Speaker 1 0:00

I'm Miranda Stevens . I'm with Compass Real Estate and I work with all buyers , sellers , renters , anyone interested in real estate which area . I am licensed in DC and Maryland , and soon to be Virginia , but with our network at Compass , though , we can work with clients all over the country .

Speaker 2 0:21

To be honest , that's perfect over the country , to be honest , that's perfect . Take me back to the very beginning of this journey and walk me through from

From Communications to Real Estate

Speaker 2 0:30

that point to here .

Speaker 1 0:31

The very beginning of real estate .

Speaker 2 0:33

Yeah , your real estate journey .

Speaker 1 0:34

Okay , well , I was actually doing communications and marketing for a contractor in the Rockville area and that's usually a lot of the transition . What former TV people do ? They go into communications or public relations . But it kind of opened my eyes to real estate , even though it was commercial , and it just made me think this is really cool and , just , you know , was intrigued by real estate even more , even though I had been watching HGTV forever . But it just showed more of the side of how things come together . They really focused on condos and other buildings , still a little bit of the residential side . But I just really always wanted to kind of do my own thing and real estate gave me that opportunity . So I got my license and that was it .

Speaker 2 1:24

Here you are .

Speaker 1 1:25

Here I am .

Speaker 2 1:34

So you transitioned from a 12-year career as a reporter to becoming a realtor Right . What parallels do you see between telling people stories in journalism and guiding them through one of the biggest chapters of their lives ?

Speaker 1 1:41

Oh , definitely there are a lot of similarities actually between the two industries and , like you said , it's telling stories . Every transaction is a story . It's a different story , different people , different problems , different things that happen throughout . So it's a learning process and I love that . Like I don't want a boring job , I like having something

Journalism Skills in Real Estate

Speaker 1 2:05

different all the time and there's always a new challenge with every transaction and I love the challenge and I love helping people . So it's you know , it's a great marriage in terms of you know my personality and putting it all into place in real estate .

Speaker 2 2:19

Talk to me a little bit about your values . How do your values guide your work with clients ?

Speaker 1 2:30

How do you make sure they feel seen , heard and cared for ? Yeah , I think that's a great question . I am very much about treat people how I would want to be treated . You know , I've had situations where people where I'm speaking up for the client and they don't even know it , you know , and then they find out later and I'm like , well , that's what I would do for myself . So it's all about integrity and just treating people like you would want to be treated .

Speaker 2 2:56

It's important . Buying or selling a home can be one of the most emotional decisions and biggest decisions people make . How do you help clients navigate the journey with confidence ?

Speaker 1 3:01

Well , I think education is key , you know and that kind of speaks to my background it's all about informing people , educating people , and I think the more educated you are as a client , the better the transaction will be and you'll have confidence and , hopefully , trust in me . So I think that's just where it comes down to just transparency , education and just holding the client's hand throughout the process .

Speaker 2 3:25

So you pour your heart into helping your clients . How does that mindset influence the culture of the people you collaborate with Stagers , lenders , contractors and other partners .

Speaker 1 3:36

Well , I really do try to find partners , vendors , who are in line with what my business is about . If I have a bad experience , you know I'm always open to trying new people . But I have had a good experience with certain people who I know will treat my clients just as well , if not better , than I will , and that's important to me . So if I have a relationship and it doesn't go well , then I won't use that person again . But it's all about building trust and relationships .

Speaker 2 4:07

So how do your specialized designations help you better serve clients from all walks of life ?

Speaker 1 4:13

I'm glad you asked about that , because those designations mean a lot to me . I don't just go for every designation that's out there because there are a lot . I go for the ones that really mean something to me , especially like , for example , the seniors . I'm a seniors real estate specialist . I have a special place in my heart for seniors because my grandmother lived to be 93 , which she outlived my mom , who passed away at 49 . So my grandmother

Values and Client Relationships

Speaker 1 4:44

really stepped in as my mom and so it was very important , you know , with her care as she got older , just making sure people took care of her , and so and I've just always had that love for seniors because they can be the most vulnerable , just like children , and so it's important to me that you know a designation like that or the others that I have it actually means something , and so it just helps me do my job even better .

Speaker 2 5:12

That's beautiful . What's your philosophy on teamwork , both with clients and within the Compass Network ?

Speaker 1 5:18

Oh well , compass , I'm probably messing it up , but it's collaborate without ego , is their saying , and I love that about Compass because I actually do see that in play . I've had probably more support with Compass than any other brokerage I've been with and I've been in this business almost 10 years , so I love that . But just teamwork , I actually approach my clients . That's my approach . When I meet clients , I say we're a team , I'm not leading this . I mean I'm leading this , but at the end of the day you're the boss , but we're together , we're a team , so we're going to hopefully make decisions together , or at least I can help guide you to make the decisions that are best for you .

Speaker 2 6:01

So , as a real estate negotiation expert , what's one negotiation strategy you use that clients might not even realize is happening behind the scenes ?

Speaker 1 6:13

Well , I think there are a lot . Sometimes it's about and this is something that I had learned when I was going after that certification Sometimes it's not about replying immediately , giving it some time . You know , it's amazing how time can change things in terms of the transaction and the negotiations . So it's little things you do , you know . You pick up like that that can help . So they wouldn't know necessarily that I didn't get back to the other side immediately . You know , maybe sometimes give it a little bit of time . So just little things like that .

Speaker 2 6:46

And that all comes from experience , I'm sure .

Speaker 1 6:48

Yeah , experience , and yeah , for sure , yeah .

Speaker 2 6:52

What do you love most about helping people write the next chapter of their lives through home ownership ?

Speaker 1 6:57

Well , I love especially just seeing people accomplish something that's such a huge , you know deal . I mean it's a big deal to buy a home , especially as a first time home buyer . A lot of people are afraid and their you know fear can stop people from doing things . So I think you know sorry , what was the question .

