Today we’d like to introduce you to Collette Smith.
Hi Collette, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My husband and I, along with our two daughters moved to Midland from Texas in 2003 for my husband’s residency. He and I were both born and raised in central Texas. I then spent the next 17 years raising our daughters and taking care of our home, which I very much loved. When my girls got married and moved out, I quickly realized that I still had a lot to offer and decided to pursue a career in real estate. I wanted to find a career where I could make a difference, work my own hours and be genuinely fulfilled. I became licensed in 2020 and joined Modern Realty in Midland.
Last year, as my husband and I were looking to move out of the city, we found an apple orchard for sale here in Midland. We purchased the property and are now accidental “orchardists”! He and I have been married for almost 33 years and not once did we ever think that together we would be growing and picking apples….lots of apples! We are so happy we made the move and while it is a lot of work for us both, we genuinely are enjoying the farm life and find it very rewarding.
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 has not been a smooth road and it would have been so boring if it had been. My husband and I never had intentions of staying in Michigan. Our plans were to finish residency in Michigan and then move back home to Texas. But that wasn’t in the cards for us and we ended up staying right here in Midland.
Life as a stay at home Mom had its own challenges as well. Both of my daughters were diagnosed with auto immune diseases in their late teens. As a Mom, I felt like I had failed them both but I knew that I had to be strong and show them that they will conquer these diseases and that they will be successful in spite of their illnesses. There were lots of tears, doctors appointments and frustrations. Both of my girls graduated from college, got married and are both Moms now. So I would say that they are successful!
My career in real estate has faced a few challenges as well. From keeping up with the fast paced continuing education to making sure I am able to stay front of mind in my prior client’s minds. Being an entrepreneur is a 24/7 job and there are a lot of days when I feel like I am working from sunup to sundown. So I have had to work hard to find a work life balance. Fortunately I have an amazing and understanding husband who knows that we may need to stop and show a house on our way to dinner! It is what it is!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Collette Smith, Realtor?
I am a passionate and dedicated realtor at Modern Realty with five years of experience serving our vibrant Great Lakes Bay Region. Deeply rooted in my community, I blend my commitment to leadership and volunteering with my professional mission: empowering people to navigate one of life’s biggest decisions with clarity and confidence. I believe that buying or selling a home is more than a transaction—it’s an act of courage, connection, and trust. I work hard to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and equipped to make informed choices. By breaking down complex processes and leaning into honest conversations, my goal is to help my clients move beyond the fear and uncertainty of homeownership and making it a bold and joyful reality.
My goal is to be your trusted Realtor for life. I don’t view real estate as just a transaction—it’s a significant milestone, and I approach every buying or selling experience with the highest level of professionalism and care. I’m deeply rooted in the Midland real estate community and committed to upholding strong standards of service. Currently, I serve as a Director on the Board of Directors for the Midland Board of Realtors, and I actively volunteer on five different committees. This involvement allows me to stay informed, connected, and dedicated to serving both my clients and my fellow Realtors with integrity and excellence.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If you are just starting out in real estate, be diligent to be client focused, not transaction focused. People prefer to do business with someone who is genuine and cares about them, not just the end result. I would also remind them that Real Estate is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time to build your brand and your client base. After five years, I finally feel like I have a career.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.collettesmith.realtor
- Instagram: @greatlakesbayrealtor
- Facebook: @collettesmithrealtor
- Other: https://linktr.ee/ccollettesmith
