Lindsey Schmidt, a Fathom agent in Northern Virginia, was recently selected as a brand ambassador for Inman, a leader in real estate industry news and information.

As a member of Inman’s Ambassador Class of 2023, Schmidt will be formally introduced at Inman Connect, the group’s signature event in January 2023 in New York City. Schmidt, along with 20 other new ambassadors, will have the opportunity to meet and network with real estate standouts from across the country.

The January 24 to 26 event will offer more than 75 sessions featuring 250 experts in the field of real estate. 

Schmidt, who joined the Fathom team in January 2017, is no stranger to serving others. She is a U.S. Army veteran who served as an interrogator and Arabic linguist in the Special Operations community. She refers to her nine years in the Army as “some of the most formative of my life, and I truly felt honored to wear the United States flag on my shoulder.”

Interestingly, she was one of a select few females in her former field. “Real estate is the first time I’ve worked in a female-dominated industry, which was an adjustment,” she said. 

Schmidt began her real estate career by working part-time while still working for the government. She wanted to “learn the market” and quickly realized she was a good fit. After about a year, she made the leap to working in real estate full-time. It’s “one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

Schmidt, who initially worked for Keller Williams, chose Fathom because she wanted a “more independent model.” A friend at Fathom introduced her to Mark Worrilow, who became her district director.

Worrilow now refers to Schmidt  as “one of my top agents and someone with whom I have absolute trust.”

Describing Schmidt as “focused and dedicated,” Worrilow said she is noted for her professionalism and the care she takes with each client. “She works hard for our clients and puts them and their goals first,” he said.

In addition, he said, Schmidt is always looking for ways to excel. “Two of my most appreciated characteristics of Lindsey are that she is extremely trainable and she is always seeking both knowledge and ways to serve our clients,” he said.

As a U.S. Army veteran, Schmidt has found a niche serving the military and government community. Many of her buyers and sellers in Northern Virginia have military and/or government ties who appreciate her first-hand knowledge. 

“As a certified Military Relocation Professional, I understand the specific needs, time frames, and financing available to military personnel and veterans,” Schmidt explained.

“As a veteran myself, I understand not just the agent but the client side of the real estate transaction.

“I’ve worked with clients who needed to see all their options in one day and others who were deployed and handled communication and home tours via email and video chat.”

Schmidt said she’s excited and eager to serve as an Inman ambassador. She received the invitation after attending a previous Inman Connect event in Las Vegas last summer. “I aim to continue expanding my network and increasing exposure for my personal brand. Being part of the ambassador team will no doubt provide both,” she said.

Schmidt’s advice to new agents is straightforward and practical. “Just get out there and get your face everywhere,” she said. She also encourages rookies to offer their help to seasoned agents. “You’ll get open houses, rentals, and other things they don’t want to do anymore, and that will not only give you experience but exposure,” she said. 

“As you grow, define your niche and target it. Treat it like its business – be intentional with spending, track expenses, build your CRM, save money for the slow times, and be aware that real estate is a roller coaster. Some months are crazy, and some are slow. Enjoy the slow times and use that for business planning.”

Real estate is not only Schmidt’s career but her way of life. She recently went under contract on what will be her fifth investment property. “I truly believe in real estate as a wealth builder,” she said. 

By her side, through every transaction, is her dog Rummy. She’s “my sidekick and goes everywhere with me. She’s been to fourteen states and is next to me, purchasing multiple vehicles and homes.”