Shawna Sloan, REALTOR

Real Life as Your Golden Isles Realtor® (Busy, Messy & Worth It)

Jan 16, 2026By Shawna Sloan
Shawna Sloan

Mornings: The Real Star

Most of my days don’t start with real estate — they start at home.

My husband is up and out the door early, while my oldest is getting ready for school, so the morning is a mix of getting everyone where they need to be and trying to get a little bit of quiet before the day really kicks off. Once things settle down, I usually grab my coffee and take a few minutes to check messages, emails, and anything that came in overnight.

Real estate doesn’t run on a set schedule, so mornings are when I start getting a feel for how the day is going to go. Some days are slower and more planned out, and other days… everything hits at once.

Before I even leave the house, I’m already responding to clients, confirming appointments, and making sure nothing urgent needs my attention. It’s not always glamorous, but it keeps things moving and helps my clients feel taken care of right from the start.

real estate morning


Midday: The Work Behind the Scenes (and a Toddler Along for the Ride)
 

By the time the morning settles down, my workday is already in full swing — and most days, my youngest is right there with me.



Working in real estate while raising a toddler means learning how to multitask in ways I never expected. Some calls get made during snack time, emails are answered during nap time, and every now and then, you might hear a little background noise on the other end of a phone call — and that’s just real life.



A big part of my day happens behind the scenes. I’m following up with clients, coordinating with lenders and attorneys, reviewing contracts, and making sure every detail is handled correctly. Even when it looks quiet from the outside, there’s usually a lot going on.



Nap time is golden. That’s when I try to focus on the heavier tasks — paperwork, marketing listings, scheduling showings, and returning calls that need my full attention. It doesn’t always go perfectly, but you learn to make the most of the time you have.



Balancing work and motherhood isn’t always neat or predictable, but it’s something I’ve grown into. And honestly, it’s one of the reasons I care so much about what I do — because I understand how important it is to find a home that truly fits your life.

black laptop computer on brown wooden table


Afternoon: Out in the Field (and Finding Time for Myself)
 

Afternoons are usually when I’m out of the house and on the move.

This is when I’m meeting clients, showing homes, checking on listings, or heading out for appointments around Jesup and the surrounding areas. No two days look exactly the same — sometimes I’m driving from one showing to the next, and other days I’m walking through a property, taking notes, and thinking through how to best market it.

One thing I’ve learned is that I have to be intentional about taking care of myself too. When I can, I fit in a trip to the gym. It’s not always perfectly scheduled, but it’s something I try to prioritize because it helps me reset and stay focused for the rest of the day.

Real estate can be fast-paced and unpredictable, so having that time even if it’s quick, makes a difference. It gives me a chance to clear my head before jumping back into calls, messages, and whatever else the day brings.

Even while I’m out, I’m still checking in with clients, answering questions, and keeping everything moving forward. A lot of this job happens in between stops whether it's in the car, on the phone, or wherever I can make a moment to respond.

property listings


Evening: Wrapping Up (But Not Really)
 

Evenings are when things start to slow down at home — but in real estate, the day isn’t always over.

After dinner and spending time with my family, I usually take a little time to check back in on anything that came up during the day. That might mean responding to a late message, reviewing a contract, or getting things lined up for the next day.



A lot of clients have questions in the evening once they’re off work, so I try to be available when they need me. It’s just part of the job — and honestly, part of what makes it work. Buying or selling a home is a big deal, and people deserve to feel supported through it.



Not every night is busy, but I’ve learned to expect the unexpected. Some evenings are quiet, and others turn into last-minute problem-solving or important conversations that can move a deal forward.

pasta dish on white ceramic plate

Why It Matters

At the end of the day, real estate isn’t just about showing houses or closing deals. It’s about helping people navigate some of the biggest decisions they’ll make.

My days aren’t always perfectly planned, and they definitely aren’t always quiet. I’m balancing work, family, and everything in between — just like a lot of the people I work with.

That’s why I approach every client with honesty, flexibility, and a real understanding of what life looks like outside of the transaction.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Jesup or anywhere in the Golden Isles, I’d love to help. Even if you’re just starting to explore your options or have a few questions.