My journey into real estate has truly been a Cinderella story. Taking a leap of faith and putting in a lot of hard work has led to a life and career I wouldn’t trade for anything.

When our son Richie was born in 2014 and our daughter Allie in 2017, everything changed. Like many families, we tried daycare, but it quickly became clear it was not the right fit. Allie has high functioning autism, and both kids needed more support than traditional care could provide. So, Rich made the decision to stay home while I continued working.

It was not easy. After long days caring for the kids, Rich would drive Uber and Lyft at night to help support us. It was a sacrifice on both sides, but we were committed to making it work. That commitment was not new. It had defined our relationship from the beginning. Just a month before our wedding in 2009, Rich was laid off from his insurance job. It set the tone early. Whatever came our way, we would face it together.

Real estate had always been a dream of mine. I originally got licensed in 2005, but when the market crashed, I pivoted into hospitality, apartment management, and eventually HOA management. Those roles gave me a strong foundation in customer service and working with people.

Around that time, I also worked briefly as a marketing manager for a real estate photography company. In 2012, I met Robert Ward while trying to earn his business. Nothing came of it at the time, but we stayed in touch. Meanwhile, Rich transitioned into working as a real estate photographer with that same company.

In 2013, everything came full circle.

While photographing one of Robert’s listings, Rich reconnected with him. Robert remembered me and asked how I was doing. When he learned my HOA contract was ending, he mentioned he was looking for an assistant. It was the right place at the right time, but more importantly, it was the result of a relationship that had quietly been building over time.

I joined Robert as his executive assistant and spent the next five years learning the business from the inside out. I gained experience in contracts, marketing, and what it really takes to get a deal to the closing table. It was an invaluable behind the scenes education.

By 2018, I knew it was time to take the leap. I stepped fully into real estate, and Rich got his license as well so we could build something together.

The beginning was tough. I did not close my first deal for months, and I quickly realized my mindset was holding me back. I was so focused on providing for my family that I treated it like a sales job. Everything shifted when I stopped chasing transactions and started focusing on relationships. I began showing up to genuinely help people, whether they bought or not. That is when things began to click.

Our business today is built on that foundation. We have learned that simple conversations can lead to incredible opportunities, whether it is someone Rich met while driving or a homeowner we reached out to directly. My broker once said I have a way of creating opportunities out of thin air, but the truth is it comes down to being proactive, consistent, and not being afraid to connect.

We do not take any of this for granted. Every client who trusts us means everything, and every referral feels like the highest compliment. This career is not just about selling homes. It is about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives while building a life we are proud of for our family.

Looking back, it sometimes feels like a fairy tale. My glass slipper was finding the right approach. Once I did, everything changed. Our determination, resourcefulness, and belief in each other carried us through, and those same qualities now guide how we serve our clients.

This is just the beginning of our story...

My approach to real estate starts with truly understanding what matters most to my clients. I focus on listening to your needs so I can curate the process to fit them every step of the way. Once I know your dream, I will do everything in my power to make it come to life. I’ve had clients give me an exact building and floor they want to live in, and I make it happen by calling owners, leveraging local knowledge, and reaching out to my network to find off-market opportunities. I’m very driven and will find creative solutions to help my clients. With a background in hospitality, I know how to create a truly exceptional experience that is effective and enjoyable. 

Behind the scenes, Rich supports our business by managing the technology, automation, and systems that keep everything running efficiently. He handles much of the follow-up and organization, allowing me to dedicate my full attention to our clients. We handle all the details and logistics for you, taking as much of the stress off your shoulders as possible so you can focus on the big picture. Our goal is to make your real estate journey rewarding and memorable, treating every transaction with the care and dedication it deserves. Let’s bring your real estate dreams to life!

 

Sincerely,

  

Christina Schlink, REALTOR®

LIC #3137018

(850) 368-1474

Christina@theschlinkgroup.com

Rich Schlink, REALTOR®

LIC #3421585

(850) 217-0295

 

 

We’ve never taken any of this for granted. Every client who trusts us means the world to us, and every referral feels like the biggest compliment.