We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Yabroudy and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Erin, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I have learned to ebb and flow with the market – when it is very active, there is less time for balance (although I am always vigilant about family time, exercise, and sleep!). When the market is slower, such as in summer and to some degree over the Christmas holidays, I used to fret and be anxious. Now I trust in the amazing relationships I have built over time and know the business will come. I use that “down time” to invest further in my team, my family and myself. I am a firm believer that I am no good to my clients, my team and my family if I don’t take care of myself!
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I would like the world to know that no one will work harder for them!
I am a full service Realtor. I am there for my clients from start to finish, whether they are buying or selling, and I love the friendships I have built along the way. At this point, while I do mailers and some advertising, most of my business comes from referrals. Almost nothing makes me feel as good as when a happy client asks me to work with a friend, relative or colleague – what a compliment!
If I am working with a seller, I spend quite a bit of time learning what that client loves and values most about their home so that I may showcase that with potential buyers. We work together on home preparation and staging. I assist with scheduling and meeting various tradespeople including painters, handymen, window washers, stagers, etc. (I have an arsenal of top-notch helpers!) Once the home is ready, I work with world class photographers and videographers so that we may present the home in the most exciting way possible. The marketing team at Harry Norman is amazing! We collaborate on all materials – collateral for on-site showings, digital and print advertisements, social media and more. I show by appointment so that I may assist a buyer’s agent in informing a buyer on the area and making sure they understand all the wonderful features of the home.
When I work with a buyer, we have an in-depth discussion on their wish list. I work with a team of agents so we are always available to show a new listing! We are intimately familiar with neighborhoods throughout Atlanta, and can help guide a buyer towards a property that will please them for years to come – be it an investment or a place to call home! I have mastered the art of negotiation in this competitive market and have helped many buyers achieve success in multiple offer situations as well as times when a property may be long for sale. I assist through the inspection and appraisal/financing periods for buyers and sellers, and negotiation continues until we sit at the closing table!
I foster excellent relationships with other agents in town (we are not competitors – we are colleagues!) because so much business is done off market. Whether working with buyers or sellers, you must stay in front of other top agents to best serve your clients.
I have built my business from scratch and I am very proud of that. I am not a native Atlantan and did not have a background in real estate when I started more than 16 years ago. I did everything – from meeting neighbors and friends literally on the street, to becoming involved in my own neighborhood as a donor and volunteer, to stuffing mailers at my dining room table, to convincing a for sale by owner client who’d been trying to sell for years that I could bring a strong buyer in a short period of time (and I did!). Essentially, I worked tirelessly 7 days a week all year long for many years, and I continue to do that for my clients and my team members. Real estate is all the time! I have mentored a number of agents over the years and I am proud of the success they have achieved – they have bought homes of their own, started teams, and lived out many dreams. I hope that I have inspired them in some way. Also, I am very proud to work with Harry Norman Realtors – Atlanta’s first residential real estate firm!
At this point, I have a strong balance between work and family. I know that my business will ebb and flow depending on the season, the financial markets, inventory, etc. I know that when it is busy I must work longer hours, but that there will be slower times when I can recharge. I have surrounded myself with excellent colleagues so that I can attend children’s sporting and school events, travel with my family and friends, exercise and stay focused and healthy.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
What a tough question! Atlanta has so much to offer! We’ll start right here in Ansley Park with a walk through my beautiful neighborhood and a stroll into Piedmont Park. We’ll continue on the Beltline to Ponce City Market which is filled with great food and interesting shopping. From there, on to Inman Park for cocktails and more food – I love the smaller independent restaurants there! Sotto Sotto is a personal favorite for a yummy Italian dinner! I would finish with a nightcaps at Delbar!
Day 2 is Midtown, Virginia Highlands and Colony Square! Breakfast at Joy Cafe – yummy avocado toast and a mimosa! After walking that off we’ll be ready for lunch at the newly revamped Colony Square Food Hall, Politan Row, whch has everything from sushi to pizza to burgers. Depending on the season we might play a little Bocce or take a turn on the ice rink. Then, we’ll pop over the Virginia Highland and check out the adorable bungalow style homes and do a little shopping. Maybe a martini at Highland Tap? Dinner will be a bit off the beaten path in Midtown for Atlanta’s best fried chicken at the Colonnade on Cheshire Bridge.
Day 3 is West Midtown – we might have to sleep in, so let’s start with lunch at my all-time favorite, Taqueria Del Sol. They have the BEST tacos, cheese dip and turnip greens in town! Ann Mashburn is right next door – one of my faves for women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry and “etcetera”. It is full of unique and special items that are constantly updated! If we’re feeling generous, we’ll pop into Sid Mashburn and pick up a little something for the fellas – just like Ann but for the men in our lives. They share a cute coffee bar which we’ll need to power us through an afternoon at Putt Shack (upscale putt putt golf) which is so much fun for families and adults! Finally, dinner at Miller Union. Don’t tell my daughter but if they have rabbit on the menu, I’ll be having it!
Day 4 Buckhead let’s start at Tootsies, a huge women’s boutique that is overwhelming unless you have a fabulous helper like Sara Mixon in your rolodex! Lunch at Le Colonial or Le Bilboquet in Buckhead Village District followed by some fancy shopping – Hermes, Jimmy Choo, Intermix and more! We will definitely stop by Onward Reserve for some gifts for the children in high school and college and Lucy’s Market for all kinds of unique gifts and foodie items! Next, Rebecca Boutique which is my other favorite clothing shop. They have beautiful pieces for everyday and special occasions. From there, cocktails at Himitsu’s secret cocktail bar and dinner at Umi. Maybe, just maybe, some late night dancing at Johnny’s Hideaway
Day 5 Let’s head to Highlands, NC for the weekend! It is a wonderful getaway in the mountains and only 2 hours north of Atlanta! We’ll hike gorgeous trails, shop downtown at all the fun shops and boutiques like Annawear, Vivace, Bardo, Acorn’s, The Dry Sink and more. Breakfast at the Blue Bike (they have an amazing burrito!) or Mountain Fresh Grocery for the best oatmeal! If you’re not a breakfast person, maybe just a strong cup of coffee at Calder’s! For lunch, we have to get my all-time favorite chicken and rice soup for lunch at Sweet Treats. Dinner at Ristorante Paoletti of course. If he’s playing, Cy Timmons in the Hummingbird Lounge for some great tunes and a nightcap. Another great dinner option is Wild Thyme – menu changes daily and is always so creative and delicious! Of course, we will stay at Old Edwards Inn – maybe we will score one of the fireplace cottages!!! We’ll unwind in the spa and reflect on a fantastic week.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family! First – my parents who taught me that I could do anything! They instilled in me a heart of love and service and a sense of humor. Next – my husband and children – they deserve so much credit for supporting and taking care of me, and they are the reason I do what I do! My goal in life is to provide a great life for them. One where they do not have to worry about necessities so that they may focus on their education and societal involvement, and so that we can all have a little fun together!
Website: www.erinyabroudy.com
Instagram: @erinyabroudyandassociates
Linkedin: erin yabroudy
Facebook: erin yabroudy & associates
Image Credits
Doug Sindelar Patrick Heagney Daniel Dahlstrom Mary Catherine Brownfield