After experiencing several big losses, I experienced a moment of clarity. By deciding to take action and get out of my own way, I learned a valuable lesson.

As I was riding down the street, it hit me. With each passing house, my determination grew stronger. Something had to change, and I knew what my first step would be – weight loss.

I struggled with my weight for many years, and at that time in 2012, I had just experienced one of the hardest seasons of my life. In a short time span, I lost several people who were important to me, including my mother. I had been a licensed agent since the early 2000s when I left my career in banking. In the crash, we lost everything, short-sold our home, and had to start all over. While that was humbling, losing my mother was devastating.

She ended up passing away a few months before my daughter, Hailey, was born. For that first year, I stayed home with Hailey and focused on healing from all the loss. She is our miracle baby and gave me a reason to keep going. My wife, Anabel, has been extremely supportive as well, and I would never have made it through without them.

Hailey was my motivation to change, starting with my weight. I planned to use that momentum of change to domino into many other aspects of my life. I wanted to be a father that she could be proud of by her second birthday, so this new version of me would be the only one she ever knew.

I lost 50 pounds in six months and pushed myself to go beyond my limits by signing with an intimidating real estate brokerage. My father left my mother when I was a year-and-a-half old. By Hailey’s second birthday, I achieved all my goals and realized how different I was from my father because I could not have done any of it without my daughter.

I talk with Hailey about everything, and we are still extremely close. Although at times I felt like giving up, I never did. It took me a while to heal and find a way to move forward, but I never stopped looking for that opportunity to grow. Hailey always inspired me to look further.

Being a father is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It has made me grow and learn more about myself. I pay closer attention to my reactions, the people around me, and the situations I am in. However, the biggest lesson I learned was to accept my flaws. It is not something a lot of us like to admit, but we all have flaws. Once I accepted mine, I was able to move forward. We all have internal struggles and critical voices that haunt us, but recognizing that puts the power back in our hands as we determine what we will do with that knowledge.

I can look back and laugh about it all now because along with growing more comfortable in my own skin, I embraced my humor and fun. The only certainty any of us has is that one day we will die. That is why after I came out the other side of that tough time, I branded my business with “Live Life Fully.” Each day is a gift, one that I plan to run with and see where it leads me.

Whenever I am not working, I enjoy gardening, fixing up houses, traveling, reading, cycling, and going to amusement parks with my daughter. My favorite part of being a REALTOR® is structuring and coordinating deals for my clients from point A to point Z.

I take a holistic approach with my clients. By asking questions and really taking the time to understand where they are today and where they would like to be, I can devise a streamlined plan for success. With my photographic memory, I know the comparable homes in different neighborhoods and how to find a perfect fit, whatever your needs may be. Bringing holistic awareness in a consultative capacity to help you evaluate your options, I will dig into the root of your goals to better understand and serve your why.

Throughout the process, I will be upfront with all the information and options available, so you can make the best decision to fit you. I will take the time to walk through the process with you step by step so that even if you decide not to move today, you are armed with more information for the future. I have extensive experience in residential and investment real estate. Once the transaction is over, I will continue to support your success as your lifelong REALTOR®.

Sincerely,

Justin Bonney
REALTOR®, Broker-Associate