Sue Howell chosen as top local Realtor
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on April 14, 2006 1:46 PM
Sue Howell of Prudential The McMillen Real Estate Group had a special guest with her at the podium as she accepted the 2006 Realtor of the Year honor Thursday night.
Two-year-old Elizabeth greeted her grandmother with a big hug as Mrs. Howell was acknowledged for her service to her clients and her profession at the annual Realtors Banquet at the Goldsboro Country Club.
News-Argus/Dennis Hill
Accompanied by her granddaughter, Elizabeth, Prudential The McMillen Real Estate Group Realtor Sue Howell accepts the 2006 Realtor of the Year honor at the Realtors Banquet Thursday night at Goldsboro Country Club.
Elizabeth, who had been secretly waiting behind the scenes with the rest of the Howell family, including Mrs. Howell's husband, Tim, ran straight for her grandmother after the announcement of the honor by the 2005 winner, Judith McMillen.
Ms. McMillen said Mrs. Howell's choice for the honor was nearly unanimous -- and well-deserved.
What makes Mrs. Howell stand out is her commitment to serving her profession and community, Ms. McMillen said.
"The Realtor who was chosen this year has worked tirelessly not only for the Board of Realtors, but for other charitable organizations as well," she said.
And although proud of her own accomplishments, Mrs. Howell was quick to credit all those who have supported her efforts throughout the years.
"Nothing is ever done single-handedly," she said. "I am so very grateful for everyone who has ever helped me in any way."
Mrs. Howell said she attributes her success to all the Realtors and other real estate professionals who taught her over the years.
"I have had excellent examples to follow in real estate," she said. "There are wonderful professional people in real estate who are willing to help others."
She said her profession is special, too, because of the dreams it helps fulfill.
"When you see someone own their first home, it is a wonderful feeling to see them have a warm safe place where they can relax and let the world go by," Mrs. Howell said. "People buy homes of different sizes and shapes, and it is their own. You get to be a part of that, and that is actually wonderful."
She said she began her career in real estate in 1993 when she went to work for Town and Country GMAC Real Estate as a receptionist. In 2003 she left Town and Country to help Judith McMillen open the McMillen Group. She helped manage Judith's team and in 2005 the company became Prudential The McMillen Real Estate Group. In 1995, she got her license to sell real estate, and then went on to add her broker's license.
When she is not working, Mrs. Howell said she enjoys working with her church, Free Chapel Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, where her husband is youth pastor, when he is not working at Goldsboro Milling.
In addition to classes and youth trips, the Howells also work with some of the senior citizens at the church.
Mrs. Howell said she is active with the Widows Club, which includes women in the church who have lost a mate. The group meets once a month for a meal and a devotion, in addition to taking trips and enjoying each other's company. She said she and her husband also take the Senior Citizens Club members on outings.
"Some of the Widow's Club members are also in the Senior Citizens Club," she said.
Mrs. Howell said she might be busy, but she wouldn't have it any other way. "I think it's because I'm a Christian, and it is our job to show God's love to the world," she said. "If they don't see it in us, they often don't see it."
The Howells have two children, Mike and Amanda, and a daughter-in-law, Phyllis, in addition to little Elizabeth, who her grandmother says is her pride and joy.
"She's my little heartthrob," Mrs. Howell said. And in honor of Elizabeth, the Howells sponsor a child, Katie, who lives in a foreign country.
"We want to do something for a child less fortunate, because we have been so blessed," she said.