Meet Monique Hoggard | Real Estate Concierge

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monique Hoggard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monique, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process was to be my own boss after being laid off and seeing how realtors help others, it was something I wanted to do and enjoy. I wanted to connect with the Caribbean community first and be a resource for minorities. This business definitely challenges you, but is rewarding at the same time. YOU are the limit in this industry.

What should our readers know about your business?
My name is Monique Hoggard and I’m of Trinidadian and Venezuelan descent. I am a local and international realtor and I live in Houston, Texas. I am active in the Caribbean and African communities in Houston. I initially started wanting to help Trinidadians here or moving here ( I wanted to be the connector/go to realtor). I then started working with investors, then I obtained my international certification, to partnering up with an insurance agency ( my previous background was in commercial insurance), ALL to be a one stop shop for my clients. I have been working with two lender partners, one also Trinidadian, to help families into homes with a GREAT grant program and 100% financing available right here in Houston! This allows families that ordinarily would not be able to afford a home now able to. The black and brown communities are the last to receive a lot of this information but we are able to facilitate as a resource through various platforms as radio, tv, conferences, community engagement events, schools, magazines, etc., wherever anyone will listen! I have been collaborating with a few individuals to help women in certain situations to better themselves and put them in better financial situations.

Oh my Real Estate has some challenges that we don’t see don’t see or hear about, unless you know someone in the industry. I had created a real estate podcast to share some of the challenges we go through, because the shows we see, aren’t 100% realistic or work that way. I am still working on my YouTube channel so don’t judge me lol. I have had challenges from suing a previous broker for taking my commissions, working with a client and after you do all the work, she finds another realtor who saved her 1/2 percent on the commission, instead of asking you to lower your commission, I almost had to sue an investor for trying to go around me on a deal, losing a deal because the client wasn’t happy with what came back at inspection, the list goes on. Anything you THINK can go wrong in real estate, can and does. But what doesn’t break you only makes you stronger! The goal is to help families! I tell my clients that ask me all the time if I am tired of driving around. I tell them it’s not about me, this is about you and that is my job. I will drive around until we find you your home. They can get overwhelmed at times, but I just try to reassure them, “what’s for you is for YOU.”

The lessons I have learned is to share information with others because you don’t want to block your blessings. I am an open book so if what works for me and another realtor asks what am I doing or how am I doing something, I share the information. I don’t like tight-lipped individuals that act like they can’t share information, so I definitely don’t follow that path. I also learned not to chase checks in this industry. Some of us do this full time and I get it why people do, but it’s not the most proficient way to interact in this field. Again this is about people first! If you do a good job, word of mouth is the best form of advertising. If you don’t do so good of a job, word of mouth can work against you as well. Finally, this business is definitely not for shy or thin skinned people. This industry can be challenging and you have to have thick skin, or it will eat you up. I have also learned because it is a people industry, you have to brand yourself, you have to meet people and go to mixers/events and TALK to people because close mouths don’t get fed.

I want the world to know that I am a real estate concierge and I can assist them from single family to multi family or commercial properties, if someone is moving to or from TX- I am a relocation specialist, if you are looking to buy a vacation home or move out of the country- I work with expats and have realtor partners in over 100 countries, I can assist with all types of insurance services, if you are needing a private money lender- I can put you in touch with some credible individuals, if you need a contractor or inspector-I have those vendor connections, if you want to travel anywhere-I am a travel agent! I wear many hats but they all tie into this business and I love it. I am here to help you and whatever your real estate or travel needs are.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a museum kind of girl so I would probably go to the Buffalo Soldier Museum or The Museum of Fine Arts. Depending on the time of year they arrive, I would take them to tailgate and attend a Texans game or see the Astros play at Minute Maid Park. I love the beach so would probably take them to Port Aransas or Padre Island, which is a few hours South depending on their stay. We have so many wineries here and we don’t have to travel far. Minutes away from where I live is Messina Hof winery and kitchen is available. Houston is known for food and brunches. There are so many too name, just pick one! I am also Caribbean so we have that delicacy too! We have great shopping here at the Galleria and also our Outlet mall here. It is never a dull moment in Houston to be honest and something is always popping here!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Shoutout goes to two individuals. One is my ex-husband, because he is the reason I considered getting into real estate. The other is my fellow friend Harry Jean Baptiste, because he is always there to here me vent my frustrations and also has helped me with ideas and being creative in this industry.

Website: makingmoveswithmonique.com

Instagram: @makingmoveswith_monique

Facebook: @Moni Monique

Youtube: @The Shades of Grey Podcast Show