Inspiring Conversations with Tara O’Neil of RoSt Realty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara O’Neil.

Hi Tara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I had graduated from college and was working at an IT firm. I was a single mom with a young son living at home with my parents. My goal was to give my son a room of his own by the time he turned 1. As I was driving to work, I saw some new builds being built and families moving in with their children so happy. I thought this is what I need! I stopped by the model home and spoke to the agent on duty. I signed a contract and told my parents 1 month before I moved in. I absolutely loved the building process. I would go to the home once a week in awe of the construction and architecture of the building. I was hooked.

The feeling attached to home ownership never left me. I wanted to help my friends and family feel the same way, so I set out to talk about it to everyone. Five years later I got my license and never looked back. However, there was a hiccup when the market crashed in 2008. I took a loss in my home and in my career. I went back to my IT training and worked for some years until my passion called me back. With many market changes and hurdles, I stuck to what was in my heart and opened my own brokerage, RoSt Realty, this year in 2022. No matter how long it takes always remember to stick to your passion, help as many people along the way, and pray to God for guidance. I simply love what I do!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been everything, but a smooth road. It was a struggle building clientele due to moving 3 times. The market cycle affected everyone in the industry, especially in the year 2008. I also had to deal with not-so-honest brokers, I was put in some dangerous situations when showing homes at times and was frustrated along the way.

However, looking back, even the worst days were all learning experiences that made me grow as a person and as an agent. I took all of my past experiences with me when I opened Rost Realty and know how I want to be treated and more importantly how clients, customers, and vendors should be treated – with kindness and respect. Real Estate is not easy but is so worth it!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
RoSt Realty was born from love. My mother, Rickie Thompson, passed away in 2021 and I needed to focus on something. It was time to open my brokerage! RoSt Realty believes that real estate should be equally accessible to everyone. People should be able to live where they can afford and desire to be. Also, the experience of buying a home should be fun and exciting. I want to be a part of people’s journeys to their goals. My tagline, Let’s Journey Together, is part of the mission of company.

RoSt Realty wants to be a part of the entire story of all the homes in one’s journey. We focus on residential homes, condos, and new builds. We are not scared to walk away from a deal if the client doesn’t come out with a win. The job is only done when the client is thrilled about the home and situation. We are most proud of the community service we do by donating and helping others during their time of need. We are not loud about it, but proud to see children smile.

I would like the readers to know that RoSt Realty will fight for the win in every way possible.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I am a family-oriented, God-fearing African-American woman, who loves to spend time with her family and friends and enjoys hiking and traveling.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.RoStRealtyLLC.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/taraoneil1

Image Credits
Timothy Newborn