Cindy Anderson

As a highly progressive individual, Cindy Anderson has unquestionably made an impressive impact in the real estate and technology spaces. Her training began shortly after earning her bachelor’s degree Cum laude from the University of San Diego USD, majoring in Business with a minor in Computer Sciences. Her accomplishments set in motion what would become her induction into a world of new and advancing technology.

Throughout her impressive career, Cindy has held several positions for various technology companies including Kaypro – one of the first manufacturing microcomputer companies. Cindy was hired to sell a twenty-two-pound machine that was considered to be the first portable microcomputer of its time. Her success with Kaypro led to her position with ROLM, the OEM that manufactured the first computerized telephone branch exchange which included software that allowed for automatic (computerized) call distribution. This technology was the genesis that launched a new industry for call centers based around the world and employs thousands upon thousands of people year after year.

As a savvy yet compassionate woman leading her real estate business, her principles and philosophy of doing business are somewhat unique. Cindy Anderson is conservative and structures her real estate deals with a primary interest in creating a win-win situation for all concerned. She built her income stream and wealth by researching, gaining insight into each property, and using logic and common sense before every purchase and every sale. The success and well-being of all involved was always her number one priority.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

Today I consider myself semi-retired and spend my “day job” time connecting and networking with different interest groups within my community working for civil rights, police reform and (always dream big) “world peace”. I feel compassion and a commitment to give back to the community that I love so much.

How do you bring ideas to life?

My ideas come to life with the initial thought of creating a project then casually discussing it with others who I think are smart, savvy people in order to get ideas. I found that the beginning of the year is the best time to write down my goals. I set a strategy and financial goals.

What’s one trend that excites you?

One thing that excites me are the values that younger people have today. Perhaps it is that I live in a more liberal area, but it has surprised me how wonderful younger people are, in terms of being accepting of one another—whatever their differences are. They see the differences in people and celebrate them. They don’t have these crazy prejudices programmed into them. It inspires me that things are getting better. They are making the choice to have a better world. That makes me believe we are going in the right direction.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

The best habit is setting goals which translates to making a to do list. That is key for me. It helps me to be much more productive.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Keep believing in yourself and your dreams. Always be open to learning from your mistakes. Networking is essential, so never stop connecting with others to grow and succeed in your endeavors.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?

It has to do with freedom of speech. Everyone has a right to say what they want to say. That is what the foundation of democracy is built on. I believe no matter what, everyone has the right to free speech. Even if it is horrible, hurtful, or not even true, intolerance of somebody else’s right to freedom of speech is unacceptable.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

You have to always be networking. Always, no matter what you’re doing, whether you’re at a school PTO meeting, a sports game, or in the grocery store, you have to be discussing your business. Being aware of the environment and possible situations to look for comes from having conversations with the people. Networking is critical for people to do to maintain a successful business.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I take a step back and prioritize my tasks. Making a to-do list helps me regain focus and productivity. Additionally, I find that discussing my ideas with smart and savvy individuals allows me to gather insights and solutions to the challenges I face.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

Again, I would have to say networking is a critical part of making my business such a success. For example, I happen to have nieces that live in Omaha and property is pretty cheap in that region–relative to the Seattle area. I went for a visit in 2020. My nieces pointed out that because Nebraska is so sparsely populated, the big hospitals are located in Omaha. They said that rental houses close to the big hospitals are always in demand. I looked around and found a nice house near the Children’s Hospital that I purchased. It was easy to rent out and has been a great investment thus far. While properties are going down right now in the Seattle area, values are holding in Omaha. People who work remotely can buy in an area like Omaha and get a lot more for their money.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

There is a real big difference in the use of the word’s “failure” and “mistake,” especially when you are referring to yourself and your business. To me, what you are referring to as a failure is a problem that requires a solution. A problem is an opportunity to be successful. You find the solution, pivot, and learn never to make the same mistake again.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

I would say to anyone wanting to get into real estate to look for a home in an area that offers the same quality of life that you are used to but is less expensive. You can begin to build an independent income stream in different ways. You can purchase two homes, one to live in the other to rent out or you can purchase a home on a large enough piece of property to allow you to build a second home—which you could either sell or rent out.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

Both Zillow and Redfin make real estate market research easy. They provide a wealth of information and they are easy to use.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

Yes, I have a favorite book that has provided me with immense value – “The Millionaire Real Estate Investor” by Gary Keller. This book offers practical insights and strategies for building wealth through real estate investments. It has been my go-to guide for understanding the market, making wise decisions, and creating a successful real estate portfolio.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

Recently, I thoroughly enjoyed “The Big Short.” This film sheds light on the 2008 financial crisis and its impact on the real estate market, which resonates deeply with my background in real estate. The movie’s portrayal of the complexities in the financial world and the importance of making informed decisions aligns with my own philosophy of researching and understanding each property before making investments.

Key learnings:

• Viewing your home solely as an investment may not always be the most practical approach, as its value may not provide immediate benefits in supporting your family’s daily needs.
• Investing in a second home presents an opportunity to establish an additional income stream, thereby reducing reliance on a single source of income without compromising your current standard of living.
• It is crucial to avoid allowing your ego to hinder progress towards financial independence through real estate investments. Remaining open to prudent opportunities can lead to a more secure and diversified income stream.