When everything felt like it was falling apart, it was really just making way for a new beginning. Through every challenge, I’ve learned invaluable lessons that have empowered me to chase my dreams!

As I drove around late at night, I realized I had nowhere to go. I had just returned from military training and was hit with the painful realization that my marriage was over. The longer I drove, I realized everything in my life was tied to someone else. At that moment, I knew I had to begin building a life that was truly mine.

When I first came to the U.S. in 2009, I had just finished law school in Brazil, passed the bar, and had a stable job doing tax auditing through IBM. That’s how I got the opportunity to come here as an exchange student. The plan was to study and experience a new country. But there were so many more opportunities here. My law degree didn’t transfer, so I needed to start a new degree entirely. Looking for ways to make it more affordable, I joined the National Guard in 2012 where I served for 8 years.

The military gave me structure, strength, and a sense of belonging. I became a U.S. citizen through my service, earned a second degree in supply chain management and IT, and reached sergeant level. But beyond that, it helped me build the resilience and confidence I would later rely on to rebuild my life. When everything else fell apart, it was my military friends who stepped in and offered me a place to stay. That moment showed me I had a community of my own all along.

That’s also when my now-husband and I started getting closer. We served together, but during that time, we connected in a different way. Even while I was juggling college full-time and working overnight shifts, he was there supporting me. He’s my best friend and my rock.

Eventually, I made the move toward my dream job as a project manager in product development. I advanced quickly, managing teams and checking all the boxes of traditional success. But I didn’t feel fulfilled. What I thought was the perfect job for me left me feeling overworked, underappreciated, and disconnected from who I really was.

That’s when I started exploring real estate—at first as a side hobby, investing and flipping. I never planned to become an agent, but I got my license to make deals easier. That decision changed everything. I fell in love with the work. Even after long days at my corporate job, I’d light up at the idea of meeting a new client. Real estate felt personal and exciting. It brought me back to myself in a way that corporate life never could.

By 2020, during COVID, I quit my job and went full time into real estate. Everything I had overcome gave me the confidence to take the leap. I tripled my production, started a team, and eventually opened Dream Seekers Realty. I chose that name because I’ve always been chasing my dreams—leaving Brazil, getting an education, joining the military, finding independence, and building a career on my own terms. Now, I help others do the same!

I’m building something that reflects who I really am. My brokerage is intentionally small, focused on mentorship, education, and community. We volunteer every month. We raise money for local causes. I teach my agents to lead with 

 

heart, act with integrity, and place client needs above their own. I’m also working on opening a title company and starting a new flipping business on the side.

The support of my family, friends, and clients has made all of this possible. My parents moved here and now live with us, which has been incredible to be close again after years of living so far apart. We also have two fur babies, a Shar-Pei and a Shi-tzu, who we adore!

I’ve learned through my own experiences how important it is to have stability—a solid foundation to build on. My work in real estate reflects that. I walk with my clients through the entire process, making sure they feel supported, informed, and confident every step of the way. 

With my background in law, I understand contracts and negotiations, which allows me to protect my clients' interests and help them make sound, strategic decisions. My years in project management taught me how to manage complex timelines and coordinate all the moving parts. I pride myself on staying educated, holding certifications as a Seller Representative Specialist (SRS), Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE), Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), and Military Relocation Professional (MRP). But what really sets me apart is how much I care.

I will do whatever it takes to create a great experience that reflects each client’s specific needs, goals, and story.

Whether you're buying your first home, making a move, or just trying to figure out where to start, I'm here to guide you. This work is personal to me. It’s about helping people you something that is truly your own—just like I did!

 

Sincerely,

Ysmaine Domiciano