The role of a real estate agent is bigger than facilitating transactions. When you ask a real estate agent why he or she loves the job, you’ll realize that it’s about helping people find safe, secure housing so they can build a life and build memories.
Real estate agents help build communities, and not just through helping people buy or sell their homes. They take pride in and love the communities they live and work in, which means they tend to be an even bigger part of the community than your average neighbor.
Mark Jannetta is a real estate agent in Austin who perfectly embodies this through the work he does at Posada Esperanza, a shelter for refugee families and their children.
The kids who live in temporary housing through this transitional housing program don’t have the opportunity to go out unless volunteers pick them up and take them places. That’s why Mark brings the children to a local skate park and teaches them how to skateboard. Most of the kids don’t speak English, but that doesn’t faze Mark – it’s all about sharing life lessons and helping them have a little fun.
“I wasn’t put on this earth just to make money. I wasn’t put on this earth just to sell real estate. I’m here to make a difference and help other people.”
Mark Jannetta
Watch this video to see what life lessons Mark teaches the kids through skateboarding, and what advice he has for other real estate agents who want to get more involved in their community.
Are you a real estate agent who’s giving back to your community, too? Whether you’re helping clean up local parks, volunteering to feed the homeless, or giving your time in a different way, we want to hear your story. Click to share how you’re giving back, and we may feature your story more broadly in the coming months.
We’d like to extend a thank-you to all agents for the work they do – not only are they irreplaceable parts of the real estate industry, but they are integral parts of their communities as well.