Life and Work with Larissa Hoss

Today we’d like to introduce you to Larissa Hoss.

Larissa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Originally, I’m from Southern California; but I’m an Arizonan in my heart and I’m blessed to call the community of Arcadia my home. This is the neighborhood where my own family has chosen to put down roots and grow our life. That’s all thanks to a move to Yuma, Arizona when I was young.

My family moved to my father’s business. I was taught a strong work ethic from the time I was a little girl. My mom and dad worked diligently, believed in one’s ability to create an opportunity for themselves and then foster that opportunity to succeed. After high school, I moved to Phoenix and while in college, I met the handsome and hard-working man who would eventually become my husband. Arash was in the business of reimagining homes, allowing a property to fulfill its true potential. He had also started building custom homes, a new venture for his business, Two Hawks Design, and Development.

As newlyweds, we didn’t just dabble in marriage, we dove right in. In the first five years, we started a family and we built a few homes for ourselves. Now, if you’ve ever built or remodeled a home, you know it becomes your “baby” in a sense. Well, I already had one son; and these projects quickly consumed whatever time I had left — and I loved it. I became deeply involved with different aspects of Arash’s company, specifically the business side of things. I’m definitely not like some wives of builders who design and create lovely interiors. Instead, I honed my skills in negotiation and I learned to keep sharp on spying a great deal. Since I was already a wife and a mother – I was a natural problem-solver, of course. I do say that with a bit of humor, but it’s true: wearing multiple hats gives you a certain empathy and a keen sense for navigating challenges.

I’ve always had a heart for helping people and it felt great to work aside from my husband and our clients as their dreams of the home took shape. I became a licensed Realtor® in 2017, which allowed me the opportunity to help other individuals and families buy and sell real estate. It’s a rewarding path and one for which I’m tremendously grateful.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth road?! Far from it, actually! The industry in which my husband and I work is filled with risks of all kinds. Real estate is unpredictable: sometimes it’s awesome and sometimes it’s quite the opposite.

For a moment, let’s just be honest: when you’re dealing with residential real estate, you’re not just dealing with dirt and structures, you’re dealing with people. We all have emotions — we all get down and we all love to celebrate a victory. It’s a multi-faceted business, but that’s what keeps it so interesting: there’s always a challenge and I thrive on finding a way through. For example, as a builder’s wife, we move a lot. In fact, as I write this, I’m still unpacking boxes from a recent move, just a week or so ago. One of my biggest struggles is not being with my two kids all the time. I’m aware I miss out on some milestones. You may quietly criticize me for that, as you read this article. Don’t be mistaken: I have thick skin, so say what you may. I love my family. I work hard to find a balance and most days, I win. Other days, life and an unpredictable schedule win. One thing I’ve learned: there is no such thing as a perfect situation (although I’m doing my best to try and create that).

Another “area of opportunity” as I would call it is working alongside my husband. I work both on the building side with his company and on the listing side as a Realtor®. Now, I know what you’re thinking: oh, lucky you – that must be easy. I’m here to tell you: it’s tough. I adore Arash and love spending time with him as a wife. It’s hard to switch from my “work hat” to my “wife hat” because some days, I just want a hard hat and a sledgehammer, especially when both of us bring our work home.

To be successful in any industry takes a lot of time and a ton of dedication. Real estate is no different. It’s a saturated field and competition is fierce. My advice is to keep your end goal in mind. Ask yourself, why are you working so hard? What do you want? My goal: I love my family and I want to help create a good life for them. I want my kids to learn a strong work ethic so one day, they can set their own goals and strive to exceed them. I want to be the best resource for my clients and when their transactions are done, I want them to refer me without hesitation. It’s not complex, but this goal takes deliberate, dedicated work. I’ll be the first to admit I’ve had my fair share of failures. I experience disappointment. I’m realistic and I know without those, I wouldn’t grow and I couldn’t succeed. I embrace the chance to better myself because when things get bad, I can draw on the strength and support from my family. I can pull myself up and keep walking forward; because while drawbacks may come, I know they’re just stepping stones on the path to my goal.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
At some point, people always ask “what do you do?” Well, it depends on what hat I’m wearing at the time. I became a licensed Realtor® in 2017 as a way to help my husband — a custom home builder and developer. We specialize in the Arcadia area, but we do work in other upscale areas of Phoenix and Paradise Valley.

By the time I got my real estate license, the world of residential real estate wasn’t new to me: I have a long history of working with my husband in many areas of his business. At one point, I was responsible for hiring personnel, creating content for the social media, guiding the design aspects of each project and ensuring the so-called trains run on time. I also had to make sure dinner was cooked and the laundry was done. Although my role with Two Hawks Designs and Development has evolved over the last seven years, I remain dedicated to that company and my husband’s success.

My heart for service and helping people is apparent in each transaction I do: it’s a joy to see a family move into their dream home. When a developer acquires a piece of land for a fantastic spec project, I feel proud to have played a role in that. I thrive in standing up for my clients and ensuring them value – no matter the price point or square footage. It’s more than my knowledge of investing and building: it’s my love for creating relationships beyond business, and forging paths to success for each person I have the honor of working with.

Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I feel there are very few external factors that create barriers when it comes to female leadership in residential real estate. I’ve been blessed to work with many amazing leaders who are women, and I’ve had some great female mentors. There is a certain freedom to working in real estate, as you are your own boss. For the most part, you set your own schedule and you forge your own path. Yes, that may mean long hours some days – but it’s truly a field where the only boundaries you set are your own. So, I say: reach for the stars, ladies!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://twohawksdesigns.com
• Phone: 480-212-2267
• Email: larissa@roluxurygroup.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larissahossrealtor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larissahossrealtor/

Image credit: 
Eric Kruk Photography, Jasmine Amber Phtography, Michael Franco

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