Linda Mitchell, Broker/Co-Owner

Green Fin Realty

Education: High school and general education college courses.  I also took real estate investment courses and asset protection courses.

Age: Really? I’m a woman — 54

Family: I am married with children. I have a blended family with three sons and two daughters. I am also fortunate to be married to my best friend. Our children all get along really well. Our family gatherings are such a beautiful blend of ages, due to grandbabies from 4 months old and up. This is what life is about.

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How did you first get involved in the real estate business, Linda?
I began in 2010 flipping houses with my husband down in Southern California. During one of our walks by the river, Todd suggested I get licensed in between projects as I had spare time and three months later I was licensed.

How many Realtors work in your office and how do you go about finding talented employees?

We currently have two part-time agents and three full-time agents. We have not really made an effort to find more agents. We will be starting to recruit soon looking for motivated, driven agents who want to build a business and give back to our community.

How would you describe the current residential market in the Fresno area and what are the key factors driving market conditions today, Linda?

It’s a seller’s market but not to the point you can drastically overprice your home. We have less than a two-month inventory of homes, whereas a healthy market has a 4-6 month supply of inventory. It’s a great time to buy because the rates are still low. The economy and the presidential race are both key factors impacting our housing market. People want to know that we’re going in a positive direction with both.

What are the most important issues facing your industry today and how do they impact your company, Linda?

We have many issues that come across on a weekly basis, however we have great support with our PAC [Political Action Committee] in California and we have been successful in defeating most bills that negatively impact homeowners. As a member of the local PAC with the Fresno Association of Realtors, I’m proud to say, my voice matters.

What advice would you give to a young professional just starting his or her real estate career?

Go into an office and shadow an “ethical” agent for a couple of months before you go on your own. Not the top producing, not the most popular agent, but the most ethical agent.  The training new agents need is on the contracts and how to present yourself to clients, while being ethical and honest.

What was the best advice you ever received and who did it come from?

“Have faith in yourself and your God given abilities.”  My husband said it. Whenever I have a low point in this crazy world, it reminds me that I am capable of so much more. Not to listen to those that say,  “you can’t and you won’t.” Whether that is me in my self doubt or someone else, I’m reminded that God has great plans for me, greater than anything I could dream of. All I need to do is have faith and follow the path.

Who or what has been the biggest influence on your career, Linda?
My husband Todd is the one who encouraged me to get licensed and pursue real estate here locally. He is my biggest fan and he pushes me to reach outside my comfort zone over and over again. Aside from my husband, my bible is my spiritual influencer.

What are your roots in the Central Valley, Linda?  
Born and raised in Fresno, I left for a short period but returned and I love our location in the middle of California. We get to enjoy the best of our state, mountains, lakes, beaches, big cities and a diversity of people who make us great.

What was your very first job and what did you learn from it?
My first real job was working as a teacher’s aid during summer school. I worked with kids that had the best hearts, dreams and intentions. I learned that you’re never too old to climb trees. And when you get stressed or angry, take the adult out and be a kid and do something silly or fun.

What do you like to do in your spare time, Linda?

So many things I enjoy doing. I like to ride my bike, take long nature walks and read books. I enjoy visiting with my kids and creating memories. I enjoy time with my husband sitting outside by the pool with a glass of wine talking about our goals and future.