Waiting tables through college taught her the core principles of customer service.
In a market where a closing can take six months or more, buyers and sellers can lose hope if they feel no one’s on their side, says Sanger. "They want efficient communication, a can-do attitude, and someone with the know-how to overcome obstacles," she says. With those requirements in mind, Sanger and her team—all under 30—more than doubled their transaction sides from 2009 to 2010. Her first foray into fund-raising comes this summer: a casino night to benefit a local low-income housing organization. Her advice: Look for the positives in the industry and in your market.