Just two years earlier, Amy Bernstein graduated from The University of Texas with her diploma – a bachelor’s degree in education – firmly in hand. And, she simultaneously had taken classes at an Austin proprietary real estate school, earning her real estate license, also.
Bernstein, who had come to Houston from St. Paul, Minn., at age 4, grew up in Congregation Beth Yeshurun and graduated from Bellaire High School. “My older brother, an accountant, had become passionate about working in commercial real estate after high school,” Bernstein told the JHV. “His encouragement propelled me into real estate school. I’ve always loved children, but from my education classes at UT, I couldn’t see myself as an elementary school teacher.”
During the summer of her junior year, the energetic Bernstein interned at Laguarta, Gavel and Kirk Real Estate Company, “to make sure I liked it,” Bernstein said, “and I loved it!”
Immediately after commencement, the graduate returned to Houston to work as a Realtor for Laguarta, Gavel and Kirk. Two years later, the firm closed its residential business, so Bernstein packed her growing Rolodex of clients and set up shop at Memorial Realty.
At about the same time, an agent/real estate company owner Bernstein had done a successful transaction with moved out of town. “She wanted to make sure her clients would be well-taken care of by a reputable agent for any of their future needs,” said Bernstein. “To my surprise, she selected me to be that Realtor and provided me with all her referrals.”
In another incidence of serendipity, another Realtor, Candace, had been growing a real estate company that specialized in finding and negotiating short-term housing for executives moving to the Houston area. “At that time, there weren’t many companies that even did corporate relocation, so while Candace continued to provide fully furnished corporate apartments, she referred all the transferring executives to me to help them find houses to purchase,” Bernstein explained.
“Candace and I decided to offer our services – temporary or permanent executive housing – in 1984,” Bernstein continued. “At that time, no other company in Houston offered these services. We decided to office share and, at the same time, I would start my own real estate company.”
Thirty-five years ago, January 1985, Bernstein Realty opened its doors, ready to do business.
“I was scared to death,” Bernstein admitted, “but I also knew … I could make it on my own.”
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| Emile C. Browne at Hotel Sorellacolor>
Bernstein Realty’s agents and staff celebrate the company’s 35th anniversary with broker/owner Amy Bernstein (center back row). |
That confidence led to the company’s immediate expansion. “As soon as I found the right people, I brought on a receptionist and two associates. … They were hungry and were both tremendous assets to my fledgling company because they knew computers, which were just emerging tools in real estate,” Bernstein recalled.
“We worked on a shoestring, in a tiny office with me selling real estate and calling on prospective corporate clients for the relocation side of the business … and when I got home at night, I returned phone calls, paid the bills and paid my people … and there were many occasions when I used every penny of the commissions I earned to pay overhead and keep the company afloat.”
Her physical and mental stamina also were assets to the new business owner as was her ability to set goals and then put in the work necessary to reach them.
“I played tennis in high school,” she said, “and tennis taught me much about life, like how to play nice with others, how to fall down and get back up. Sports teaches so much.”
Amy Bernstein also learned, early on, the importance and value of having strong mentors and role models in order to build a successful business.
“In building Bernstein Realty, I was fortunate to have three important mentors in my life and I’m thankful for them every day: Yvonne Zaidie, a Realtor I met at Laguarta, Gavel and Kirk. … I could go to her any time, day or night, whenever I had a question. … She passed away several years ago, and I miss her.
“Marsha Spencer Gay, another of my mentors, owned one of the largest proprietary real estate schools in Texas. Not only was she one of my mentors, but also one of my dearest friends today. … She also allowed me to teach in her school, which allowed me to recruit some of her brightest graduates.
“Yet, another stellar mentor of my life was Nancy Owens, a Realtor who was partner with Martha Turner in the 1980s and owned an extremely successful firm, which she closed when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She remained involved and active in real estate until she lost her battle with cancer in 2001.
“Nancy was such an amazing woman, Realtor and friend,” said Bernstein. With the Nancy Owens Breast Cancer Foundation, a fundraising luncheon has been held every year. “… we have been able to donate $2 million to research,” said Bernstein, who only recently stepped away from her role as foundation chair after 18 years at the helm. “This past October, more than 900 attended our luncheon, which raised more than $120,000.”
The award-winning Realtor also is grateful to Houston’s Jewish community for its support. “From the first day of Bernstein Realty, my friends from the community – and now their second generation – come to us when it comes time to buy or sell property. This support,” Bernstein said, “is the most exciting to me because they’ve always been a part of my business, and I continue to give back to the community whenever I can.”
In her rare hours of leisure, Bernstein plays tennis, likes to shop, go to movies, travel and hang out with friends. She’s also passionate about the dedication and commitment of Bernstein Realty’s associates.
“Our team strives to make each client’s experience – buying or selling – to be great and satisfying,” said Bernstein, “and with each transaction, we realize we become part of people’s lives and often part of their extended families when you help them find that perfect, next home.”
After 35 years, Bernstein Realty has grown to a 50-agent firm, supported by a staff of 12, including two experienced property managers, and they have continued to serve Houston’s corporate sector with relocation services. Many of these agents and administrative staff have been members of the Bernstein Realty family for 25 to 30 years.
“I believe it is an honor and a privilege to be chosen as someone’s Realtor,” said Bernstein. “It’s the largest investment most individuals or couples ever make, and it’s also an emotionally charged part of life. We’re there to shepherd, guide and make that journey, from homebuyer to homeowner, easier and as stress-free as possible.
“I am the luckiest person alive!” exclaimed Bernstein.
Bernstein Realty is located at 9575 Katy Fwy., Suite 205. Call 713-932-1032 or go to BernsteinRealty.com.
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