Realtor Finds Joy In Helping People

This Q&A feature helps readers learn more about Mount Vernon area residents working in our business community. This week’s Q&A profiles Rachel Carter, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

After more than a dozen years' experience in government, lobbying and Fortune 100 companies, Carter joined Coldwell Banker because of the outstanding level of service, technological sophistication and success she heard they have with their clients. A member of the NVAR 2010 Multi-Million Dollar Club, the 2009 CB Multi-Million Dollar Club and 2008 Rookie of the Year, Carter has excelled at helping buyers find their dream home in the Mount Vernon area, as well as surrounding communities for more than four years. 

Carter, along with her husband and 10-year-old son, has lived in the Washington, DC area since 1989, and the Mount Vernon area for nine years. She holds a B.A. in Government and International Studies from the University of South Carolina and a master's in National Security Studies from Georgetown University. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Carter worked on Capitol Hill, then as a government relations professional for two large corporations. She also managed business development, projects and corporate staff efforts. In addition, she was the Deputy Director of a consulting firm.

Carter said she enjoys volunteering, and has spent nearly 20 years serving our local communities through work with neighborhood civic associations, churches, schools and more. Currently, she holds the following volunteer positions: Budget Chair, Board of Directors, Mt. Vernon Civic Association; MVCA Budget representative to the Mt. Vernon Council of Civic Associations; Chair of many committees at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, including the Mothers’ Support Group, International Festival Childrens’ Games co-chair, and contributor to Strategic Planning for the church; Vice President of Lower School Association of Parents and Teachers for St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School.

How did you become interested in your job? 

I stayed home for a few years after we had our son, but once he started school, I knew I wanted to go back to work. I wanted to do something interesting and stimulating, but still flexible enough so I could be  around for my family. Becoming a realtor seemed like the perfect answer.

What’s one interesting aspect of your job?

In a down market like we’ve been experiencing in recent years, you learn a lot about foreclosures and short sales … a lot of things that weren’t happening in those earlier boom years. I think it’s been a real learning experience. You really have to work hard as a realtor to make sure the deal can move forward. It’s an incredibly stimulating, and sometimes frustrating, job. But at the end of the day, when you can get everyone to the settlement table and everyone is happy, that’s a very rewarding feeling.

What do you enjoy most about your line of work?

Helping people out in any way I can to find a place to live, or get out of a situation. I take any sort of job, big or small.

Where is your favorite place to go in the Mount Vernon area?

Probably the American Horticultural Society at George Washington’s River Farm. I just love the children’s gardens there. It’s such a beautiful place.

What are your hobbies?

I love reading and exercising. I also love cooking and entertaining.

What’s currently on your iPod?

I love listening to jazz music. I also enjoy certain pop dance music, Latin and classical.

Last book you read?

Right now I’m reading NurtureShock: New Thinking about Children [by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman].

Any hidden talents you’d like people to know about?

I’m actually a former dancer. I have experience in tap, ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop and even breakdancing.

If you weren’t in this business, what would you be doing?

I would definitely be doing something in the cooking world, a modern day Julia Child. Perhaps I would be the host of a cooking show, or even a cookbook writer.