It's their job: Student says she has passion for houses

Name: Karla van der Ploeg

Job: Prudential associate broker for Portales homes

Background: I am originally from Holland. Six years ago I moved to and started attending high school in Clovis. I stayed there for two years and then moved back to Holland for a year. Then I came back and started to attend Eastern New Mexico University. I am actually about to finish up a degree in Business Administration.

Time on Job: Three years.

What does your job entail? I answer the telephones. I mainly work on real estate contracts and listings. I also make deposits. I handle a lot of general office work.

What is a typical day like for you? Well, I still have some school left. So, generally in the morning I am in class. I look into leads and find properties for customers. I will set up showings and work on advertising as well.

Why did you choose this job? Actually I started here as a decorator. I moved from that to the front desk. Then I got my manufactured housing license and then my real estate license. I basically worked my way up.

What type of training, if any, is needed for this job? I did have to get my manufactured housing license and then my real estate license. Then, we meet on a weekly basis for in-office training so that we all stay on track and on top of things.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I have a passion for houses. The most rewarding thing is placing a customer into a home that they love. I see potential in certain homes. I love helping customers find homes as well as helping them through the process to get them into that home.

What do you enjoy doing while you aren’t at work? I enjoy riding horses English style. I also love spending time with my dog, Lulu.

— Compiled by PNT Correspondent Carrie Pendleton.