HawkStrong: alumna Regina DeSanto splits time between two fantastic careers
Recently, HFC alumna Regina DeSanto, a licensed real estate agent with The Hargreaves Group Real Estate at Preferred, Realtors Ltd. in Plymouth, was recognized by BestAgents.us as a Top Agent for 2023.
DeSanto was nominated by fellow real estate agent Tricia Walker.
“I received a phone call and had a lengthy phone interview with BestAgents.us,” recalled DeSanto. “They called shortly after and said they chose me due to my success as a new agent, drive, and passion for helping people.”
Fortunate enough to have the best of both worlds: real estate and physical therapy
Born in Southfield, DeSanto is the middle of three daughters. She lives in Northville with her son, 15. A graduate of Garden City High School, DeSanto earned her associate degree in physical therapist assistant (PTA) from HFC. Transferring to Siena Heights University, she earned her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and healthcare management while simultaneously obtaining her real estate license.
“I choose physical therapy as a career because I wanted to help people improve their quality of life,” explained DeSanto. “The best part about this field is helping a person restore function so they can enjoy the lifestyle they were accustomed to before disability.”
"Regina was a pleasure to have in class," recalled HFC physical therapy instructor Steve Pedley. "She was an excellent student, asked thoughtful questions, and was devoted to the profession. She provided excellent care for her patients. She listened compassionately and addressed the needs of her patients. Since graduating, she has been a great mentor for our students as a clinical instructor. Our profession has been enhanced by her being a part of it."
DeSanto has been a physical therapist assistant since 2015 and a real estate agent since 2021. She feels fortunate to do both. She explained the impetus behind going into real estate.
“The COVID-19 pandemic caused layoffs in the outpatient PT setting. At that point, I decided to expand to my career options and take a look at real estate,” she explained. “It took off, so I now work as a full-time realtor and part-time physical therapist assistant. I am lucky enough to seamlessly balance both careers.”
Enjoying the hustle and drive of real estate
Specializing in residential real estate, DeSanto works with buyers, sellers, and investors. Her passion lies in guiding and advising her clients, especially first-time homebuyers and sellers. She enjoys providing resources and education so home value is optimized and making sure her clients are informed so that they can make the best financial decisions. With a background in physical therapy, her attention to detail extends to considering medical information and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), allowing her to provide extra support to clients with disabilities or poor function.
Committed to continuous learning, DeSanto embraces the challenges of real estate and the joy of helping her clients buy or sell their homes. Her achievements stem from forging meaningful connections, building trust, guiding clients through every step, and maintaining connections even long after their goals have been achieved.
“I really enjoy the hustle and drive it takes in real estate to truly protect your clients,” said DeSanto. “Making sure they are aware of all possible outcomes during a transaction and building lifelong relationships is what I love.”