Speaker 2 7:19

I was going with it . How do you ? What do you love most about helping people write the next chapter of their lives through homeownership ? Okay , yeah .

Speaker 1 7:27

I think it's seeing how they started out and how they ended . A lot of times things evolve . In most cases , people go from saying one thing they may have all these big ideas and thoughts that are like that's not realistic ,

Celebrating with Clients

Speaker 1 7:43

but then they come quickly to realize okay , and and they , you know , hopefully are taking my advice and seeing the end product is great . You know , to be able to purchase a home , especially as a first time home buyer , it's a big deal and I love to see that that's beautiful .

Speaker 2 7:59

Congratulations on your GC AAR 2025 recognition award . Thank you . What specifically does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally ?

Speaker 1 8:09

Well , this is actually my first award ever . Like it's so funny and I posted about that that this was not even in television I received an award . But I feel like I was always that person who's just kind of quiet and I don't necessarily jump at awards opportunities and I honestly don't remember . I don't know how I got this award . I guess they just looked at what I've done . But it was a privilege and honor to do that , to receive that , because , like I said , I'd never gotten that type of recognition in the past . But I was proud . You know , it's a nice thing to be recognized and it just pushes me to continue doing what I'm doing .

Speaker 2 8:48

Yes , recognition is always good . It's nice . How do you celebrate wins with your clients when they reach their goals ?

Speaker 1 8:55

Oh well , at the closing table , I try to make it a party . I even say come with your photo ready . Looks you know . But everybody knows with my buyers , I treat them with cupcakes at closing . I actually make that a thing . I started that early on in like 2018 . And now it's like my little thing where I get excited about it . But I try to make every cupcake different , like some things you'll see over and over . But there are things about the experience maybe that I'll highlight in the cupcake . You know , or something cute that I learned or funny about the client , just to personalize it . But of course you know . Or something cute that I learned or funny about the client just to personalize it . But of course , you know , it's not just cupcakes . I always give my clients gifts as well , but I love that part because their reaction is always great , especially some of the more animated clients . So that's fun , that is so fun .

Speaker 2 9:51

I love that . You've described yourself as a proud mom . How has motherhood shaped your perspective as a realtor and business owner ?

Speaker 1 10:01

It's funny because I was actually taking classes for real estate when my son was only like six months old . So just , you know , he's my little assistant sometimes . He's sometimes come along with me if I'm showing houses not often , but it's just . I think this because , especially being a full-time realtor and being a

Motherhood and Community Leadership

Speaker 1 10:24

mom , of course I'm doing a great job , because obviously , if my clients are happy , they're going to tell other people about me and continue this . But this is , you know , this is my only job , so I have to do my best and be good at it , because that's what helps me take care of my family .

Speaker 2 10:48

You're also a member of the Delta Sigma , theta Sorority yes , proud .

Speaker 1 10:53

How does that ?

Speaker 2 10:54

sisterhood and community influence your approach to leadership and service .

Speaker 1 10:58

Oh well , it's funny because I wanted to be a Delta because of my sister initially . But our organization is known for having some big name , big leaders , and it was those people early on , even when I was in the television business . I looked at them as like wow , they're part of this sorority . I definitely want to be a part of that , but it's just . I think it's just ingrained . I think the organization attracts leaders and so you know , our thing is about helping the community , so that's big for me . I don't volunteer as much as I would like to , but it's just important in giving back . And obviously real estate is , you know , my job , but I also look at it as I'm helping people , especially people who look like me and don't understand the importance of like home ownership and building generational wealth . So that just it just comes . It goes hand in hand , I think .

Speaker 2 12:00

Yeah , that's wonderful . My last question for you Sure , when clients think of working with you , what's the one thing you hope they'll always remember about the experience , besides the cupcakes ?

Speaker 1 12:10

Besides the cupcakes , yes , that I was communicating with them the entire time . I had great communication . I get that a lot and that's important to me . I never want someone to think , oh Miranda didn't tell me that , or I didn't know about that , or my realtor didn't you know . So it's very important and I hope that a lot of people and I think they do it's very important and I hope that a lot of people and I think they do leave knowing that I was always transparent , communicated , you know , and sometimes too honest , but that's , that's just . You know my personality , who I am , so I'm going to always do that in my business .

Speaker 2 12:49

That's wonderful . Communication is very important , very so . I love to hear that .

Speaker 1 12:53

Yeah , you'd be surprised how little communication goes on sometimes . Yeah , Between , I'm like you know , and especially with people who may work with me after working with another realtor . They said no , they didn't tell me any of this . I didn't , and this is my first time . I'm so glad you sat down and explained it Like like wow , you should be doing that .

Speaker 2 13:16

Well , is there anything else that you want to share or add to the conversation that I have not touched on ?

Speaker 1 13:22

Well , I guess it's my shameless plug If it's out there just with my homebuyer workshops . I started these in 2018 and now call them homeowner sips , and the next one is September 11th next Thursday actually , but it's a home buying workshop with a twist . So we're actually going to be at a new location at Boy Crew Wines in Savage Maryland , but we're going to sip wine , have some fun

Homeowner Sips Workshop

Speaker 1 13:52

but , most importantly , educate people about the home buying process , especially in this economy .

Speaker 2 13:57

So that's something else and you look like somebody fun to go hang out with .

Speaker 1 14:02

I hope so , and the funny part is I'll confess I don't even drink wine . I rarely drink anything , but I know people enjoy it and you know I can find something that I like . But yeah , it should be a lot of fun . That's wonderful .

Speaker 2 14:17

Thank you so much for being on the show .

Speaker 1 14:19

Well , thank you for having me . This was fun . Thank you Appreciate it .