Realtor Miranda Fountain is stepping back from her job as a busy realtor at the end of December, after nine years immersed in Bermuda’s real estate.

“I was never a career girl,” she said. But despite that, Ms Fountain has had two very big careers, her professional life starting with providing administrative support for those at the top of Bermuda’s protocol list, including a Governor and Bermuda’s bishops, as well as working in the legal world.

She explained that about a decade ago her employer at the time, a retired executive, became unwell, and that left her with a decision to make.

“I thought, am I going to get a job that’s safe, working for a top executive, or shall I challenge myself?”

Ms Fountain decided to take on the challenge, and pursue her long-held dream of becoming a realtor.

She took the realtor’s qualifying examination, together with a girlfriend for moral support, and passed it.

“Then, I thought, what do I do now?”

Ms Fountain explained that although she had taken her exam to enable her to sell real estate, she had no practical experience or training in the day-to-day workings of her new profession.

“I met up with Arthur Jones (a partner at Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty) at a lunch party.

“He said: ‘Come and join us!’”

Mr Jones promised Ms Fountain that Coldwell Banker would train her. And he kept that promise.

“It was the best move I ever made,” she said.

Ms Fountain explained that as a new realtor, she took several online courses to learn about the many different aspects of a real estate transaction. “They take you through real-life situations — ‘What would you do if ...?’ And the first steps when someone wants to buy a property, as well as how to diplomatically ask questions.”

Diplomacy, the legal aspects of sale along with confidentiality are the three most important things about being a realtor, she said. “I always tell people it’s like speaking in the confessional to me!

“I started when the market was pretty good — I had some good sales, and good listings. And then the downturn started.

“The previous two years have been really difficult — as they have been for all agents.

“But, the company encouraged us to look on the positive side of things, to be industrious in staying in touch with our clients and customers, so that when the economy turned around we would be ready to go.”

Those relationships are the most important aspect of the job, she said.

“This past year has been a lot better.” In fact, she has said it has been her best 12 months in the profession.

“I have sold to two people I’ve been in touch with for the past four years,” she said. “My latest listing is for someone I was also in touch with for four or five years.”

The reason for the upturn is probably political. “I think people waited for (last year’s) election — and I had cash buyers,” she said. “The banks are still very cautious. However, they are more flexible than they were with their interest rates, depending on a person’s personal circumstances.”

Ms Fountain said the Coldwell Banker realtors have maintained good relationships with the loan departments of all three banks. “That’s very helpful when you’ve got a client who needs personal attention.

“Relationships also come into play with the attorneys as well,” explaining it helps the progress of the process of the sale.

Stepping away just as the market is improving is not a difficult a step, Ms Fountain said. She has some long-held plans that she and her partner Eugene Rayner are anxious to pursue, including an extended sojourn in France with the ultimate ambition to buy a cottage there.

“At my age there are things I want to do,” she said. “I think this is the right time to step back. My plans for 2014; I will do a little bit of travel, prepare my cottage here in Bermuda for rent, and find a small cottage in France and rent that for a year. That will be 2015.

“It’s really something Eugene and I want,” she said.

Looking back on her career, she said: “The ultimate satisfaction is pairing a buyer with their dream home. You feel so pleased when you get it right — and when you’re able to negotiate a price in these difficult times.”

Her top tip for buyers: “One of the things I’ve tried to encourage with young couples is to see their first property as a stepping stone to their ultimate family home.

“In a market like this, your property will increase in value, and they will be able to step up (to a higher level in the property market) when they sell.

“It’s a huge compliment when people come back to you, or write you an e-note of appreciation,” she said.

Despite an exciting future ahead, there was a note of wistfulness in her voice when she said: “But I have loved working for Coldwell Banker, and with my colleagues.”