I turned heartbreak into hustle and found a career that gives me purpose every day—helping others find homes.

I have COVID to thank—at least in part—for inspiring my real estate journey. Like many people, the lockdown shook up my world. The office I was working in closed, and suddenly, I had a lot of time to think. I realized I was craving more variety in my life. I had been doing the same thing every day for years, and while stability had always mattered to me, something inside me was ready for a change. That’s when I decided to get my real estate license.

Up until that point, I’d been working as a dental hygienist. It started when I was a teenager—I’d had really positive experiences with dentists and dental hygiene, and I thought, “Yes, that’s what I want to do.” Right after high school, I took the necessary tests and began working full-time alongside a dentist, helping with cleanings and patient care.

It was a steady job, and that was important to me—especially after I lost my mom. She passed away shortly before I got accepted into the dental hygiene program, and suddenly, I found myself living alone. Losing a parent so young forces you to grow up quickly. I had to figure things out fast, including how to support myself and eventually purchase my first home.

And that’s what I did. I bought my first home, settled into my job, and met my husband, Vince, at a Red Robin. Life felt stable and predictable—exactly what I thought I wanted. But then came COVID. As I lay on my couch in the middle of the day, reflecting on my life, I realized something: I was bored. As much as I had once loved the dental field, I no longer felt challenged or excited by it.

A friend of mine, who’s a REALTOR®, suggested I consider real estate. It actually made perfect sense. I love seeing homes, I enjoy meeting new people, and I was ready for a job that offered more variety. I made the leap, got my license in 2020, and haven’t looked back.

What I didn’t expect was how deeply fulfilling this work would be. Real estate has brought me into the lives of so many incredible people. Clients have become friends, and I’ve realized that I’m not just helping people buy or sell property—I’m walking with them through major life transitions. It’s a huge milestone, and I feel honored to be a trusted guide through that process.

Now, life feels full in the best possible way. I have 4 beautiful children. Life is busy, but when I’m not working, I love boating, hiking, and playing pickleball. I also serve as a board member for a law enforcement support group and proudly sponsor a local Little League team.

And of course, my clients are like family. That’s always been my approach—building trust, being present, and treating each transaction as if it were my own. My vision for the future is simple: I want to keep helping families reach their real estate goals while raising my own daughters.

Becoming a REALTOR® wasn’t something I originally envisioned—but I’m so grateful it became part of my journey.

As a REALTOR®, I’m down to earth, approachable, and authentic. I meet clients with empathy and honesty, whether they’re first-time buyers, navigating divorce, or grieving a loss. Real estate transactions can be emotional; I specialize in guiding people through particularly challenging moments with compassion and clarity. I can’t fix everything—but I can take the stress of buying or selling a home off their shoulders.

I pride myself on being a strong negotiator and mediator, always working in my clients’ best interest. I offer sound advice based on both market knowledge and long-term strategy, helping clients make confident decisions that benefit them now and in the future.

I’m also a modern marketer who knows how to make homes stand out. By leveraging social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook—along with targeted ads—I ensure each listing gets maximum exposure and momentum.

Clients trust me not just because I know real estate, but because I genuinely care about making their journey easier, smoother, and even a little fun.

Sincerely,

 
Nicki Burns, REALTOR® | DRE 02096627

Mobile (530) 635-1809 | nickiismyhomegirl@gmail.com

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Nicki Burns