Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Altmann.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cassandra. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story or journey, rather, to become a REALTOR has pretty relatable origins. Like most people, I really wanted to find my purpose and to be able to use my strengths and interests to help people. It took a little trial and error to get here. I knew I liked putting together the pieces of a puzzle and strategizing to make a positive change for others. This led me to several years with a boutique recruitment firm where I helped professionals make strides in their careers while also helping companies improve their talent base. I also worked for a short period of time for a college admissions office, advising students on their choices for majors and career options. While both of these paths leveraged my strengths in research, listening, and problem-solving, they both lacked the opportunity to be self-directed, mobile, creative, and efficient, which are all key facets to my own career goals. When I look back and read the clues, I realize that at a very young age I wanted to have my own business.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been smooth, but if it had, it would have been pretty darn boring. I stand 5 feet tall in flats, which is what I wear most days running around to showings and appointments, and on top of that, when I started real estate, I looked a lot younger than I was. I started real estate when I was 28 and still getting carded at movie theaters let alone at the bar. I built up a lot of patience and resilience in my efforts to be taken seriously as a professional and business owner. But the reality is that not everyone is going to vibe with you, so rather than force the relationship, it’s about connecting with people with whom you share mutual respect and who value the service you provide.
Don’t play into the role or stereotype that someone else is projecting on you. I know that’s hard. As women, we’re often conditioned to make everyone else feel comfortable. Add being in sales… it sometimes feels like that appeasing is written in the job description. It doesn’t have to be. Bringing your authentic self to the table goes a lot further in the long run.
Please tell us about Altmann | Ayala Realty Team with Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty.
I am Partner at the Altmann | Ayala Realty Team with Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty based in my hometown of San Diego, California. Luisa Ayala and I serve both buyers and sellers together; this allows us to essentially be in two places at once if we need to but still providing our clients with a fiduciary at each stage rather than relying on assistants to step in. Saying that we sell houses doesn’t cut it. We focus on empowering our clients to make sound real estate decisions that ultimately support their future and other personal goals. We help our clients understand the positive investment that homeownership can be as well as leverage that investment as sellers. We take the time to check in with our clients regarding their lifestyle habits and needs, providing them with insight, sometimes even homework, in order to help guide them on which neighborhoods and communities are going to be the best fit for them. Because of that we work with many military personnel and families as well as relocating clients from around the world. San Diego is an international melting pot and its diverse landscape allows us to find an ideal home base for just about anyone.
Despite our team being just a few years old, Luisa and I have a lot to be proud of. Luisa is NAHREP Vice President and Member Director for the San Diego Chapter and was nominated to be President next year. We are also extremely proud of our charitable commitment. The relationships we build with our clients have allowed us to give back to the community of San Diego as well as internationally–Make-A-Wish San Diego, World Housing, and The Barking Lot, to name a few.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
I have to say this is my advice for everyone, not just women. Be confident, but admit to your mistakes, it’s the only way to truly appreciate your successes when they come. Be kind and clear in your communications with everyone. It’s okay to say, “I don’t know” but make sure to follow it with “but I will find out.” Take risks even if you fail, and take note of what you learn along the way.
Contact Info:
- Address: 810 West Washington Street
San Diego, CA 92103 - Website: www.altmannayalarealtyteam.com
- Phone: 858.449.6966
- Email: cassandraaltmann@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/cassandraaltmann
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/AltmannAyalaRealtyTeam
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/cassandraaltmann
Image Credit:
Brianna Ayala Photography (the photo with me in the green dress and the team photo in against the rock wall)
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