Back on the Market: Holly Parker’s Debut Book about Love and Life

Who knew real estate and dating had so much in common? Elliman Insider sat down with New York City agent Holly Parker to find out all about her new book, Back on the Market: A Realtor’s Guide to Love and Life . Holly reveals everything from how the book changed her to why she compares dating to real estate when talking to buyers and sellers. Elliman Insider: Congratulations on your new book, Back on the Market: A Realtor’s Guide to Love and Life . Tell us about it. Holly Parker : After seven years of marriage, I found myself “falling out of contract,” as a newly divorced woman reluctantly facing the prospect of being “back on the market.” While I knew everything about selling real estate, it wasn’t until my divorce that I realized how similar our daily lives are to what I do as a broker every day. Life is transactional, whether it’s a business decision or those we spend our time with, so instead of wallowing in self-pity, (admittedly, there may have been a few tearful nights!) I took my skills as a master real estate agent and applied everything I knew to getting my life back. Back on the Market depicts the perils of life, love, and dating—and the parallels of selling real estate—whether it’s dealing with first-time buyers (those who have a romanticized version of what they think they want and what they can actually have), the value of curb appeal, fixing the foundation of a damaged home, not listing before you’re ready to sell, staging, and so much more. Full of memorable takeaways, lessons, and anecdotes, my goal is to help the reader find their perfect “home” and fall in love with life all over again. EI: What made you decide to write this book? HP: I have been wanting to write this book for the last 15 years. I am always educating buyers and sellers about the sales process through referencing the process of dating. Everyone has some concept of dating and when I put the examples in that context I usually receive a laugh along with a nod of understanding. Mission accomplished. EI: Who do you think would gain most from reading this book and why? HP: I think that anyone experiencing a hard situation could gain something through the book. I really put myself out there, touching on my many struggles and I share what I found from my soul quest around the globe. I’m delivering the secret sauce for escaping your sorrows. EI: How has this experience of writing this book changed you and how do you hope it will impact your business? HP: The process of writing a book about your life is very intense. I had never intended to share so much. But in fairness to my reader, I came to realize that it wasn’t fair of me to not tell the full monty— I mean story!  In telling my story I saw my mistakes (and there were many) more clearly. It was a painful process to be confronted with my mistakes, but now I am empowered to not make them again. The book changed me as a person, that’s for sure. EI: What would you say the dating world and the real estate market have in common? HP: We are all selling something. But it’s the art of attraction and the rhythm of the dance that get the deal done. EI: If someone were to take one thing away from reading this book, what would it be? HP: Marry yourself and be your own best friend. EI: Any advice for aspiring writers out there? HP: Write like no one will read it. Write to yourself. Get vulnerable. And if you really want to go on a soul quest, don’t hold back. EI: Where can readers pre-order your book? HP: They can preorder the book right away by going to https:hollyparker.combook Contact Holly Parker for more information about her book and for all of your real estate needs.