As aired and published on WDAM.com

‘I just hoped I could be successful’: Hattiesburg realtor celebrates 50 years of selling homes

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - After arriving in Hattiesburg with her family in 1972, DeLois Smith was ready for a career in business. Little did she know, it’d be the home-selling business. “I just hoped that I could be successful in that new career that I was launching,” Smith said.

Smith said things were slow at first, but with the support of mentors within the community, she was able to build a name for herself. “I actually sold 47 homes my very first year in the business,” said Smith. “My first price was $16,500 on Duane Street.”

Now a part of the Hattiesburg-based All-Star Team Realtors, Smith herself is a mentor for new realtors, including Adam Watkins. Watkins first met Smith after graduating from William Carey University in the late 90s. “When you’re working with DeLois, you’re working with a machine,” Watkins said. “She just absolutely loves this business. She loves the people in it. “She enjoys doing it every single day.”

Smith said over the years, she’s been happy to see the city become more tailored to residents’ needs. “I have a lot of insight into the neighborhoods that are more accommodating to whatever the activity is, whether the family is newlyweds, growing a family,” said Smith.

Though she’s reached this milestone, Smith said she has no plans of stopping or leaving Hattiesburg. “I just feel like I have had an opportunity to be in a place that people enjoy,” said Smith.