Turning Passion for Pets into Real Estate Success with Christine Ann Elias
Kyle Madorin June 20, 2025
Kyle Madorin June 20, 2025
When it comes to achieving real estate success, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Many top producers find ways to make their mark by bringing something personal to the table. One such example is Christine Ann Elias, the leader of the Urban Dog Group at Coldwell Banker Realty, who has combined her love for pets with her real estate expertise to build an incredibly successful business.
Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Christine on my podcast. During our conversation, she shared her journey of overcoming personal struggles and carving out a unique niche in Florida. Her story is an inspiring example of how you can take something you’re passionate about and turn it into a thriving business.
Christine started in the world of commercial construction. After college, she gravitated toward sales and marketing in the construction industry, where she spent more than a decade.
However, Christine wasn’t satisfied. The industry was dominated by men, and despite her hard work, she often found herself stuck in middle management. Her entrepreneurial spirit drove her to make a change. However, fear held her back for years.
In 2012, Christine hit rock bottom. After going through a difficult divorce, she lost almost everything. But instead of staying down, she used this hardship as fuel to rebuild her life. It wasn’t a rags-to-riches story, but it was a story of resilience and growth.
Christine’s journey into real estate began a bit later in life, but it was exactly what she needed. She brought with her a strong background in construction and marketing, but more importantly, she brought her love for animals. This passion would later become the cornerstone of her real estate career!
Christine’s decision to focus on pet-friendly real estate wasn’t just a business move—it was personal. She has always been passionate about animals and knew she wanted to help others who shared that same passion. She became known as the “pet-friendly realtor,” and this niche quickly set her apart from the thousands of other real estate agents in Florida.
When Christine started in real estate, there were over 14,000 realtors in Central Florida. Now, that number has grown to nearly 24,000. So, how did she stand out?
She found her people—pet owners who treat their pets like family. She didn’t just sell houses. She offered homes where pets were welcome, supported pet owners' lifestyles, and understood their needs.
Her personalized service and unique approach made her the go-to realtor for those looking for pet-friendly homes.
The first few years in Christine’s real estate career were tough, especially as she transitioned from a male-dominated industry. There were moments of fear, self-doubt, and setbacks. However, Christine’s perseverance paid off.
Her background in construction gave her a technical edge, while her understanding of people allowed her to build stronger connections with clients.
Christine’s story proves that real estate isn’t just about knowing the market; it’s about understanding the people you’re working with.
Christine uses her love for animals to give back. A portion of every sale goes to a local animal charity of the client’s choice. She’s supported organizations, like the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, further strengthening her brand as a compassionate, mission-driven real estate professional.
People love doing business with someone who shares their values, and Christine’s commitment to animal rescue has earned her a dedicated client base.
For Christine, building and maintaining client relationships is all about providing excellent service every time. She believes in doing the best job possible on every transaction and building trust through hard work and integrity.
One of the most rewarding parts of Christine’s job is seeing how her clients’ lives evolve. As she pointed out, buying a home is one of the most significant life events for her clients, right up there with getting married or having children. By being part of these important milestones, she has built lasting relationships that go beyond the transaction.
Christine doesn’t rely on cold calling or door knocking. Instead, she focuses on community events and personal interaction.
Her involvement in pet-related events, like Paws in the Park, allows her to meet like-minded people and promote her services in a way that aligns with her values.
Christine has found that personal connections and word-of-mouth are the most effective ways to grow her business. She’s built a reputation in the pet community, and this has translated into more clients and more success.
Christine advises new agents to work with a brokerage that offers strong training, support, and legal assistance. She cautions against joining a 100% commission brokerage, where agents are left to fend for themselves without the necessary mentorship and resources.
In Christine’s case, the right brokerage has been key to her success. She has the support of a strong team, which allows her to focus on her clients while ensuring she stays compliant and protected in her business dealings.
Christine’s real estate journey hasn’t come without its sacrifices. At one point, she was so focused on her career that she neglected her health and relationships.
She now emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and personal care. After all, taking care of yourself is essential to sustaining a long and successful career in real estate!
If you’re new to the industry or thinking about becoming a realtor, here’s Christine’s advice:
Be ready to put in the work. Success takes time and effort.
Build genuine relationships. Your clients’ trust is earned through consistent, high-quality service.
Find your niche. Stand out by focusing on a specific market or service that you’re passionate about.
Learn continuously. Taking online courses, attending industry conferences, reading books, and listening to real estate podcasts are great ways to keep learning and stay engaged.
Want to learn more about our interesting conversation? Listen to the full podcast episode!
Christine’s success shows that real estate isn’t just about selling houses. It’s about building relationships, supporting your community, and turning your passions into something that makes a real difference.
To hear more from inspiring industry icons, like Christine, tune into Real Estate on the Up. Each episode is packed with useful tips and motivational stories to help you grow in your real estate career.
And, if you're searching for homes for sale in Orlando and the surrounding areas, contact us. We’re here to help!
Do you have an inspiring real estate story to share? Whether you're an industry veteran or someone with a unique perspective, we’d love to hear from you. Apply to be a guest on my podcast and share your experiences with others in the industry.
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