Conversations with Heather Dell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Dell

Hi Heather, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Originally from Detroit and licensed since 1994. Spent 22 years in Manhattan and moved back in 2015 for family and saw the tremendously underserved demographic of buyers under $150,000. Housing prices had changed so dramatically in the years I was gone

Realtors would rather stick to the suburbs where sale prices are higher, but I came to love to work with the work of first time home buyers, credit repair and education about housing.
With a background in Art History and Design I also fell head over heels for historic restoration and giving these properties a new life for a local buyer. My business has been built on the outreach to and kindness of strangers.

I do a lot of business in my own neighborhood of Bagley on the west side and so many of my clients have become great friends. As much as I enjoy working with investors, the greatest joy is seeing a first time buyer get the keys to a house they never thought they’d have. Detroit has been through so much and the people that have stuck it out deserve to be included in the revitalization. It’s such hard work but at the end of the day it’s just what I do and even if people tell me Detroit is hard and I should diversify but, I find myself back in the city over and over.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Ha!
Many roadblocks. When I lkost everything and moved back in 2015 I started over. 45 years old and living with my mom, my dad had just died and he was a Detroit Firefighter, the city was staring down bankruptcy and we were afraid she would lose her widows pension. So after all those years on my own in Manhattan I was back in a small town in nw Oakland COunty.
Several part time jobs and a small business loan from AMEX (with an outrageous interest rate) I did what I had to do and have spent the last several years building out an amazing and supportive network.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve always found a way to work with artists and artisans, designers, carpenters, performance artists, there is just always a way to mix that in with my livelihood. Now I have the pleasure of working with talented designers and craftsmen on these old houses, and helping new investors create a reasonably priced home that feels warm and welcoming. The other thing I bring into my work (as do many Realtors) is a love for animals. Especially cats, I’m kind of the crazy cat Realtor everyone calls when there is a problem. Abandoned when tenants move out, older house cats dumped outside when someone passes and nobody wants them. Trapping ferals to cut back on the community population and advocating as much as I can for the local rescues. This picture is me with Jonesy, he was a throw out nobody wanted, he purrs on cue, loves belly rubs and has a good home now.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Never underestimate the power of eye contact and a hello. Most of my life has come together from meeting people everywhere from the gym or in an elevator or simply walking up to a job site.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.remax.com/real-estate-agents/heather-dell
• Instagram: @heathermdell