20 Things I’m Grateful For After 20 Years in Real Estate

This year marks my 20th year as a REALTOR in central Iowa, which honestly feels like both a blink and a marathon all at once. In the spirit of milestones (and because everyone loves a good list), I thought I’d share 20 things I’m grateful for—ranging from the heartfelt to the hilarious.

1. My Husband

Let’s start with the obvious. Cory is the steady hand when I’m juggling 18 phone calls at once, the one who pretends to understand real estate acronyms and the one who didn’t bat an eye when I brought home a 9 year old, 120 pound German Shepherd on a house deal. 🐶

2. My Girlfriends (sister/sister-in-laws)

Fresh off a girl’s trip to Franklin TN this one is fresh on my mind. Always there as my sounding boards, my biggest supporters and most importantly the ones who can make me laugh so hard I forget any cares I may have. Your friendship keeps me going. 

3. My iPhone 

No matter what generation it’s more than just a phone. My iPhone is my alarm, calendar, to do list, gps, address book, deal management system, social media manager, news source, preferred fact checker, camera, calculator, scanner and so much more. Seriously… how did they do real estate before smart phones?

4. Rural Iowa Sunsets 🌅 

There’s nothing quite like driving home after showing an acreage and catching an amazing multi-colored sunset over a cornfield. It’s kinda like Iowa’s way of saying, “Not too bad, huh?”

5. My Clients

From the baby boomers downsizing off the farm to first-time buyers terrified of interest rates, each & every client teaches me something new (even if it’s just how to keep a good poker face) and some have become lifelong friends.

6. My Referrers

I’m so grateful for the trust and support of those who refer me to their friends and family as their REALTOR—it’s the highest compliment and means the world to me! You’re the real lifeblood of my business. ❤️

7. Central Iowa’s Small-Town Charm

Every corner of central Iowa reminds me why I love living and working here—friendly waves, tractor parades and small, local businesses that know your name and remember your order… it doesn’t get any better than this. 

8. My Dogs

My furry “assistants” who remind me to take breaks and encourage me to get outside for fresh air. Rip and Letty your unconditional love is priceless and you’re always ready to celebrate my wins. 

9. Google Maps

Because getting lost in the middle of nowhere doesn’t look great when you’re supposed to be the “local expert.” 🤦🏻‍♀️

10. My Real Estate Colleagues

From shared horror stories to celebrating each other’s wins, these people get it—and sometimes that’s all a girl needs. I can’t wait to work with you all for another 20 years (well, most of you anyway!) 😂

11. That One Closing Gift That Went Viral

Shoutout to the personalized garden gnome that had my clients in tears of laughter. (I peaked that day.) 

12. Baby Boomers Who Actually Use Email

Bless them. Electronic signatures make life so much easier. Oh and bonus points if they text too!

13. Midwest Winters (Yes, Really)

Okay, hear me out—there’s something cozy about showing a nice warm house when it’s lightly snowing. Plus, I get bonus points for being out in the cold…in snow boots. ❄️

14. My Century 21 Team

They keep me sane, motivated, and laughing—sometimes all in the same meeting and NO ONE has a better behind the scenes support team. Not to name names or anything but Anna, Vic, Angela, Robin (especially you Robin), Emily and ALL the staff go above & beyond every day. 

15. Fire Prevention Week

Delivering fire blanket popbys is a highlight of this year. Who doesn’t love a gift that’s both practical and a little cheeky? 🔥

16. My Bosses

I’m Grateful for the best “bosses” ever. Joe… you and I basically learned on the job together and it turned out pretty darn great! Dylan… my respect for you and the fine tuned C21 machine you’ve built runs very deep (even if we butt heads from time to time.) I wouldn’t want to sell real estate for anyone else.

17. Unexpected Free Time

That rare moment when a showing cancels, and I have an extra hour to breathe. Pure bliss. I mean a girl needs time to catch up on SnapChat & Monopoly Go! 

18. Iowa State Fair Food

Because nothing says “reward yourself” like a State Fair gyro after a long week of negotiations. I know, sounds dumb but hear me out… eating a State Fair gyro also means I was able to take a few days off to enjoy the fair. I’m grateful for flexibility and control. 

19. Feedback (Even the Tough Kind)

Sometimes it stings (really, it always stings) but it always makes me better.  But I won’t lie, to the client that I got their house sold over asking, closed on time with no problems, literally helped you load your moving truck because you weren’t out by closing and then you gave me a 30% approval rating… that one burns. 🤯

20. The Dream of Homeownership

At the heart of it all, this is what keeps me going. Whether it’s a starter home or a dream acreage, helping someone find their place in the world? That’s what I’m grateful for year after year. Seeing pictures on Facebook of backyard parties and getting Christmas cards showing the kids in front of the fireplace I helped you buy warm my heart year after year.

Cheers to 20 years—and here’s to many more adventures, surprises, and dreams come true. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, you know who to call (hint: it’s me). 😊

Wishing you a safe, stress free and HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 🦃

– Brandi Nelson, REALTOR

PS:  My goal is to continue working 100% by referral! In other words, I want to provide you with the best home buying/selling experience and beyond, so that you will speak highly of me and recommend me to your friends and family! If you know of anyone looking to buy or sell, please let me know!