Meet Lara Dolan | Partner, The Craft Dolan Team at Ansley Real Estate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lara Dolan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lara, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
To be honest, there was not a lot of initial thought or planning… it was need-based. My husband and I decided to invest in some properties which I managed while staying home with the kids. Then a family member wanted to purchase some property in Georgia…then a friend had a client with properties needing to be managed… I quickly realized that obtaining my real estate license would be a nice “side hustle”, but only planned to use it for property management of my own and select clients. As the economy and the market emerged from the knock-out punch of 2008, I was simply paying attention. I knew that my skills in sales, consulting and contract negotiation would play well in traditional residential real estate.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been a Realtor in the North Fulton area for nearly 15 years. Contrary to what social media or reality TV may broadcast, this is not an easy career and it is not necessarily a path to riches. Like any business, especially any entrepreneurial business, you MUST work hard, work smart, take risks, build a reputation, build a brand, make a plan, revise your plan, divert from your plan, and do it over and over again. It is an industry wrought with mis-understanding: we don’t just drive around and show people pretty houses. Myself and my team take pride in providing deep market knowledge, advice and negotiation skills through every phase of property sales and acquisition.

This is an industry with a relatively low barrier for entry so there can be a lot of inexperience out there. Fortunately our team all have pre-real estate industry experience in sales, marketing, business operations and contract negotiations. Applying these skills to the business of real estate is a game-changer for our clients. Even after nearly a one and a half decades in real estate I’ve learned that every deal is different: we manage different personalities, properties, deal structures, maintenance issues, legal issues, market factors, life stages, and countless unexpected hurdles with grace. We take pride in being the calm in the storm, the voice of reason, and helping our clients stay focussed on the end game: a successful closing. Our brand is a smart brand, our clients’ confidence and trust in us is our most important asset.

Along the way I’ve learned to expect the unexpected. Things rarely unfold exactly as planned, but with clear and timely communication, crises can almost always be averted. I’ve also learned there is no substitute for in person meetings, or at least a live phone conversation. It is astonishing to me how often a text or email exchange can spiral into a negative situation that often neither party intended. When we have real-time and respectful dialogue we find solutions, common ground and opportunity.

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?
Atlanta is an adopted home-town for both myself (born and raised in Minnesota) and my New York husband. But after 25 years this is “home”, specifically Milton, Georgia. We have such a special place here and I love showing it off to friends, family and out-of-area clients. My perfect Saturday would start with a visit to the downtown Alpharetta farmers market to pick up fresh produce, breads and other treats…definitely nibbling along the way! I love to stop in and visit with my friends who own Sis & Moon boutique – lots of fun things to buy! For some exercise, I love a walk along Wood, Phillips or Brittle Road to see the lovely homes and equestrian estates; these and other gravel roads are fabulous Milton treasures to explore. A late brunch might find me at The Nest Cafe in Crabapple where grabbing a seat outside is a guaranteed opportunity to run into friends and neighbors to say hello (and the mimosas aren’t bad either!). Depending on what is going on around town, the evening might find us on The Green at Crabapple Market for an event, or perhaps a concert at Matildas, AmerisBank or Union Hill Park. Dinner often finds us at the harvest table (10 seats, just pull up next to whomever is there) at Olde Blind Dog, Milton’s or Seven Acre. We are guilty of not leaving the Milton/Alpharetta area… there is so much to do right here!

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’d like to shout out to the ShamFam, the ShamRockstars… the dedicated group of crazy people who have made ShamRockin’ for a Cure an epic, fund-raising machine, bettering the lives of people with cystic fibrosis and their families. ShamRockers give back, support each other, have boundless energy, and have helped me believe in myself, encouraged me to go beyond my comfort zone and engage deeply in my community resulting in, among other things, strong connections and success in business.

Website: https://www.ansleyre.com/site/laradolan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lara.dolan

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraadolan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lara.w.dolan