Shelley Ungerank
Ungerank has seen it all in her 11 years in the business
Shelley Ungerank has seen the highs and lows of the real estate industry during her 11 years as an agent for Heartland Realty in De Soto.
“Compared with some other agents who have been at this for more than 20 years, I haven’t been in real estate that long,” she said. “But I’ve seen the ups and the downs, for sure.”
Ungerank, 55, said she always was interested in real estate, but it took a downsizing at Maritz in Fenton where she used to work to inspire her to change her career from the travel industry.
“It’s hard when you have a good job with good pay and good benefits to leave it for a commission-based job, but I’ve always wanted to get into real estate. The layoff gave me the incentive to give it a try.”
That was in 2010, when the real estate market had bottomed out.
“There were a lot of foreclosures, and banks were tightening their lending policies, and nobody was buying homes. Even my family said, ‘Why are you getting into this now?’”
She said mentors at Heartland, like Patty Wideman and Vicki Wideman, encouraged her.
“They told me there are good times and bad times in real estate, and that things would turn around. I didn’t believe it until I saw it, but now it’s a seller’s market. I know times aren’t always going to be this good, but if you’re looking to sell your home, now is a great time.”
Ungerank, who grew up and still lives in the De Soto area, said she’s getting some repeat business.
“I’ve sold homes to parents and now their children are looking to buy their own homes. They consider me their family realtor, and that’s heartwarming.”
Ungerank can be reached at 573-631-2918.