Nicole Elizabeth Yaeger was at a crossroads in her life. As a newly divorced mom, she was ready for a change. After fifteen years as a dental hygienist, she wanted to forge a new career path but didn’t know where to begin. A good friend had recently gotten her real estate license, and her excitement was contagious.
“I started thinking ‘Maybe I could do that! Maybe that is the path I want to take,’” Yaeger said.
She added, “I talked to her about it and she agreed that this would be a great fit for me. I met with the broker and that day I signed up for my real estate classes. The rest is history.”
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She launched her new career at the end of 2018 and began to tailor her skills in social media marketing. She offers high-quality videos that appeal to her clients, many of whom are relocation buyers.
“I strongly believe that a buyer should not only be guided through buying the home and be educated in the process, but they should also be educated on the home they are buying,” Yaeger said. “I am extremely detail-oriented and point out any flaws or concerns that I have with a property that I am showing my clients. I work with relocation buyers very often, so I have to be hyper-aware of things in a house. Many times, my clients aren’t even stepping foot into a house until they have already bought it.”
Yaeger notes that she is not just selling a house, but helping families find a home.
“I’m giving them the place where they raise their family, a place for the dog to run and play, a place to start a new chapter of their lives. It’s so much more than just opening doors. It’s giving reality to my clients’ hopes and dreams. As cliché as it sounds, it truly is a beautiful career,” she said.
Get to Know Nicole Elizabeth Yaeger
Tell us about yourself!
I was born and raised in Michigan. I moved to Ann Arbor at 21 and have been here ever since. I went to Schoolcraft College, Washtenaw Community College and Eastern Michigan University.
Tell us about your family!
I have two kids. My daughter, Mia, is a senior this year and heading off to MSU in the fall. My son, Adam, is 13 and in middle school. We have two cats, Arlo and Bean, who we adopted from Huron Valley Humane Society just over two years ago.
What do you like to do on a day off?
As a Realtor, I don’t get too many days off. When I do, I love to spend time with my kids. I love working in my yard. I like to go tubing on the Huron River in the summer, and my kids and I like snowboard in the winter.
Favorite restaurant?
I love trying new places. We have our go-to’s, like Nick’s House of Pancakes every weekend. I love Slurping Turtle, Zingerman’s Roadhouse and Ahmo’s on Dexter Ann Arbor Road.
Are you a book person or a movie person?
I like watching movies, and I’m more of an Audible listener than a physical book reader.
Dream vacation?
I would love to go back to Thailand. It was so gorgeous. I would also love to visit more of Europe.
Do you have any hobbies?
I like to workout. I love creating things. I have a Cricut and love doing projects. I enjoy graphic design and marketing pieces in Canva.
Favorite quote or motto?
Everything is figureoutable.
What advice do you have for other moms who would like to start their own business?
Take the risk. Sometimes it takes just a little bit of guts and bravery to step out of your comfort zone. You never know what may be on the other side of that line. Find a mentor and have a support system. You WILL need it! You don’t have to have all your ducks in a row to make a move. You can learn as you go. You just have to take the first step.
