Why Masami chose a real estate career

Masami Suga

Office: Grand Avenue

Been selling real estate: 12 years

What did you do before beginning your real estate career?
I was trained and worked in the field of anthropology, which is about people and about the world. I did my undergraduate work at Macalester College and graduate studies at the University of Minnesota where I was a coordinator for the refugee study center. With a career in real estate, I’ve been able to combine my background in anthropology and passion for helping people. I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients, family and friends who are scattered around the globe with their housing needs. That’s incredibly rewarding!
Why did you choose real estate?
I wanted to be in the business arena similar to what I experienced growing up. My parents owned a business and I pretty much grew up in it. I liked the great opportunities and flexibility owning your own business offered. So when I looked at making real estate my next career, it seemed like a good match. With real estate, I love that you get to be your own boss, your own employee and even your own janitor.
Why did you select Edina Realty?
I kept seeing those red Edina Realty signs everywhere. It made an impression. I decided I wanted to be with the most successful real estate company. Once with Edina Realty, I quickly learned that its business philosophy and vision aligned with mine.
What do you like most about helping people?
When you have a real estate transaction it breaks from usual business etiquette. Here you are talking with people about finances and their personal lives, need and wants. My friends have become clients and my clients have become friends. You go beyond the superficial with people – it gets very personal. Sometimes people are experiencing hardships, like a death or divorce, or happy times, like getting married or having children – every situation is unique and personal.
What do you like most about working in real estate?
I can’t say enough about the flexibility a real estate career offers. My son is very involved in competitive swimming and triathlons. Because of my flexible schedule I am able to be an active part of his training and race events. The flexibility also allows me to travel. My parents live in Japan, and I am able to visit them often. If I had a corporate job with rigid work hours and vacation time, I wouldn’t be able to do that. Edina Realty makes this possible by investing in mobile technology, allowing its agents to conduct business and be productive anywhere, anytime. For example, I’ve written a purchase agreement from Japan and presented it electronically.
What do you like most about Edina Realty?
I love the family work environment. It just feels like an extension of my home office. The agents are like my siblings and I love coming into the office for the camaraderie and networking it provides
What advice would you give to someone who is considering a real estate career?
Be organized, be flexible and be personable. In real estate you’ll be handling everything from bookkeeping and filing to prioritizing appointments and managing your personal life – so you need to be organized. Be flexible and open minded to adapt to the ever-changing economic, social and technological climates. And finally, be personable. Real estate is, after all, a people business.