I’ve learned that what truly makes a difference for my clients is not just my professional expertise, but also the perspective I’ve gained from my own lived experiences. It’s this combination that allows me to truly understand what my clients are going through and to support them every step of the way.

My original dream was to become a high school English teacher. But life took a few turns, and before I knew it, I was married with three kids. I worked in IT, where I worked for over a decade and even became a project manager on a contract with the Navy. There, I honed my skills in working with technology, problem-solving, and my ability to read contracts and understand financial documents.

While I never became an English teacher, I entered the private school sector, starting out as a fundraiser. It was a sales job, but in that role, I realized that when you believe in what you are selling, it feels less like sales and more like a passion project. I believed in the quality of education and was able to get people to back our mission and support our school.

From there, I entered into administration, taught computer science, became a Chief Operating Officer for all non-academic activities, and eventually became the head of a school. It was quite the journey, learning how to make a million different pieces work together cohesively. In those roles, my focus was always on serving the children and creating positive school environments where students and teachers were happy to be.

With so many diverse professional experiences, I saw real estate as a profession that brings all of those skills together. When I’m working with a client, it’s about helping them reach their end goal. That means coordinating all the moving parts, problem-solving on the fly, and genuinely caring about their outcome and overall experience.

Just as my professional skills have shaped my approach, so have my personal experiences. As a mother to three kids, I understand what it’s like to have evolving family needs, to relocate for a career, and to face exciting new chapters as well as harder transitions. Real estate has given me the flexibility to be there for my family when it mattered most, whether that meant having the flexibility to be with my children or stepping away to care for my mom in her final months. I’ve personally lived through many of the same things my clients are going through, from evolving family needs to relocating for a career to even taking care of loved ones and planning for that transition.

One of the most influential people in my life was my mother. She was an educator, working primarily with young children in first, second, and third grade for over 30 years. She had a gift for helping students who were struggling to learn to read. When others would give up, she would spend time with them, figure out what the obstacle was, and help them get through it. Those are lessons that I've taken into my own life. I meet people where they are and help them see challenges as pivot points that may cause temporary delay, but there is always a solution. I enjoy helping my clients determine what their options are and what solution makes the most sense for their situation.

One of my specialties is working with the 55+ community, offering compassion, understanding, and genuine care as they determine what they want the next chapter to look like, whether it’s downsizing, finding a transitional community, or helping family create a plan for multigenerational living. I also specialize in helping first-time buyers and families, whether upgrading, downsizing, or finding a dream home.

I love hearing people’s stories as we work together, learning about their lives and family and what matters most to them. It has enriched my career and, because of this wonderfully diverse area, exposed me to some truly incredible people I’m honored to work with.

Outside of work, I love baking and playing video games, a longtime passion my husband and I share. We have a his-and-hers gaming setup and a collection of every console going back to the Atari. We even owned a video game store back in the day. I believe life should be fun and full of things that bring you joy.

Giving back to my community is a big part of my life as well.  When my mother was in hospice care, there was a worker at her facility who was really more like a companion for her. She wanted to become a CNA and then an LPN specializing in hospice but needed help with the cost of her education. I started a scholarship, currently called Emily’s Fund, to support people like her who want to work in hospice care. I also volunteer with Dress for Success, providing work clothes for women re-entering the workforce, and my office supports a men’s homeless shelter by providing dinner for 200 men each month. Mentorship is also a passion of mine. I mentor new agents and was honored to be named my office’s Mentor of the Year for 2025.

Real estate, for me, is about relationships, problem-solving, and making a difference in people’s lives. If you are looking for a partner who will advocate for you and handle the details so you can focus on what matters most, I would love to help you with your next move.

 

Sincerely,

Martha Cunningham