06/25/2026
The market told her to wait. She opened a brokerage anyway.
In the summer of 2009, California real estate was in freefall.
Prices had already dropped 30 to 60 percent from their peak.
But my sister remembered why she got into the business in the first place: to help people find a home.
So, she started helping clients navigate short sales before banks forced foreclosures.
Then she worked with her city to build home buyer incentive programs for a new subdivision.
She sold out.
Within a year she had taken on three more subdivisions in neighboring towns.
The market gave her every reason to wait.
Waiting would have cost her everything.
Conditions will always exist that justify doing nothing.
And the leaders who thrive are the ones who ask a different question.
Instead of "when will things settle down?"
They ask "what can I do with what I have right now?"
That's a harder question.
It's also the only one worth asking.
What question are you asking yourself right now?
Alvena Maryam Safar is still thriving and today, on her company's 17th Anniversary!
Congratulations, baby sister - I could not be more proud of the business and community leader you are! Cheers to you and to CalPrime Realty.
