Before she began changing lives for the people of Houston through residential real estate, Dawn Weaver was designing projects that changed the landscape of Houston. The Texas A&M University architecture graduate spent nine years working in design and production for an award-winning commercial landscape architecture firm, before branching out on her own with a successful design firm specializing in residential design and construction. Today, this combined experience has given her an intimate knowledge of the diverse neighborhoods of Houston, which has proven to be a great asset when assisting her buyers and sellers through Martha Turner Sotheby's Realty.

With 20 years of experience in the design industry, Weaver is extremely well versed in detecting which elements of a home appeal to her clients' design aesthetic and embraces the challenge of matching them with the perfect home. Her rich architectural background provides an extra level of knowledge when it comes to design possibilities, quality of construction, and spotting possible issues that need to be investigated.

This top producer has uncompromising attention to detail and is known for her follow-through, clearly communicating during all steps of the process. She makes continuing education a priority, frequently attending classes that help her grow as a Realtor. Weaver earned the Graduate Realtor Institute Designation, is a Military on the Move agent, and a member of the Houston Area Realtors. She is the Texas A&M Delta Gamma House Corporation secretary, National Charity League West Houston member, and member of Texas A&M University's 12th Man Champions Council.

We chatted with Weaver to find out more about her work and what drives her.

CultureMap: What inspires you to do what you do?

Dawn Weaver: I see my job as a service opportunity. I want to take what can be a stressful or intimidating transaction, break it down, educate my clients, and turn it into an easy, manageable, and fun experience.

CM: What's one piece of advice you'd give to people looking for their dream home?

DW: Be realistic about your budget and what that can buy. A dream home can become a burden down the road if it doesn't fit you financially. With my background in architecture and home renovation, I provide my buyers with creative ideas to help them achieve their dream while protecting their budgets. This is my favorite part of my job: finding the perfect fit and watching my clients get excited about their purchase.

CM: And advice to those who are selling?

DW: Remember that your home is now a product that we are marketing. Our goal is to get as many buyers as possible to see themselves in your house. This may require some editing. The way we live in a home is very different from the way we market a home. If you want to maximize your sale price, listening to your Realtor and the professionals we bring in to advise you is essential.

Houston in a global city — we never know if our buyers are coming from Houston or Hong Kong. Hiring a Realtor who has the ability to market your home beyond our local market is key. The breadth of reach I can achieve through Sotheby's gives my sellers local, national, and international exposure like no other.

CM: Sum up Houston in three words.

DW: Friendly, cultural, home.

CM: What do you consider your "special skill"?

DW: I have a degree in architecture from Texas A&M. I began my career at a corporate firm here in Houston, where I picked up some landscape architecture skills as well. I transitioned into owning my own residential design company, specializing in residential renovation. I have managed construction from design to move-in and understand the ins and outs of home renovation well. My buyers appreciate that I can walk into a home and see the potential in it to help them achieve their goals. Many of my clients have come back to say "I never would have considered that home but it turned out to be the perfect fit for us. Thank you for helping us see it."

CM: What's one thing people might not know about you?

DW: I majored in opera performance for two years in college before switching to architecture. Somehow, with all this creative energy, I'm also a very logical and organized person. I think the combination of the two has served me well in this industry.

CM: Finish the sentence: "It's a good day when…"

DW: I get to put a sold sign in a client's yard … and then spend a Friday night with my community watching my daughter dance at Tully.

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See Dawn Weaver's latest listings here or contact her at 832-721-4467.