Laura Harris
Taking a huge step on my own pushed me to look inward. In the process I realized a valuable lesson while building a new life for myself and my family.
I rolled over and turned off the alarm as the red numbers on the clock glowed 5:00 in the dark. No time to snooze, I got up and began another long day while filled with gratitude for where I was.
In 2015, I became a single mother. With five children to provide for, I had a plan right from the start to give them the best life possible. I had been a lender for years before becoming a licensed REALTOR®. While I enjoyed lending, being a REALTOR® afforded me the flexibility to support my family and still have time to be Mom while helping my clients more directly on the other side of the desk. That is not to say it was easy.
Most days I was up at five in the morning and worked late into the night after my children went to sleep. I worked as much as I could while they were all in school, but with five of them, it was not uncommon for one to be home for one reason or another. They would tag along with me in the car, watching movies while I did whatever I had to do to keep us all moving forward.
I am a positive person – my nickname in high school was “Smiley.” All my life I have had a determination and confidence that no matter what I am facing, I will figure it out. Whether that was helping my father fix a tractor on the farm where I was raised or building a new career in real estate, I made it happen. However, even with that confidence, I did not always see my own value.
When I built a new life for myself and my children, I took a closer look at the way I was living and realized I was putting everyone before myself even if it was at my own expense. Through the years on my own, I had an amazing support system made up of family and friends who helped me more than I can ever put into words. I am a strong believer of the old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Truly, none of us get anywhere on our own. Through their support, I was able to see things from a new perspective.
We are all so different with our unique filters of how we experience the world, from how we interpret conversations to how we view ourselves. And yet, we compare ourselves to others and inadvertently are held back by trying to be somebody else’s best – I know I used to! None of us have any idea what anybody else is going through at any given moment, and I realized that fully during those years. Most of us struggle on the inside, and that is the part that matters most of all.
Years after forging my own path, I met my now-husband, Rick, and between the two of us we have seven children. I am most proud of my children and the people they have become. The best part is seeing how they value themselves and others and are not afraid of standing up for that belief.
I have been a licensed REALTOR® since 20132014. Whenever I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my dogs (I also run a dog breeding business), riding horses, camping, and hiking. My favorite part of being a REALTOR® is building my clients’ confidence throughout the process of reaching their real estate dreams.
What matters most in any transaction is you and your goal for the end. I always begin with questions so I can understand where you are trying to go. From that point on, I will do everything in my power to help you achieve your goal. I will guide you through the process to find the best options possible to fit you. I have closed hundreds of transactions throughout my years as a REALTOR®, and with my experience in lending I can help you understand the process from start to finish and beyond. I truly enjoy supporting my clients throughout the process and will be here for you as a resource and guide.
As an Idaho native, I know these communities unlike anyone else. I am a determined negotiator, and nobody works harder than I do. With my extensive experience in land, farm and ranch, and residential, I am confident I can help you get where you want to be. Once the transaction is over, I will continue to support your success as your lifelong REALTOR®.