Because my parents couldn’t afford college, I worked to pay for my own education—a challenge that turned out to be a blessing in disguise, opening my eyes to an industry where I’ve found my purpose.

My path into real estate was filled with losses and new beginnings, but each twist taught me resilience and the importance of purpose. It all started when I migrated from India to Maryland at age 17. The transition was difficult—I didn’t know the culture and I struggled to fit in high school. 

Determined to carve out my own path, I paid for college by working as an assistant at a brokerage. I spent 6 years there, advertising real estate agents in newspapers and magazines. During that time, I was fortunate to be mentored by Samina, who helped shape my early dreams of becoming a REALTOR®. That dream, however, came to a halt when the market crashed.

My then-husband owned a retail store that gradually went bankrupt. I watched colleagues lose their jobs, 

constantly fearing I might be next. Although I wasn’t fired, my paycheck wasn’t enough to cover our mortgage—a mortgage that, in hindsight, wasn’t beneficial for us anyway. We eventually lost the house––a tough experience. Now I’m not afraid to fail––I learned that you get back up and keep going––but at that young age, I felt ashamed.

In search of a fresh start, we moved to California, where I joined an appraisal company, swearing off real estate altogether; the market crash had left me wounded and disillusioned about a career as a REALTOR®. Although life went on, my then-husband’s mental health deteriorated: he became depressed. 

I called his parents in India with the news. “You need to help your son,” I said. They arranged for him to return to India for treatment, and I followed him, hoping to save our marriage. After a couple of years in India, I ultimately decided to get a divorce.

Returning to Maryland, I felt lost. I had watched my husband’s mental health spiral downward, had lost my marriage, and had no clear career or passion. I relied on spirituality—meditation became my refuge as I searched for my purpose. Everyone has a clear path––one where they get to enjoy what they do, be prosperous doing it, and add value to the world. I was determined to find my path.

As I reconnected with friends in the real estate industry, I learned that Samina, my mentor from years ago, needed someone on her team. It was a beautiful synchronicity—life had come full circle. I joined her team and in 2023 became a full-time REALTOR®. Helping others find a home and a lifestyle that brings them joy became my purpose.  

Today, I serve folks as a REALTOR® while also volunteering at Columbia Community Care—a program dedicated to raising money to deliver food. I am a passionate meditator, and in my free time, you’ll often find me doing yoga, taking walks in nature, or quieting my mind at a meditation center. I also enjoy socializing with friends and I cherish the moments of connection with the community.

Looking back, I realize that pressing forward with trust in your own resilience eventually brings about great rewards.

I sincerely care about my clients––I want them to win and be happy. To ensure this outcome, I make sure to fully understand

 their wants and needs so I can guide them toward their goal. Having experienced the pain of losing a home myself, I am committed to helping my clients stick to their budgets and find fair, non-abusive mortgage options that keep them secure. I work closely with them to establish a realistic budget because I never want them to lose a home. As a strong negotiator, I strive to secure the best prices possible for every deal. I also take pride in serving a diverse clientele—including Indian and Pakistani families whose cultural perspectives I understand. 

Real estate is a complex process. I’ve seen clients lose faith along the way but I never give up. I listen to their concerns, address them with care, and reassure them that we will find the right home, no matter how long it takes—and we always do.

 

Sincerely,

 

Shazia Rajan