In her own words: Real estate agent Christi Mercurio

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company and the duties of the position.

Christi Mercurio: I work for Dickson Realty's Caughlin Ranch office. The company has offices in Damonte Ranch, Sparks, Montreux, Somersett and Truckee.

Dickson Realty was founded more than 35 years ago. I chose to work for this company because they offer the best training, technology, and "neighborhood knowledge" versus any of the competitors.

My duties are to assist in pricing your home to get the highest dollar value possible, develop an extensive marketing plan, communicate with you on the market and negotiate contracts in your best interest. I also review title reports, surveys, certifications, warranties and insurance policies and coordinate any inspections, reports and repairs for your property. It's my duty to keep you informed and involved from the beginning of acceptance of an offer to the close of escrow.

NNBW: How did you get into this profession?

Mercurio: A family friend was involved in the real estate business and he suggested that I consider getting into the business.

NNBW: What's the most important thing you have learned in your career?

Mercurio: If you treat people well, they will end up being repeat clients as well as referring you to their friends and associates.

NNBW: Did the recession change the way you do business?

Mercurio: I entered this field during a challenging time, so I have actually only seen improvements in the market.

NNBW: What was your first job?

Mercurio: I was a hostess at the Sizzler in Sparks.

NNBW: Tell us about your dream job. Why aren't you working it?

Mercurio: I feel that I currently am in my dream job. My job is to help people fulfill their dreams by becoming a homeowner.

NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?

Mercurio: Be patient success does not happen overnight.

NNBW: What's the most fun you have had on the job?

Mercurio: I get such enjoyment when clients walk into a house and their eyes light up because they have found their new home.

NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Mercurio: My broker, Nancy Fennell, advised me to begin talking about real estate to my closest family and friends.

NNBW: What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes? How do you spend your time away from work?

Mercurio: I work out at the gym, cycle, and of course, spend time with my kids.

NNBW: If you could live your life over again, what one thing would you change?

Mercurio: I wouldn't change a thing. Every apparent wrong turn I have taken has proven to be a valuable lesson in life.

NNBW: What has been your biggest professional accomplishment?

Mercurio: At this early stage in my career, simply passing the real estate exam has been my biggest accomplishment to date.

NNBW: What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?

Mercurio: I dreamed of being a professional singer.

NNBW: What can you do that someone else can't?

Mercurio: My friends and associates tell me I'm a very good listener.

NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Why or why not?

Mercurio: I would have to say yes. Devoting myself to helping others fulltime would be very fulfilling.

NNBW: What's the last concert or sporting event you attended?

Mercurio: I saw Elton John in Las Vegas.

NNBW: Where's your perfect vacation spot?

Mercurio: San Diego.

NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like most about working/living here?

Mercurio: I am a native of Northern Nevada. I love the laid back atmospheres and the abundance of outdoor activities the area offers.

The basics:

Name/title: Christi Mercurio/Mom/Real Estate Agent

How long have you been in this job? One year

Education: Reed High School, Truckee Meadows Community College, University of Nevada, Reno

What's on your iPod? 80s hits

Last book read? "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olson

Favorite movie? "Moulin Rouge"

Spouse, kids or pets? I have a son, Hunter, who is 17 and a daughter, Hannah, who is 14.

Know someone whose perspective you want to share with NNBW readers? Send contact information to: rsabo@nnbw.biz or call 775-850-2146.