Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Garcia.
Hi Emily, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Emily Garcia’s path into real estate wasn’t traditional—it was built through resilience, determination, and a willingness to bet on herself when it mattered most.
Before real estate, Emily owned and operated a home cleaning business. When a serious back injury made it clear she could no longer continue, she was forced to step away and rethink her future. For years, her husband had encouraged her to pursue real estate, and eventually, he challenged her to take the leap.
At the time, Emily didn’t yet see in herself what others saw in her. She enrolled in the required courses, took the exam—and failed on her first attempt. Instead of giving up, she pushed forward, determined to prove to herself that she could do it. On her next try, she passed.
Emily began her real estate career with ART Realty in Zeeland in January 2021. Just four months in, she underwent major back surgery, forcing her to step away from the business during a critical time. After four months of recovery, she returned—and within a week, her brokerage merged with Coldwell Banker, launching a new chapter in her career.
Despite the challenges of her first year, Emily closed 17 transactions—an early sign of the drive and work ethic that would define her success. Year after year, she continued to build her business, earning trust, growing her client base, and establishing herself as a consistent top performer.
In 2023, her husband joined her in real estate after leaving a long career in the corporate world. Together, they built Emily Garcia Homes—a business rooted in perseverance, growth, and helping others navigate important life transitions.
Today, just a few years into her career, Emily and her team rank in the top 5% of their company and the top 10% nationally.
Emily’s journey is proof that even in the face of setbacks, it’s possible to rebuild, push forward, and create something extraordinary.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road—and I think that’s a big part of what shaped who I am in this business.
I came into real estate during a really uncertain time in my life. I was leaving a career I physically couldn’t continue because of a back injury, and at the same time stepping into something completely new that I wasn’t fully confident in yet. I failed my licensing exam the first time, which was discouraging, but I knew if I quit then, I’d always wonder “what if,” so I pushed through and passed on my next attempt.
Only four months into my career, I had to undergo major back surgery and step away from the business for four months. In an industry where momentum is everything, that was tough. I was essentially starting over when I came back.
On a personal level, I also went through a very difficult and unhealthy marriage, and there was a time where I didn’t see in myself what others believed I was capable of. Rebuilding that confidence while building a business at the same time was one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced.
Even that first year in real estate was far from easy—learning the business, building a client base from scratch, and proving to myself that I could succeed. But I stayed consistent, kept showing up, and slowly things started to click.
Looking back, none of it was smooth—but every challenge forced me to grow, and that’s what built the foundation for where I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My career in real estate is a reflection of resilience, determination, and continuous growth—both personally and professionally.
Before entering the industry, I owned and operated a home cleaning business. Due to a serious back injury, I reached a point where I physically could not continue and had to make a difficult decision to step away. That moment forced me to reevaluate my future and consider a new career path. For years, I had been encouraged to pursue real estate, and although I didn’t fully believe in my ability at the time, I decided to take the leap.
Like many new professionals, I faced early challenges. I failed my licensing exam on my first attempt, but I remained committed and passed on my second try. I officially began my real estate career with ART Realty in Zeeland in January 2021. Just four months into my new role, I underwent major back surgery, which required me to step away from work for four months—an especially difficult setback in a commission-based, momentum-driven industry.
After recovering, I returned to the business with a renewed focus. Within a week of coming back, my brokerage merged with Coldwell Banker, creating both new opportunities and new challenges. Despite the obstacles of that first year, I successfully closed 17 transactions, establishing a strong foundation for my career.
Since then, I have continued to grow my business year after year, building a reputation for consistency, dedication, and client-focused service. In 2023, my husband joined me in real estate after transitioning from a long career in the corporate world. Together, we built Emily Garcia Homes, combining our strengths to better serve our clients and expand our reach.
Today, we are proud to be ranked in the top 5% of our company and the top 10% nationally. My journey has not been without challenges, but each obstacle has strengthened my work ethic, sharpened my skills, and reinforced my commitment to delivering results for my clients.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of the people around me.
My husband has been my biggest supporter throughout this entire journey, along with my family, who have always stood behind me and encouraged me to keep going—even during the hardest moments.
My clients have also played a huge role in my success. They’ve not only trusted me during some of the most important decisions of their lives, but they’ve also fueled my passion and reinforced my love for what I do every day.
And my teammates—especially the entire Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt family—have become just that: family. The support, encouragement, and genuine care within our office is something truly special. Being surrounded by people who uplift and push each other to succeed has made a lasting impact on both my personal and professional growth.
Pricing:
- I offer customized marketing plans for each listing, tailored to maximize exposure and value
- Real estate commissions are typically paid by the seller and are negotiable based on the services provided
- Pricing strategies are based on in-depth market analysis, local trends, and property-specific factors
- For buyers, my services are often covered through the transaction, making professional representation accessible at no direct upfront cost
- I prioritize transparency, ensuring clients fully understand pricing, costs, and expectations from the beginning
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emilygarciahomes.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilygarciahomes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilygarciahomes
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-garcia-b94268245/
