A single opportunity turned into a path filled with purpose, meaningful connection, and the freedom to build a life on my own terms. Sometimes it is in the places you least expect that you find exactly where you’re meant to be.
It felt like I was climbing a hill that just kept getting steeper. I was working at a financial advising firm and had just wrapped up my annual review. I was doing well, but the end goal was just to continue supporting someone else’s business. Something in me kept saying: You can do more. A few days later, a post I casually liked turned into a message. A real estate brokerage was hiring for an office manager, and they wanted to talk.
At first, I wasn’t seriously interested. But the more I learned, the more I felt drawn in. The role offered growth, bonuses, and support to get my real estate license. I went for it, and it changed my life.
For two years, I managed onboarding, training systems, and daily operations at the brokerage. While supporting agents, I was also learning everything I’d need to succeed as one myself. In 2022, I earned my license and announced it that fall. I expected a slow start, but by December I had my first closing. Thanks to the relationships I’d built and my knowledge of the systems and processes, by spring 2023, I became a full-time REALTOR®.
I told myself if I could just match my old income, I’d call that a win. I ended up surpassing it with 16 transactions before completing a full calendar year. It felt validating. Growing up, I tried everything from sports to art and creative hobbies but never found one thing that felt like “my thing”. But real estate brings together my analytical side from finance and my creative, people-focused side. Helping people through big life decisions and doing it with care is what makes this work so fulfilling. I finally have found “my thing”.
Now, I’m a full-time agent on a team of young, driven professionals who are modernizing how real estate is done. We blend strong client service with the latest technology and strategies. I focus on building long-term relationships and delivering a highly personalized experience, whether I’m guiding first-time buyers, helping sellers prepare their homes, working with investors, or supporting clients relocating to Boise.
Clients often tell me, “I didn’t know it could be this easy,” and that’s exactly what I aim for. I want every step of the process to be clear and for my clients to feel well-supported. At the end of each transaction, I donate part of my commission to a nonprofit of my client’s choice. It’s a way to make an impact not just in their lives, but in the community we share.
None of this would be possible without the people closest to me. My mom is my biggest supporter and such a positive light—everyone who meets her feels it immediately. She now helps with my marketing, putting together client gifts, sometimes featuring her homemade salsa. It’s been incredible to find something I love doing and be able to share those opportunities.
And my fiancé, Kolten, is just as supportive. We met when he was considering getting into real estate. From the beginning, we clicked. We’re incredibly similar in how we think, what we value, and how we approach life. As it turns out, we share the same birthday, so do our moms, and so do one of our brothers. It was just another sign that this was meant to be. He even won a local radio contest that came with a ring and proposal setup. The timing was perfect. We’ve since bought our first home together and continue making big plans for the future!
When I look back at how many opportunities real estate has brought into my life, and the incredible people it's connected me with, I feel truly grateful I chose this path.
As a REALTOR® here in Boise, it is no wonder I love my job because I LOVE this community and helping people find their perfect place here. From outdoor adventures like hiking trails, paddleboarding, or floating the river, to the entertainment in town, great restaurants, and a fun music and art scene, there is something here for everyone.
My services are personalized to the needs of my clients, whether that means helping a buyer find the right neighborhood for their lifestyle or preparing a seller’s home to stand out in the market. I use my local knowledge to guide decisions, offer clear communication at every step, and make sure no detail is missed. Listings are carefully curated with strong visuals, thoughtful staging, and targeted marketing to attract the right buyers. Contracts are reviewed thoroughly, timelines are tracked, and the process is kept as smooth and stress-free as possible. My goal is to make every transaction feel personal, professional, and well-supported. Even after the transaction is over, I am here to offer my knowledge, support, and resources for anything my clients need on their homeownership journeys!
Sincerely,
Emily Meraz
