VoyageDenver recently featured me in their Rising Stars series, and answering their questions sent me straight back to 2013. Back then I was writing offers in the morning and carrying trays at night. Here's the longer version of that story, plus what it means if you're about to buy your first home or your first investment property in Colorado.
I didn't take the straight road here
I grew up in the San Fernando Valley, went to Denison University in Ohio, then moved to New York with Broadway dreams. In 2009 I landed in Colorado for the sunshine, the real seasons, and how friendly everyone was.
I waited tables for most of my twenties. It paid the bills, but I wanted work that actually meant something to me. So in 2013 I got my real estate license.
Year one was rough
My first year looked like this: real estate office in the morning, then straight to Avery Brewing for the night shift. I could barely cover rent. I barely saw my boyfriend, who is now my husband, so at least that part worked out.
If you're early in something and it feels like you're running on two jobs and no sleep, I get it. Sticking with it is most of the battle.
The move that changed everything
Things turned around when I took a job as another agent's assistant and finally quit serving. Overnight I was exposed to property management, high-end transactions, and everything in between. I learned more in those couple of years than I could have on my own in five.
That's also my advice to buyers. Work with someone who has seen a lot of different deals, because the problems that sink a purchase rarely show up in the listing photos.
The mistakes taught me the most
I've lost clients over silly missteps. It's humbling, and I'm not going to pretend otherwise. Each one showed me exactly what to do better next time.
Real estate keeps changing, and my job is to stay ahead of it so my clients don't have to. Right now I'm working with a business coach to keep growing and sharpening how I serve people.
What that means for you
I've been ranked in the top 1% of agents in Colorado and have closed more than $180M in career sales. I live in Golden and work across Golden, the Denver metro, and Boulder, with a focus on:
- First-time homebuyers
- Investors building wealth through property
- Luxury homes
- Larger new construction developments in Boulder
The thing clients tell me they value most is how quickly I figure out what they want, often before they can say it themselves. A buyer might start with a list of bedrooms and finishes, and ten minutes later it's clear what really matters is the commute and the yard. That's the part I love. Also, I like to have fun with it. Buying a home is stressful enough.
What's next for me
I'm a mom of two and married to an amazing stay-at-home husband, so life is full. We plan one or two beach trips a year, I do an annual girls' trip with a crew of neighborhood moms, and we're eyeing a drop-in camper for the truck.
I'm also obsessed with architecture and design, and we're dreaming up a remodel and addition on our own home. It's the same advice I give clients: your house is an asset, and smart improvements are one of the ways it builds wealth over time.
Thinking about your first home or investment property?
If you're buying in Golden, Denver, or Boulder and want someone who has been through the hard parts and learned from them, let's talk. Reach out through gretatesalona.com or find me on Instagram at @greta_tesalona.
