Through an unexpected diagnosis, I learned a valuable lesson.

“I’m sorry, sir. Your blood pressure is too high. Until I receive a clean bill of health from your doctor, I can’t clean your teeth.” Stunned, I stood up from the dental exam chair and walked back to the waiting room. I had no idea how critical that moment would become in the following weeks.

At first, I thought it was a fluke and I waited to see my doctor. I tested my blood pressure at the fire station, drug stores, and again and again the numbers were the same. After a couple weeks, I saw my doctor and in the days after my life picked up speed.

I was sent to a specialist where I found out that I had a dysfunctional aorta worn down over time. The only option at that point was open heart surgery. If I did not have it, my heart would enlarge and kill me within six months. At thirty-five years old, I was shocked. Not long before, I had cleaned up my diet, lost thirty pounds, and was feeling better than I ever had in my whole life.

Even though I felt great and did not have any symptoms yet, the tests showed the truth. A few weeks later I met my surgeon and a month after had the surgery. When I first heard the words, “open heart surgery,” I about collapsed on the floor. I thought it was something that only happened to the elderly or someone who had a heart attack. I was too young for any of this. But life does not take our opinions into consideration.

After the surgery, it took several months to get my strength back. Even with a minimally invasive procedure, a surgery like that saps your strength. Just the thought of standing up to do the dishes like I used to every day was too laborious to contemplate. However, with enough determination and practice, I got back to where I was before, and I am healthier than ever.

Without that chance moment, a walk-in dental appointment, I could have died not knowing that I was sick; it was a blessing, and I knew after surgery, I was being given another swing at this life. Each day I try to continue to show my appreciation for making it through as best I can.

What I realized was that sometimes the smallest moments can lead to the biggest changes. I always have an eye out for where life may guide me next. After all, serendipity is only half of it, the other half is what you do with the chance you are being given.

It was no coincidence that I became a licensed REALTOR® in 2016. I recognized that I could bring together my passion for serving others with my background in construction, loans, and business to help people make sense of what can be a difficult process. Things happen in life that throw us off course, big and small. In those moments, I want to be there to help you chart a new course, an even better one to help you reach goals you never thought were possible.

When I have time, I enjoy playing video games and board games with my friends and family, as well as working on carpentry and home projects. I love this community and enjoy helping whenever I can between community outreach and construction. My favorite part of being a REALTOR® is helping my clients find that spark when they know they have finally come home.

Whether buying or selling a home, there is a lot to consider, and chances are you already have a lot on your plate. As your REALTOR®, I go above and beyond wherever I can to simplify things and minimize your stress. Communication is key and I follow up with everyone involved in transactions from the loan officers to other agents in order to keep things moving smoothly. With my background in business, construction, and loans, I help my clients plan for the big picture. I can glance at a home and tell you right away how many years the roof has left or if the problem with the foundation is cosmetic or structural. By giving you all the information possible, you can make the best decision to fit your lifestyle without worrying about things coming up later. Even after the sale is over, I will still be there because I want to continue to help you reach all your dreams as your lifelong REALTOR®.

Sincerely,

Carlos Brown
REALTOR®