Marquita Darthard

How I Became a Realtor.... After years of paying forever-increasing apartment rental rates, I finally decided to purchase my first home for myself and my 10-year-old daughter. My home-buying journey involved watching hundreds of YouTube videos, touring new constructions model homes, and attending open houses. My goal was to learn everything related to buying a home, hoping this knowledge would help me determine what I wanted without overpaying for it. This process went on for several months, and throughout it all, I never considered a career in real estate.  During one of my weekly community tours of model homes, I had an ah-ha moment. While talking with a local builder's salesperson, she asked if I was a real estate agent. Surprised, I shook my head and replied, "No, I work for the State of Texas and have been for the last 11 years." She then suggested that I should consider a career change, as she believed I would be a great addition to the real estate industry. She mentioned that she had never met a first-time homebuyer who was as knowledgeable about the home buying process as I was. Typically, it takes her hours to explain to new homebuyers how tax rates, HOA (Homeowners Association), MUD (Municipal Utility District), and PID (Public Improvement District) fees are calculated and how they affect the monthly mortgage payment.  This conversation resulted in reflecting on my journey, I grew up in the southern sector of Dallas, Texas, with the clear goal of finishing college and securing a stable job to create a better life. I balanced a full-time job as a teacher’s assistant with my college courses at UNT (University of North Texas), ultimately earning my degree in criminal justice in 2011. While many entry-level roles in that field didn’t appeal to me, I chose to work for the State of Texas. This role allowed me to directly assist families while being a dedicated full-time mother, ensuring I never missed important moments in my daughter’s life.  Then came the pivotal moment: I contemplated the career change for a few days and consulted family and friends. Ultimately, my realtor offered invaluable advice: encouraged me to take a real estate course before making a final decision. After completing a real estate course, I discovered my true passion for the field. I thrived in class, answered every instructor’s question, and passed both the state and national exams on my first attempt. Becoming a real estate agent perfectly aligns my teaching skills with my dedication to helping families, positioning me for success in this this chapter of my career.