The Ultimate Home DIY

I became a real estate agent so I could represent myself on this home purchase.

Before we get going on this home renovation journey, there’s probably something you should know about me— I am tenacious af. I love figuring out how things work and then doing them myself; nothing gives me a greater sense of accomplishment.

In December of 2022, I purchased my first home in the Bahamas—a starter home. One of my dearest friends acted as my real estate agent and guided me through the process. But as they say in real estate, “every closing is the beginning of the next transaction.” The moment I got the keys to my first home was the moment I realized I was ready for the next step.

I wanted to fully understand all of the nuances of the home-buying process for my next home purchase; I wanted to learn the market deeply, learn how to write offers, understand contracts, and how to negotiate on my own behalf. I was ready to DIY Real Estate!

Of course, unlike refinishing a cabinet, you can’t just watch a YouTube video and then sell real estate. There’s an apprenticeship, a course, an exam, licensing, and then endless learning—unfortunately, it is not as easy or as glamorous as the folks on those Netflix shows make it look. So I jumped into studying, weekly tutoring with my future team, and reluctantly digesting all the math until I understood (which was challenging as math doesn’t come naturally to me).

In November of 2023, while on vacation and trying not to think about how the exam went, I heard I had passed! With below 80% considered failing, I honestly wasn’t sure I would. It turns out I did incredibly well. I surprised myself, and a toast was in order.

A few months into 2024, I was officially licensed—ready to get to work helping others buy and sell, while also quietly looking for my next home. As it turns out, I really love working as an agent, and not just for myself.

In April of this year (2026), I got the keys to my second home. I’m delighted to share with you that this is the first home I represented myself as an agent on. While it may not seem like a big deal, finding and buying this house was my raison d’être! I did it! A full circle moment. The ultimate home DIY officially unlocked!

Now to call this home buying a DIY is, of course, a bit shortsighted. So many people helped and supported me along the way— my dear friend and broker, my team, my family, my community, my attorney. We are never really doing it all ourselves, and that’s truly what makes this and any “DIY” most meaningful.

Now it’s time to get back to work making this home my own.

Thanks for being here.