate during this year. When I first started, I came in knowing absolutely nothing. I feel that I have learned more than many agents in other agencies learn in 5-10 years in just one year!
I gained confidence from my early appointments and learned how to tackle bigger issues. This lead to better sales skills and knowledge of real estate concepts. My ability to create relationships with my clients has improved the most. I have had so many different clients who each needed different things that I learned quickly how to work with different kinds of people. Nothing beats on the job experience and with MSRE I have been so lucky to have a vast amount of opportunities to gain that experience.
Favorite food?
I love trying new food, especially ethnic and Southern foods. Deciding on just one is hard. I guess my favorite food right now is Korean BBQ at a place called the Golden Pig in Cary. Locally run, my daughter and I go there to celebrate little wins. I am also a huge fan of fried green tomatoes, especially with goat cheese and balsamic vinegar on top!!
What is a hidden talent you have, Julie?
I think that my hidden talent is building relationships. I’m such a huge people person that I like to get close to others and learn as much as I can about their life, their challenges and successes, their philosophies, etc. I have learned so much from all types of people throughout the years. Listening is key in building trust.
Who inspires you in life?
My parents have been my true inspirations in life. My Dad is one of the smartest people you will ever meet. He reads, researches, listens and knows so much about so many things. He started and maintained a successful business for over 40 years and has an incredible work ethic. My Mom is the most compassionate and giving person I’ve ever met. She looks out for everyone and puts others before herself. Both of my parents were key in the formation of my personality and are the best parents and friends I could possibly ask for.
My daughter, Maddy, is also a true inspiration. I was incredibly lucky to get such a smart, passionate, artistic, self-driven, and responsible child. She is preparing for bigger and better things in college and has a life plan already. I see her drive and it helps motivate me even further. I want to be a good example for her.
Finally, my teammates are mad inspiration! Watching their successes spurs me on to succeed as well.
What are you looking forward to this year?
I’m looking forward to so much! The possibilities are endless here. I am watching the Raleigh team continue to grow and I’m excited about what’s to come for us. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow my business and breaking personal records. I’m implementing actions that will help me do just that, such as mentoring a few people and helping my team in any way I can. I am excited about working with new clients, as well as old clients. I’m starting to see a few clients return or refer me to others!
Personally, I am also excited about growing through coaching, reading, skill-building, and training. And I’m excited about watching my daughter grow into the amazing young lady that she is and starting to accomplish her own big goals with the SAT/ACT and college applications!
Interested in joining the MSRE team and working with superstars like Julie Bell? Click here to learn more!
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Mark Spain Real Estate is grateful to serve all of Metro Atlanta and Athens in Georgia, Charlotte and Raleigh in North Carolina, Orlando and Tampa in Florida, and Nashville in Tennessee!
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