Helen Merjos fondly recalls one of her most memorable real estate clients — a buyer whose home purchase budget was just $25,000. Not one to shrink from a challenge, Helen, a native of Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads area, rolled up her sleeves and got to work, leveraging her unwavering dedication and local insight to scour every corner of the market until she found the one. 

That buyer has stuck with Helen throughout the years, as all her clients do, and that same family recently closed on a home for more than $400,000. Pouring herself into that $25,000 transaction earned Helen a lifelong client, and you’d be hard-pressed to find another fierce champion of the award-winning Diamond Circle of Excellence gal who's equal parts heart and hustle. 

“Helen puts her clients’ interests above her own,” says William (Toby) Harris, President of Movement Joint Ventures and Co-Founder of Movement Mortgage, one of the nation's Top 10 lenders. "When you deal with Helen for the first time, you notice a difference — that she is in your corner and pulling for you. Her commission is always secondary, and she will work just as hard or harder on a $100,000 deal as she will on a $2,000,000 deal. The client comes first — always.” 

From a young age, Helen has had a heart for real estate. Her father was an entrepreneur and a real estate investor, and she worked in her family business for many years. “Both my parents taught me to have big dreams and visions,” shares Helen, who is grateful they also instilled a strong work ethic in her. Her passion for business continued after she graduated from college and took a position as Director of Sales and Marketing for Omni Hotels in Virginia Beach. There, she learned the value of teamwork. 

Helen left corporate America to raise her children, Peter and Elena, her greatest blessings from God. She took a leap of faith and launched a commercial real estate sales career in 2002. “I loved every aspect of it,” she states. “After 14 years of marriage and a new season in my life, I expanded into residential, multi-family and luxury sales. A job that's 100% commission takes total faith, hard work and perseverance, which is why I give God all the glory.” The fact that Helen aligned with OWN Real Estate is no surprise. She expresses, "Their values aligned with mine, being founded on Biblical business principals and serving the public with integrity." 

Later, Helen grew her business to include investors. “They had the same mindset and heart I did to not only rehab homes, but to also beautify our local communities and help displaced families,” she notes. “Every transaction has a purpose with an unfolding story. I love helping and educating sellers and buyers to either find the right house to help make their dreams come true or expand their real estate portfolio."

Helen is proud to serve folks from all walks of life, such as first-time home buyers, multi-generational families, single parents, military families and adult children helping their aging parents downsize. “No matter the client, whether helping them buy or sell, their gratitude at the closing table is always a highlight,” she smiles. Toby does not hesitate to applaud his friend. “Helen is loyal,” he asserts. “Many people today have friends and acquaintances, but few have loyal relationships. Loyalty is rare today in any business. Helen is always available to her clients for whatever questions they may have and serves as a mentor for many people.” 

Looking ahead, Helen comments that she will continue to be a servant REALTOR®, providing quality and unparalleled service to her 100% referral-based clientele. “Helen knows the market,” Toby voices. “Few agents really understand where the market is and where it's likely to go. Helen practices her profession every day of the week. She knows neighborhoods. She knows cities. And she knows how to advise her clients to help them get the best value, whether they are listing or buying." Helen’s clients would share a similar sentiment about her. She also commits to mentoring others to help them avoid challenges she has faced while working to ensure the future of our communities is better than ever. 

Helen is passionate about leaving a legacy of giving back, whether helping the homeless and human trafficking victims as a licensed victim advocate or funding churches locally and worldwide. She emphasizes, "I'm eternally grateful for my relationship with God, my amazing kids and all those who have contributed to who I am today. I'm thankful for all the opportunities to serve so many, as I believe blessing others is the true definition of success." Helen brings joy and hope wherever she goes and is a perfect gem her clients are lucky to have unearthed.