On a Personal Note...

Life was slipping out my grasp, and I started to lose hope. I fought to regain control. My main motivation: keeping custody of my children and giving them a good life. I had to figure out a way to support myself and seven children, and there was nothing on the horizon showing me the way. 

Life was good for me in 1977! I spent my time between a gorgeous Thoroughbred Farm in Rancho Santa Fe California and our house on the beach in Del Mar. My dad had prospered in real estate and provided a wonderful, privileged life for his family. Being in one of the first graduating classes at Torrey Pines High School, everything was new and young, including the faculty.

The beach was where EVERYONE was. It was that summer that my English teacher introduced me to John, his friend John fresh to Del Mar from Aspen. Because the beach was the place for all to be, John frequently stopped to talk to me, and thus began a lifelong friendship. Unfortunately, due to my mother suffering from bipolar disorder and other reasons, my parents divorced. As a heavily religious girl, a divorce did not fit in my life’s outlook.

Once my dad left, the only protection or guidance I had was a mentally ill mother who drowned her sorrows in money and men. All I wanted was to marry a Christian man and be a mother. I grew up sheltered and naïve; because of this, when my husband came into my life, I was oblivious to his motives. We were all deceived by my husband’s intentions. I married him, and he gained control of my mother’s estate.

By the time everything was gone, I had five children. By the time I had seven, he divorced me with the idea that he would gain custody of the children by accusing me of the same disorder my mother suffered from, and force me to pay child support! The marriage had been far less than my dream. My “husband” had been emotionally abusive, erasing all my confidence and memory of who I really was. 

Somehow, I talked him into taking me to visit my mother’s new home in Oklahoma. That visit changed my life, and I did not go back! However, it was a hard road. With no money, skills or possessions, it was myself and my children against the world!

With the continual pressure on me to find a way to support my massive family , I finally found somewhere to live – an old store/gas station with a home in the back, so cold in the winter icicles formed on the inside of the windows. But it was our home, happy and free from abuse. My friend John was back to help, now with his own mortgage and real estate firm. He suggested that I get my license in both and would even help me in my endeavor. I was a fast learner, despite my trauma and fear. 

This little, poor town, where no one could buy a home for the lack of loan availability, provided the God- given opportunity I needed. With John’s help, we brought subprime mortgage to the region...and the rest is history! Within three years, I purchased a 300-acre ranch, reminiscent of the one I grew up in: an idyllic, beautiful brick home with a waterfall behind and creek circling the entire property. 

With my children homeschooling, they took care of our ranch and played music while I worked. Finally, the dream I had for my family came true. After 15 years, it was time for a new chapter. John, now my husband, and the family made the move to Flagstaff, Arizona. All the children are now grown and have families of their own, but the memories remain and are what I have carried with me to the wonderful place I am now.

I have worked in the real estate industry for over 24 years. My main goal is getting the results you desire. I do not settle for less. Raising seven children as a single mom, I make no excuses, which is why there is no challenge I will not take on. I truly believe nothing is impossible and I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to, because I have lived it! 

I navigate past every obstacle by utilizing creative methods to stay ahead of the curve. If you work with me, you’ll never be left spinning your wheels. Living in Northern Arizona for well over a decade, I know where the perfect home is for you. With extensive knowledge in mortgage loans and residential real estate, I am positive I have all the answers to your questions! If not, I will search for it. Once the transaction is closed, I will continue to support you as your lifelong REALTOR®.