Meet Chelsea Blankenship | Realtor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsea Blankenship and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsea, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
I would say the one thing most aren’t aware of is how much happens behind the scenes that you don’t see. Between running a business as a one-woman team and all that you need to do as a Realtor. Aside from the fact that I am the marketing department, accounting department, operations department and so on, I am working long nights and weekends with everything else to make sure my clients have the best experience and reach their goals whether thats buying or selling. I spend a lot of time making sure I have a good team as far as my lenders, inspectors and any one else I refer. I am writing contracts, pricing homes, negotiating, and just so much more. I think most people think its all pretty houses and closings but it’s not. I would say the other thing is that most people outside my industry don’t realize that zillow has nothing to do with realtors. In fact, its a giant corportation that got its start selling people’s information to realtors and is slowly trying to eliminate us entirely which is sad because we are very much small businesses and real people.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Realtor, probably like most people you know. If you would have asked me if that was my dream job, I would have laughed at you. My impression of realtors were caricatures of people who were cheesy, pushy sales people. My mother-in-law is actually my “boss” or employing broker as we call it. I joined the family business not really sure if I would like it or where it would lead. I am grateful I was able to start this job in a small boutique brokerage versus the larger ones. Turns out, this is the job of my dreams! I am going into year 6 and I think being able to learn and grow while staying true to myself is what I am most proud of. I looked into bigger companies thinking maybe its what I needed to be successful and all I found was the same box they would try to fit you coupled with scripts to talk to people and sell. There was no authenticity or sincerity in any of it. There was no human aspect to it, purely paychecks and results. This job isn’t easy. You start from scratch so I understand why many follow the models most of the big brokerages teach. At the end of the day, I never wanted to be there caricature that I thought of when I thought about a Realtor. I learned everything I could to best help my clients and worked super hard and did it while staying true to myself. Paychecks and results don’t motivate me. What motivates me is being able to truly help people with their goals. We are dealing with homes and it’s more than a business transaction. People have their whole lives in these home…or will. It’s a big deal and helping them with all of that is what I am passionate about. Whatever business you get in, follow your heart and stay true to yourself. It will be a more fulfilling career and life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Breakfast is the best meal so I would bring them to Snooze. I know thats typical but they do breakfast right! If it’s a week long trip, I would say the drive to either Steamboat Springs for an overnight trip is worth it. Go hiking, snowboarding and check out Strawberry Hot Springs! The other spot that is a can’t miss is Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes. You can’t even imagine the beauty of Steamboat or Estes unless you visit! I would say dinner at Postino’s and Quality Italian are a must! Postino’s also has the best happy hour! I would also bring them to Avanti and Denver Central Market. These market style setups are unique to Denver and I love the idea because there is something for everyone! Otherwise, Red Rocks is a classic must-see as well as Lookout Mountain in either the sunset or after dark!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I truly wouldn’t be where I am without the women the Facebook group I created. It’s called Colorado Girl Gang and it’s filled with so many incredible, talented and intelligent women from all over the state who have done nothing but support, encourage me and each other. I feel better knowing that community is with me and has my back!

Instagram: www.instagram.com/chelseaarielle18

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chelseablankenshiprealestate

Image Credits
Blue Flame Studio Co.