Like many, 616 REALTY agent Felicia Sluiter’s journey into real estate wasn’t conventional. While remodeling her fiancé’s home and navigating personal loss, Felicia knew she needed a career change and wanted to help people. In her desire to achieve both, she earned a real estate license. Just as she got started, the pandemic struck. Then, she was hit with a personal tragedy with the passing of her father. She managed to navigate grief, a career change, the complexities of buying and selling real estate during COVID, and a complicated pregnancy with two months’ mandatory bed rest. Most of use would have given up before we started; for Felicia, it just strengthened her resolve.
A Passion for Helping People
Driven by her desire to have a career that allowed her to work with people and be present for her children, Felicia transitioned from a food and beverage management career to real estate. Her deep roots in serving others include a history of involvement in nonprofits dedicated to supporting veterans, a cause close to her heart.
Growing up in a family of veterans, including her father, a Marine, she knew she wanted to dedicate time and energy to causes impacting veterans. Through her work with The Forgotten Eagles, Felicia has been able to do that and hone her administration and finance skills, which have been instrumental in starting her real estate business. Likewise, through her real estate career, she especially loves helping veterans get access to VA loans and buy and sell their homes.
Building Relationships, One Transaction at a Time
Felicia’s approach to real estate is all about her dedication to her clients and an opportunity for growth and a deeper connection with clients. “Every transaction, every person, every deal is different, so you learn and have different experiences with each other. It is fun to watch people learn and grow. I have learned a lot. I had one client who taught me everything there is to know about pouring a basement. That has come in really handy with my fiance’s remodel.”
She goes above and beyond, ensuring that every client feels valued and supported throughout the process. “My first transaction, I had buyers, a newly married couple, who came across a For Sale by Owner home. I quickly learned how to work with someone selling their house off the market. It was a great learning experience.” It doesn’t matter if it is FSBO or a unique pig; Felicia wants to help people achieve their goals. “I had clients who were first-time home buyers, and they had a pet pig. They really didn’t know about the different zoning laws. We had to find an area where they could have their pet. That was interesting. I will do the research for my clients. If I don’t know, I will find out.”
As a go-getter with, admittedly, a touch of ADHD, Felicia thrives in the go, go, go environment of real estate. “No two days are the same. I love the challenge of adapting to different situations and learning from each unique experience.” Whether it’s negotiating with aggressive buyers or navigating complex rural real estate transactions, Felicia’s adaptability shines through for her clients.
One of Felicia’s greatest strengths lies in her ability to connect with people on a personal level. Her genuine warmth and outgoing nature make clients feel comfortable and at ease, which fosters trust and rapport from the outset. She prides herself on being attentive and responsive, keeping lines of communication open at all times to ensure her clients are informed and supported every step of the way. “Finding the house of their dreams can be rough and stressful; I like to help remove the stress. I love seeing them come out of it happy. I am going to be there for them, no matter what.”
Joining 616 REALTY
Felicia notes that 616 REALTY’s broker, Scot Kellogg, is always there to support her real estate business. “I know if I have a question, he will answer it. He always answers his phone or contacts me back right away. I also really appreciate all the training and resources they provide to help me be successful.” Felicia adds, “616 REALTY has a familial feel that I was drawn to and that I appreciate.”
Felicia’s Advice for First-Time Homebuyers
“Shop around for your lenders. Find one that is reputable that you can work with. I always give a list of options and encourage them to find their own. Then listen to them and listen to your agent.”
Felicia’s Advice for Sellers in Today’s Market
“Keep an open mind. It can be a bit of a rollercoaster, but sometimes roller coasters are fun! You never know what you are going to get. I work in a more rural area. It can be harder to get the comps right. When you have a good agent you can trust, they will help you navigate those issues.”
The Future
As Felicia looks towards the future, her aspirations are focused on building a stable base of clients, giving back to her community, and being there for her family. She is also a Girl Scout leader and a t-ball coach. She hopes to one day mentor future agents to help guide them on their own pathways to real estate success.
Felicia understands how to handle the ups and downs of life, making her the ideal guide for your real estate journey. Whether you’re buying or selling, she’ll expertly navigate the complexities of the process, ensuring you’re supported through every twist and turn. With Felicia, authenticity and dedication are guaranteed, and by journey’s end, you’ll not only have a successful real estate transaction but you will also have gained a lifelong friend.