Marcy Soufrine

FINDING HOME IN FRIENDSHIPS AND IN A CAREER

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Jessica Laine Photography

In 2001, after the events on September 11, many companies were facing layoffs and forced shutdowns. As a result, Marcy Soufrine was laid off from her job and found herself searching for a new career at a time when there weren’t too many jobs to be found. To find the security she desired, she was advised by a friend that the only way to find job security was to create a career of her own. With that thought in mind, Marcy’s mother — who was a real estate agent in the ‘80s — suggested to her daughter the idea of becoming a real estate agent. Given Marcy’s personality — which thrives on building and maintaining relationships, coupled with her independent spirit and can-do attitude — a profession in the real estate industry was a perfect match. “Honestly,” she said with a laugh, “I just wanted to find something that would allow me to talk to people all day, every day.”

On her first day in the business, Marcy spoke to a friend who was interested in a house and wanted to look at it. After touring the home, her client immediately wanted to make an offer. “I didn’t have a clue as to what I was doing,” Marcy confessed. “So I turned to my broker, David Botsford, and a few coworkers to help me put the deal together. Coincidentally, the listing agent is now a colleague of mine and has since become a good friend and mentor.”

For nearly six years, Marcy continued to immerse herself in the business: learning from others, networking and creating a strong presence in the industry.

When the real estate market began to crumble, Marcy moved to Los Angeles to expand her career and to pursue a dream of working in television. While there, Marcy reconnected with a real estate friend who was a Michigan native and had grown his real estate business into one that catered to celebrities and athletes. This gave Marcy an idea.

Prior to getting into real estate, Marcy produced community programming for local television productions. While her real estate business was doing well in California, Marcy was still very passionate about the television industry. “Hearing of my friend’s interaction with high-profile clients and the types of homes they buy gave me an idea for a show that would allow people to see how high-profile clients live,” she said. “So I shot a sizzle reel and pitched it and eventually sold it to HGTV.” Additionally, Marcy worked on home renovation and decor-type shows with Thom Filicia from “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” and HGTV star David Bromstad. As a result of her production success, Marcy began working with celebrity and athlete clientele.

After nearly eight years in California, Marcy began to long for home. “I missed the seasons, my friends and family, and the ease of living in Michigan,” she said. “I realized that my interpretation of ‘living the dream’ — as they say in Hollywood — was living on a lake in Michigan.”

Marcy returned home to continue her real estate career with Keller Williams. Refreshed, refocused and reenergized, Marcy was ready to reinvest in her Michigan business and clients. With her uplifting, positive attitude, she took her career to the next level by helping her clients achieve their real estate dreams. “I am at my happiest when I’m helping people get what they want,” she said. “Whether it’s selling, right-sizing, buying a home for the first time or acquiring a family vacation cottage, I am truly living my dream by helping others fulfill theirs.”

Her intangible skill to form relationships is a hallmark of Marcy’s that comes natural and easy. Through a collaboration of friends in real estate, Marcy has found mutual support and encouragement. “I have excellent relationships with my mortgage and title partners, colleagues and office administration staff,” she shared. “I consider all of these people team members and friends. Together, we encourage, inspire and lift each other up.”

Along with Marcy’s strong work ethic and self-described “elephant skin,” she understands the importance of having mentors and colleagues who help her stay focused on her goals. “Having trusted business coaches and accountability partners are very helpful,” she said. “One of the greatest assets to the Soufrine Team is Pauline Izrailov, a lifelong friend who possesses a wealth of experience in new construction, a great deal of knowledge about school systems, a remarkable talent in public relations and incredible compassion for customers.”

Beyond making a difference in real estate, Marcy finds strength through volunteering. “As a young girl, I was influenced by my grandparents, who generously gave their time to others,” she said. “Their kind hearts and their spirit of being generous with their time was something I was always grateful for and admired.” As time went on, Marcy was inspired to make a difference as a volunteer for the Jewish Family Services/Jewish Federation. She drives for Meals on Wheels and Kosher Meals on Wheels and helps seniors learn how to use iPads. When she lived in California, Marcy volunteered for Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters and Camp Max Straus, which guides at-risk youth to achieve their full potential through the creation of art and by playing sports.

“Giving to others makes me feel connected and humbled,” Marcy said. “There is always someone who needs us and our time, so I do my best to be generous with it. I find the more I volunteer, the better I feel — it lifts my spirits.”

Marcy’s friends truly are her family. Through everything in her life — world events, new careers, divorce, major moves across the country — her friends have stood by her side. Together, they enjoy boating, creating art, helping others and celebrating life. Moreover, her mother Karen has been Marcy’s constant “rock” and her greatest supporter. They spend quality time together by bargain shopping, playing cards, watching movies, reading, making jewelry and doing home improvements.

For Marcy, real estate will always be a part of her life. “It has become a part of who I am,” she said. “There will always be good times and bad, but if you love this, you have to stick with it and keep working on your relationships. Some of my most challenging clients have become my strongest advocates. I have learned over the years that when people are angry, they aren’t really angry at me. It’s important to have perspective and remember that the homebuying and selling process can be one of the most stressful life events people will ever go through. Therefore, it is imperative to be kind, compassionate and really listen to the things your clients are saying and not saying, regardless of their price point.”

Marcy believes it’s okay to not have the answers to everything but to have an open mind and be willing to learn something new with every transaction. “Be curious, ask questions, read, learn and always work on yourself and your skills,” she advised. “It’s smart to find answers on your own before creating an emergency for somebody else. And above all, be kind!

Currently, Marcy is serving as secretary on the North Oakland County Board of REALTORS® and is an MLS committee member. Since launching her real estate career nearly 20 years ago, she has represented everyone from athletes and entertainers to first-time homebuyers, active military personnel, veterans and seniors. “We are all human, and we all care about the same things,” Marcy said. “No matter who you are or where you’re from, home is a place to find happiness, inner peace and comfort.”

Agent Spotlight -- Marcy Soufrine