Life is full of endless possibilities. All it takes is the willingness to go out of your comfort zone and embrace the challenges that lie ahead. Guided by the lessons I learned from my mother, I am grateful to have found fulfillment in each area of my life.

When my first child, Aleena, was 6 years old and our second, Malia, was 3 years old, I decided it was time to follow my dreams. Some might have thought it was too much to handle all at once, but I shrugged off those doubts. For me, real estate was the perfect path and embodied everything I wanted in a career. I know there is no such thing as “perfect timing.” Sure, there would be challenges ahead as I got licensed and searched for clients, but I was confident I could handle anything that came my way.

For my entire life, I have been driven to work hard and chase my passions. My strength and values are rooted in watching my mother overcome many challenges. As a single mom, she had unwavering resilience. When my brother and I were still young, she went back to school to get her cosmetology license to become a hairdresser. She never questioned if she could handle it all. She knew this was the best path to not only follow her dreams but create a better future for us. 

My mother taught me that being a mother does not mean sacrificing my dreams and aspirations. In fact, she encouraged me to pursue my passions wholeheartedly while still fulfilling my responsibilities as a mother. While in high school, I received my cosmetology license through a vocational school. Through every goal I have had, she has been right by my side, encouraging me.

With strength comes a degree of resilience. Over the years, I have come to see challenges as stepping stones, bringing me closer to accomplishing my goals. As a young mom, I faced plenty of difficult moments, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world because they made me a better wife, mother, and, overall, a better person. 

In my first year of real estate, I was expecting it to be hard, but I knew it was nothing I couldn’t handle. I hit the ground running and, in my first year, was awarded “Rookie of the Year” by my brokerage. The feeling of finding success right off the bat was indescribable, but it didn’t come without an immense amount of work.

My mom showed me that it is possible to be present for my children, to nurture them, and at the same time, to pursue my dreams. It is a delicate balance that requires dedication, organization, and unwavering belief in oneself. 

My children were a significant part of my real estate journey. I involve them in my work, taking them with me to closings, home inspections, and office meetings. I have never shied away from involving my kids in my work because they are a part of who I am. They are never my excuse but my reason. If I can show them what a good work ethic can bring you in life, then I am carrying on the same lessons my mother taught me. 

At this point in our lives, my husband and I stay very busy with our kids’ activities. Aleena plays softball, Malia plays soccer, and Matthew, our three-year-old, is starting out in soccer too. We love cheering them on from the sidelines, and as they get older, supporting them as they find their own passions. 

As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences I've had as both a mother and a REALTOR®. These roles have shaped my perspective and allowed me to better understand the needs of my clients, many of whom have families. Being a parent myself, I can empathize with the impact a home has on a family's life. I try to help them align their goals with their unique circumstances, planning for the future they want.

 Through my personal experiences of buying and selling properties, I have gained a deeper understanding and empathy toward my clients. It can be a stressful process, but with the right representation, it can be exciting and fun like it is supposed to be! I actively work to address your worries, ensuring a smoother transaction and providing the support you need. The connections I form extend far beyond the transaction. I believe in staying in touch and serving as your lifelong resource, helping you through anything that may come up in the future.

Sincerely,

Summit Tognetti