Through setbacks and challenges, I found my way back to a career I love—and with it came a deeper passion and a calling to shape my business around my values and a service that truly helps people.
In 2005, I started my real estate career not knowing just how many different opportunities were out there or how many directions the work could take me. Initially, I thought I’d be a landlord and get into investing, but I quickly found I enjoyed the flipping process more—taking something outdated or overlooked and turning it into something with real value. Beyond the transformation itself, I found a passion for walking people through that process. Helping them see the potential, make confident choices, and understand what to expect along the way made the work that much more rewarding.
Starting out in Vancouver with investor clients gave me a chance to be involved in every part of the process. From finding properties to guiding remodels and preparing homes for market, I learned a lot. It was fast-paced, creative, and required constant problem-solving.
Everything was going great until the 2008 crash hit. Deals started falling apart, and I needed stability for my two teenagers at home. What I thought would be a short-term job at ADP turned into a full-time role that lasted seven years. My background in accounting helped me move into a position where I worked with clients on setting up their financial data and systems. It paid well, gave me benefits, and even led to opportunities to travel and train others.
Real estate never fully left my life, though. I kept working part-time through those years, and I stayed connected to clients because I genuinely enjoyed the work. That chapter outside of real estate taught me a lot. I learned how to educate, how to support people through complex systems, and how to break things down simply and in a way that builds trust.
Those skills translated naturally when I came back to real estate full-time. By then, I’d paid off what I needed to, and I was ready to build something of my own. I didn’t want to keep working long hours for someone else, chasing numbers that didn’t mean much to me. I wanted to build a business around what I value: relationships, flexibility, and quality service.
And since then, I’ve worked hard to constantly improve and grow my business. With years of experience in flips, I now stage my listings and coordinate professional photography myself because I know firsthand how much presentation affects outcome. My youngest son now works in construction too, so when updates or repairs are needed, I know they’ll get done right. From my time spent training others, I also bring a calm, step-by-step approach when guiding clients through a transaction. Real estate can be overwhelming, especially during big life transitions, and I try to be the one making it feel more manageable.
What I’m most proud of are the client relationships that have grown over time. I’ve supported some clients through multiple stages of life, and now I’m helping their kids buy their first homes or their parents downsize. That kind of trust means everything. It’s not just about the sale—it’s about showing up when people need support and guidance. That same connection is why I host client events like my pie party and wreath-making nights. These are people I care about, and I enjoy staying in touch long after the transaction is done.
My journey hasn’t been a straight line, but every step taught me something useful. And today, I’ve built a business that reflects my values, my strengths, and how I want to show up for people. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Outside of real estate, I enjoy being with my kids and grandkids, gardening, crafting, and cooking and canning food.
When you work with me, you have a partner in your corner. I keep the process moving by managing timelines, coordinating vendors, handling the details behind the scenes, and always watching for red flags before they become problems. My job is to protect your best interests, and that means staying two steps ahead. My goal is to remove as much stress as possible, taking the weight off your shoulders so you can focus on the big picture.
What makes a difference is how we work together along the way. I pay close attention to how much involvement each client wants and adjust my communication style to match. Some people want to understand every step, while others want the major points handled and only need a quick check-in when it’s time to decide something. Either way, you stay informed and supported without being overwhelmed. I make space for questions, keep the process efficient, and focus on creating the kind of working relationship that makes you feel confident from beginning to end.
Sincerely, 
Melissa Erickson