Pivoting to Real Estate? “Dare to Let Your Light Shine” and Other Tips From a Zillow Mortgage Expert

Sometimes, the first step to career advancement is recognizing when the path you’re on is no longer the right fit. The willingness to embrace change and challenges isn’t new for Deanne Moore. Before embarking on her career as a mortgage loan officer (MLO), Moore worked as an educator and school administrator. In 2019, after more than a decade in the educational field, she decided to leave behind the pressures of academia to explore new career opportunities. Her first step was reaching out to a friend who had been working as a mortgage loan officer since graduating from college. 

“I was intrigued by how many people he helped through mortgage lending,” she explains. “I reached out to him, picked his brain, and he challenged me to take and pass the MLO test on the first try.” Never backing down from a challenge, she accepted, passed the test, and “the rest is history in the making.”

Now a mortgage loan officer at Zillow, her passion for helping people pave the path to home ownership, along with Zillow’s culture of opportunity and growth, fuels her motivation. 

“I see my role as a willing servant of the people,” she shares. “When someone is ready go from renter to homeowner, it’s my moment-to-moment goal to guide the way and help them start building generational wealth.”

In addition to guiding clients toward their home-buying aspirations, she’s invigorated by the dynamic nature of her work. “No two days are alike,” she says.   

Here, we catch up with Moore to learn more about her fulfilling career in real estate, how Zillow has supported her journey to success, and her advice for those considering a career change. 

What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working in the mortgage and real estate industry? 

The most rewarding part of my job is helping people realize that they can own a home, even if they don’t think they fit the traditional mold. The most challenging part of my job is the fact that many folks aren’t aware of how to be a good steward of their credit. I feel that credit and personal financial resources should be available early on, like in schools, which could make a significant difference. 

What traits and skills do you have that help you succeed in this industry?

I’m highly organized, clear in my communication, passionate, compassionate, diligent, patient, and committed. 

Let’s talk about Zillow’s culture. When growing your career at Zillow, was there anything that surprised you? How does the company help you and your colleagues succeed? 

My favorite aspect of Zillow’s culture is the readily available assistance to help you achieve success in the short and long term. Zillow University and High Spot are hands down the most unique, necessary, and incredible tools I have access to.

Right now, I’m blooming where I’ve been planted while also sharpening my tools and preparing myself for the next opportunity, which I hope will be in a role that simultaneously supports MLOs and real estate agents. 

In what ways have you felt empowered by Zillow to pursue work that is meaningful to you? 

Accessibility and empowerment—managers, directors, and other leaders are available and only a Slack message away. If you have an idea on how to do or be better, the opportunity to share your idea and possibly get it approved to make it happen has been transformative. 

What’s your No. 1 advice for women in the real estate industry? 

Dare to let your light shine and don’t let anyone convince you to shrink. Women run households, corporations, and everything in between. Stand up and take your rightful place—you are needed. 

Do you have any recent projects or accomplishments that you are particularly proud of? 

My most recent project has been joining the Leadership Entrance Experience Program (LEEP), which enables me to build my experience and understanding of what it means to be a leader and people manager—Zillow style! I look forward to every meeting; it’s great!

Is there anything else we haven’t asked about that you’d like to mention?

One of the best pieces of advice that was shared with me and that I would like to pass on: If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough. Dream BIG and if you’re afraid—do it anyway!