There was never any question what Melissa Bream-Guz would choose as a career. Both her parents were brokers (they owned a real-estate firm in Pittsburgh, which they sold to Berkshire Hathaway), and she followed suit by earning her real estate license at age 18. After working for others for many years, Bream-Guz started Re/Max Stars nine years ago. “I am a 24/7 broker,” she says. “I truly care about my agents and their clients.” Bream-Guz and her husband, Ron, live in Chesterfield. “A realtor’s favorite saying is ‘location, location, location,’” she says. “I’m close to highways 40 and 141, so restaurants, shopping and parks are just minutes away. It’s a great place to live.”
[first sale]
It had been snowy in Pittsburgh, but the morning of my open house, the sun came out. Everyone was house hunting after being housebound so long. The last man who came through the door said, ‘I’ll take it!’ I had never written a contract and didn’t even have one with me, so I called my dad. He thought I was pulling his leg and hung up on me. I called back and said, ‘Don’t hang up—the client is sitting here waiting to sign.’ So he came over and we wrote the contract together.
[big business]
I’ve sold two homes for about $1.5 million—one here and one in the Pittsburgh area. Both were new construction.
[the good stuff]
What I love most is helping my agents and clients achieve their goals.
[the tough stuff]
The most difficult part of my job is having to tell clients they didn’t get the home of their dreams because they were outbid by another buyer.
[the right fit]
When you’re listing your house, find a full-time agent who focuses on your needs, and who has energy and time for your family.
[how to deal with difficult clients]
Calmly, professionally and logically.
[dream job]
I would love to have been a builder who uses progressive green materials for clients’ dream homes.
[puppy love]
I have two dogs. Susie Q is a 14-year-old black lab, and I’m training Sammie, my 3-year-old Golden Retriever, as a service dog.
[play ball]
I’m a Cardinals season ticket holder and love when they play the Pirates because I grew up in Pittsburgh.
[local pride]
I’ve lived in St. Louis for about 26 years. The city has so much to offer everyone—parks, theaters, schools, churches, recreational facilities and entertainment.