Lisa Lipari

Chasing Goals with Honesty and Hard Work

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Jessica Laine Photography

Lisa Lipari is no stranger to hard work, and to say she is driven would be an understatement. At the age of 14, she started working at her family’s restaurants. She continued to work while she was getting her bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University and held down two jobs while completing her MBA at Walsh College. Furthermore, when Lisa decided it was time to get her real estate license, she enrolled in a 40- hour, one-week real estate course, passed the exam and began her real estate career three weeks later.

“I am an extremely competitive person but mostly with myself,” Lisa confessed. “I am definitely a goal chaser, and I’m always looking for ways to be better today than I was yesterday.”

With less than five years in the real estate business, Lisa has already earned Rookie of the Year at Max Broock Real Estate and Top Dog honors for the highest sales volume at DOBI Real Estate, as well as been named a 2020 Real Estate All-Star by “Hour Detroit.” She is a 2020 board member for the Women’s Council of REALTORS® in Birmingham/Bloomfield and a member of Impact100 Oakland County. Lisa is also a charity committee member at DOBI and launched a working-moms networking group in May 2019.

“Growing up, my parents always taught me to be very independent and to rely only on myself for my financial needs,” Lisa recalled. “My mother encouraged education and a career in corporate America while my father demonstrated the benefits of entrepreneurship and working independently.”

After years of working in a corporate environment, Lisa was ready for a change. She wanted the freedom to make her own schedule and the ability to earn more money. At the time, she managed an office of 15 employees and worked more than 80 hours a week. “I was overworked and underpaid and very stressed out,” Lisa said. “It was time for me to leave and do something else.”

Real estate was a natural fit for Lisa. Her self-starting personality, along with her education and experience, were the necessary tools needed to launch her real estate career. “I have always loved looking at houses, seeing different styles, architecture and design,” Lisa said. “Also, my previous work experience in customer service and relationship building gave me confidence that I could excel in this career.”

Beyond Lisa’s impressive skill set, it is her ability to connect with clients that has made her successful — and most fulfilled in her work. She said her best moments are when her clients are happy. “I like to create a positive, memorable home-buying experience for my clients,” Lisa said. “I know I’ve done my job when my clients tell me how happy they are in their new home. I work hard to create a seamless process from the first meeting to the closing. There is no greater feeling or compliment when my clients share their experience with others, resulting in a referral. Additionally, it is confirmation of a job well done when clients become friends.”

Over the years, Lisa has proven to be a hard-working agent to even her closest of friends. In a few instances, her friends had originally enlisted other agents to do the work, however, after six months — when none of the homes sold — Lisa sold each of the homes within a week. “Sometimes I think friends don’t want to interfere with my professional activities,” Lisa said. “That couldn’t be further from the truth. I am eager to work hard and help my friends, and in this instance, sell all of their homes quickly!”

Lisa is nearing her fifth year in real estate with a total sales volume over $20 million. She is best known for honesty and transparency in her business transactions. “I am very forthcoming with my clients,” Lisa said. “If I don’t think a client should buy a house, I will tell them because I am here to guide them and help them make the right decision — that’s my job.” She offered sound advice to others just entering the marketplace. “The first thing I suggest is to be patient,” Lisa laughed. “It takes time to establish yourself and earn a good living.” Additionally, Lisa suggested investing in yourself. “This advice was given to me early in my career, and it has paid off,” she said. “I also think it is important to differentiate yourself by creating marketing materials that stand out.”

Furthermore, Lisa stressed the importance of education and staying informed. “It is so important to read everything carefully and stay up to date on new laws, rules and changes within the industry.” Lastly, Lisa emphasized the importance of communication. “This is what I do best,” Lisa said with a smile. “I may even over-communicate.” Lisa said she prides herself on immediately responding to all calls, texts and emails. “Clients appreciate a prompt response. They like knowing they are a priority. And while I’m sometimes attached to my phone, I think my accessibility is what helps make me successful.”

When she is not working, Lisa can be found at the gym or on the golf course at the Detroit Golf Club where she and her husband Jimmy are members. The couple has a 2-and-a-half-year-old son, Luca.

Lisa shared how her real estate career has given her the freedom to spend time with her family and attend her son’s activities that she may otherwise have missed if she had stayed in her previous positions. “My goal is to continue doing real estate for the rest of my life,” Lisa shared. “We plan to expand our family, and I know that I will be able to do that and have a career without skipping a beat.”

Rising Star - Lisa Lipari