Is your dream house on your Santa list this year? “Well, it may not be too lofty of a wish,” says our latest Meet A Mom, Tonya Tillery, an agent at DeGolian Realty. Ms. Tillery’s long-time passion (first as a teacher) is to help her clients reach for the stars when it comes to achieving their dreams. That means sitting down with her clients, listening to their needs, and providing expert advice on the home buying and selling process. “Being there for my clients every step of the way helps alleviate some stress that they may be feeling when making such a big change – however positive – in their lives. “Even at night, my phone is by my bedside, as you never know when a client may need you!” She is just as dedicated to her family and friends and offers some great Mom advice on our Q & A below.
Q & A
Tonya, where are you from?
I am originally from Tampa Bay, Florida but have lived in Fayetteville, GA for 14 years!
How many kids do you have?
I have three kids! Jaedyn, my daughter is 21, Eliah, my son is 18, and Eden, my daughter is 14. Jaedyn is a junior at Clayton State, Eliah is a freshman at Kennesaw State University and Eden is in 8th grade at Whitewater Middle School.
What do you love about Peachtree City and surrounding areas?
I love Peachtree City and believe it is absolutely a hidden gem and one of the best places to live in Georgia! It is so awesome to have accessibility to shops, restaurants, parks, and lakes via more than 90 miles of golf cart paths! It is indeed a tranquil escape with amazing southern hospitality, sense of community, award winning schools, and a low crime rate!
What’s your favorite restaurant and/or place to shop in Peachtree City and/or surrounding areas?
My favorite restaurants in Peachtree City and Senoia are Palmers in Peachtree City, She Craft in Tyrone, and Bistro Hilary, & Lisa’s Creperie in Senoia. I love shopping at Lululemon!!
Tell us about your career?
I am a realtor with a boutique brokerage, Degolian Realty, in the heart of Peachtree City and am an Accredited Buyer’s Representative and a Seller’s Representative Specialist. My true passion is being a home matchmaker and hustle is in my blood!! I am dedicated to serving my clients and treating each client like they are my only one!
How did you decide on this Business?
I LOVE helping people and I LOVE houses whether they are old, new, dated, rehabbed, big, or small! I am a former Special Education Teacher with a Master’s Degree in Special Education along with a Reading Endorsement. I believe my previous teaching skills have aided me to naturally transition from being a compassionate Special Education Teacher to being a passionate realtor! lt is of the utmost importance for me to provide top notch service and go the extra mile for my clients, just as I did for my students.
What is the best thing about your job?
There are so many reasons why I LOVE my job and so many things that add up to make my job so incredibly worthwhile! As the saying goes, “Find a job you love and you won’t work a day in your life.” I love learning life stories about my clients because everyone has a story and I continue to foster these relationships long after closing time. No two days are the same in real estate and it is exciting to continue learning new marketing trends, technologies, and social media while also allowing for creative freedom and flexibility in managing my schedule to achieve a work/life balance. Buying or selling a home is considered to be one of the most stressful life events. I feel blessed beyond measure to be in the position to help ease my clients’ stress and burden. There is a perfect, defining moment when I hand keys to my smiling clients and it is so much more than a paycheck. It means I have been instrumental in coaching, mentoring, and supporting an individual or family in their journey of purchasing or selling a home.
Advice for Moms or a Mom hack you would like to share? Every woman needs a tribe! I think it is most important to surround ourselves and connect with other women who are supporting, strengthening, and comforting each other, with the ultimate goal of contributing to a happy and healthy life. Moreover, I believe it is a deep rooted need when we connect with other women, forming a sister circle, we are truly connecting within ourselves.
