Today we’d like to introduce you to LaToya S. London, Educator and Realtor with Elite Realty Partners, Inc.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am an inspiring multi-million-dollar Educator and Realtor who started as teen mom and have evolved into a Serial Entrepreneur. I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. At a young age my parents Willie and Loretta London taught me the value of hard- work and a good education. On Saturdays, my father’s #1 rule was that my brother (LeKeith London) and I could NOT sleep after 9:00am. My mom and dad woke up very early to work and provide for our family and we could not sleep past 9am in their house! Everyone had to get up and go to work at the family business- London’s Van Supplies. Of ‘course, I was the sneaky and disobedient child, who did not follow rules. I remember waking up, pretending to get out of bed to get dressed and as soon as my dad left, I jumped right back in the bed! And of ‘course, my dad was no dummy, who returned home minutes later to catch me disobeying him. He woke me up with a bucket of water! This is funny now, but was not funny at the time. However, my dad taught me the value of waking up early and going to work, which is one of my keys to success.
I thank God that my parents surrounded me with a VILLAGE that never gave up on me. I was the dare-devil child who always pushed the limits. My grades were not perfect and I grew up way too fast. I started stealing my parent’s cars & money to go sneak into clubs at 13 years old, with fake IDs, that I created. I was often caught fighting in school, was boy crazy and just refused to do the right thing. Everyone counted me out, especially when I became pregnant at the age of 16 while attending Dillard High School. I thought my dad was going to kill me, so I ran away from home with a boyfriend, who I thought was the love of my life.
Today, I thank GOD for his grace and mercy, because HE watched over me while I was lost in the streets attempting to be grown. I was almost raped twice, evicted often, and had no clue or concerns about my life. During this time, I did not know God’s plans for my life, but having a child at a young age SAVED MY LIFE! My first-born son Dan Jones aka DJ/Jodie, who is an aspiring artist working in fashion while pursuing a career as a 911 Communications Operator made me realize that life is bigger than me. Yes, I made some mistakes in life, I chose the wrong friends, but my son, Dan made me grow up fast! I will always be grateful to him for teaching me how to be a mom and changing my focus on life. I had many life challenges, trials and misfortunes, yet, I was determined to be an awesome mom, and that determination to succeed was bigger than me. I continued living my life on Section 8 housing and government assistance, working dead-end jobs, and became pregnant. My second son, Jo’Von Mills aka Barry Black, is currently serving in the US Navy, while aspiring to become a rap artist and business owner. Now, a single mother of two and with the love, guidance and help of my special friend Darryl Allen, I made the decision to go back to Florida Memorial University to obtain a college degree. During my junior year of college, with little money, while pledging Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, my third son Qwesi Allen, who is aspiring to become a pro golfer and doctor was born into the world. I was now a single mom of 3 boys, working a full-time job while trying to obtain a degree, work and figure my life out. It took, what seemed to be a lifetime to finally graduate college in April 2008 with a degree in Elementary Education. However, my start shaped me into who I am today, which prepared me for my fourth son Austin Allen was born in 2017, who at the age of 5, speaks English and Spanish, plays golf, swims like a fish and is mastering karate. I am definitely a better mom and person apart from my crazy and wild start!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your business, LaToya S London, LLC, which operates under Elite Realty Partner, Inc?
My moniker “London is Bridging Buyers and Sellers Together” was derived to create long-lasting business relationships with buyers and sellers. In today’s challenging market, buyers and sellers should be armed with the latest market knowledge, to include property management/investment, financial literacy/credit analysis, property inspection, and development to name a few. I want to be the real estate professional to bridge everyone and everything together in perfect harmony.
My goal is to exceed client expectations by ensuring an Elite VIP experience from initial contact to the closing table. It’s bigger than Real Estate and money for me. My passion is to help buyers and sellers with all aspects of their life by creating long lasting relationship and providing value to every encounter. I take the time to fully know and understand my clients and their needs, so that I can effectively help meet their leasing/buying/selling goals. I dive deep into each property, uncovering and highlighting the unique attributes that set the property apart. This allows me to be able to leverage my clients’ time by showing them only the properties that meet their specifications. I use my expert negotiation and presentation skills to get the best price possible and successfully present Buyers to even the most rigorous co-op boards. I also always ensure my Sellers net the most profits in the shortest amount of time. At the end of every transaction, I want my clients to feel good about me and my services, return as future clients, and refer me to their family and friends.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
My advice for those who are just starting out in the Real Estate business or any business is to first consult God. Pray about EVERYTHING, and do not move until you hear from God. Next, set goals. You cannot go anywhere without the proper plan. Next, if you are a real estate agent, consider joining Elite Realty Partners, Inc. We are truly a family who believes in “Passion over Profit” and we are trained to put our clients first. A firm like no other, under the direction of Tenisha Williams who gives full support, guidance, and training to all agents. We are truly like no other. Also, get a coach/mentor to help guide your career choice and study your craft, stay in “THE KNOW”, become a life learner! And lastly, mentor and give back to others who are less fortunate than you. God put us on this earth to help others. Always pay it forward. This game of life is not always easy. Keep God first, discover your purpose and don’t ever give up or give in! Shine bright like a diamond!
Original Post: Meet LaToya London of LaToya S London with Elite Realty Partner - Voyage MIA Magazine | Miami City Guide
Let me know the best way to reach you, and I will be in touch.