Leila Modetz

DISCOVERING LIFE

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Stylish Detroit

Photos taken at Wynstone South by Lombardo Homes in Oakland Township

Leila Modetz has always been an entrepreneur at heart. For years, she ran her own accounting business where she helped her clients with business operations. While helping others with lifelong decisions brought Leila great joy, she felt she could have a greater impact working from the other side of the desk. After years of brainstorming different business ideas, Leila decided to invest in her own long-term future and give real estate a try.

“I love everything about the word ‘home’; it’s the place I feel happy and safe,” Leila said. “With real estate, I get to help people find their safe and happy place, and pursue my interest in design and architecture. Furthermore, a career in real estate has given me the opportunity to spend time with my family; it’s a perfect fit!”

As a Florida native, Leila was raised in a small community surrounded by familiar faces and friendly neighbors. “In a small town, everyone looks out for each other,” Leila shared. “To this day, it warms my soul when people care enough to stop and help one another; growing up in that environment had a positive influence on me.”

After earning a degree in accounting from Florida Atlantic University, Leila worked as an accountant in West Palm Beach. A year later, she moved to Rochester, Michigan, to be with her college sweetheart — now husband — Scott.

With a positive mindset, Leila never misses an opportunity to learn from those around her. “I have a mentoring philosophy and welcome the exchange of ideas and experiences,” Leila explained. “I have always aligned myself with top-performing business professionals who care enough to share their knowledge with others. And in turn, I find moments where I can also offer new perspectives or suggestions on how to approach a problem.”

In addition to finding inspiration from other real estate agents, Leila found her greatest role models in her parents. Her father, Abdu Taguri, taught her to never give up on her goals, and her mother was a shining example of how to be kind, compassionate and caring toward others.

When Leila was 29 years old, her mother, Brenda, died at the age of 61. “Losing my mom put life into perspective for me,” Leila recalled. “I used to get consumed in my work, but once I lost my mom at such a young age, I looked at life through a new lens, which showed me I needed to go after my dreams and passions in life.” That realization was the catalyst to Leila’s real estate career. “I was not going to live the rest of my life from behind a desk.”

Two weeks after Leila’s mother died, Leila and her husband had a total house fire. All that remained of the house was a cement slab in the basement. Luckily, everyone made it out of the house, thanks to their dog, Koda, who alerted them to the house fire. “We lost everything,” Leila shared. “But keep in mind, it was all material things that we lost. I don’t think I would’ve felt that way had I not just gone through so much loss just two weeks prior to the fire,” she said. “Again, my view of what was important in life was put into perspective: shoes are truly just a pair of things I put on my feet. I can always go and buy a new pair of shoes; they’re replaceable.”

All of Leila’s life events led her to find her passion for helping her clients, who are often family, friends and referrals. “I know it sounds cliché, but I am passionate about helping people through the roller coaster ride of purchasing or selling their home,” Leila said.

When Leila began her career two years ago with CENTURY 21 Sakmar & Associates, she was determined to put in the work and accomplish her goals. “I went into the office five to seven days a week, I watched YouTube videos, attended office meetings, listened to podcasts and asked my broker and top agents questions,” Leila explained. “I just never stopped.”

Leila’s dedication to continuous learning came from a mentor who assured her that the greatest impact on her work wouldn’t come from the number of years in the business: It would come from her expansion of knowledge. “The advice I received was empowering because I was just launching my career amid a sea of others who had been in the industry for over 30 years,” she said. “I knew if I kept studying and evolving, I could gain more understanding and experience than someone who had been flat-footed for far too long.”

Leila’s advice to others just entering the real estate world is to become a sponge. “Surround yourself with great people, and soak up all the knowledge you can,” she said. “Find people you can relate to or who inspire you, and learn from them.” Additionally, Leila suggested making a to-do list and committing to it. “There are a lot of distractions, and it’s easy to spin in a circle and go nowhere; having a daily list of action items will help to stay focused and on track.”

Leila’s family has molded her into a loving and kind person. Her husband, Scott, and daughters, Zuri Mae and Ziley Jane, make her laugh and smile every day. Zuri Mae is 8 years old and attends St. Joseph Catholic School in Lake Orion. Like her father, she loves life and is always making people smile. The newest addition to the family is Ziley Jane, who is 16 months old. She is a happy baby who is always on the move and believes sleep is overrated.

Leila’s in-laws, John and Mary Modetz, have been instrumental business guides, demonstrating their unyielding commitment to their family funeral home business for over 30 years. “They have been inspiring examples of what leadership looks like in the community,” Leila said. “And their sterling reputation for exceptional customer service inspires me to do the same.”

The most rewarding part of Leila’s business has been accomplishing her goal of helping dozens of families and becoming a real estate agent and REALTOR®. “In the beginning, I had a lot of people who laughed at the idea of me pursuing my dreams in real estate,” Leila shared. “I’m glad I wasn’t afraid to take a chance. I trusted my gut and put my faith before my fears.”

Leila said real estate is now a part of her everyday existence. “Stepping into this career showed me the value of following my heart and taking risks,” she said. “Whether I’m helping others find their forever home or investing in my own properties, I will invariably have real estate in my life.”

Rising Star: Leila Modetz