There’s no telling when those moments are going to come … after you have collected all the signatures, coordinated all the inspections and handed over the keys. That moment when you see the smile on your clients’ faces and you feel what it means for them.

Those are the times that stick with you. And yours are the efforts that make a difference for families for decades to come.

Debra Oman is driven by that same sense of contribution, as well.

As a real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Brokers, Deb is committed to going well beyond what is expected.

“I am very blessed that 95 percent of my business is from past clients and referrals. That’s the dream place to be,” Debra says. 

“When a past client sends someone to me, it’s special to me that they respect my capabilities enough that they send their friends to work with me. That is huge for me, and it motivates me to go the extra mile.”

Deb is originally from Kansas City. As she grew up and entered the working world, she embarked on a rewarding 28-year career with Hallmark Cards.

“I had a great opportunity to work with the creative community in an administrative role. For most of the time, I worked with ongoing education, coordinating workshops and seminars to bring in experts from around the world to talk with our creative community,” Debra says. 

“You can’t get creative out if you don’t put creative in. That exposure to the creative world had a huge impact on me and even brought out a creative part of me that I didn’t know was there. As a result of that exposure, I found my own creative outlet, and started doing pottery.”

Leaving Hallmark in 2006, Debra moved to the Springfield area knowing her role with Hallmark didn’t translate well to a similar job. So she began looking at her next options in life. At the time, her thoughts returned to the exposure she got from her father in the construction business. 

“I had been exposed to a lot of things about how houses and buildings are put together. I thought real estate would be a good fit, plus I had built a good creative understanding of projects and people,” Deb says. 

“My experience as a good multi-tasker and event organizer does lend itself well to this business. So I decided to take the dive.”

The passion she has for people has found a rewarding home in real estate.

“I prefer being with people and exchanging and sharing ideas on the homes, whether it’s on the buying or listing side. It’s rewarding when you get someone into a home,” Deb explains. 

“There’s a lot of joy around that. I want to make it as smooth as possible for the people I work with.” 

Since earning her real estate license, she has steadily moved forward in the business. She began her real estate career with Carol Jones Realtors.  “It was fantastic to have her as a mentor. I learned a lot from her and continue to respect what she did for women in this business.”

Getting her license in early 2007 presented obvious challenges, but she continues taking new strides forward as an individual agent. In fact, in 2022, she recorded over $8 million in sales volume and qualified for Platinum Club with RE/MAX.

In the process, she shares deep gratitude for the support she has. “A big part of my success is my assistant Makayla Line. She is more than a Transaction Agent, and what she does frees me up to be able to focus on my clients,” Deb says.

Family is at the heart of life for Deb. She smiles as she talks about her partner in life, Milt Rhoads.

“I wouldn’t be doing as well as I am without him,” she says. “He is always very encouraging and supportive. This business can be hard on relationships, and I’m grateful to have him in my life.”

Deb also loves spending time with her daughter and step-daughter, and the prospect of becoming a grandma this year. 

“Reggie the Realtor” is her beloved Pomeranian who often joins her for home showings. Clients absolutely love him and he has subsequently become a big part of her marketing program. Who doesn’t love a sweet dog?! 

Ceramic pottery is the pastime that Deb is passionate about.

“That’s really my big thing. In 2020, we moved into a new house and built a new studio that is a sanctuary for me,” she says.

Deb started her love of pottery over 25 years ago.

“I’m not the most prolific potter, but I do functional pieces like cups and bowls. I love to just experiment with a variety of formats and styles. The whole world goes away when I’m in my studio.”

Other favorites include traveling and attending live theatre.

When it comes to giving back, Deb has been engaged with various organizations. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Humane Society. She also likes to support Eden Village, a group dedicated to supporting the needs of the homeless population.

With her tireless, caring and genuine approach, Deb makes life for those around her easier. In the process, she continues to help a growing number of residents in the region realize their real estate goals … by going the extra mile.