“She is truly a breath of fresh air,” said nominator Doreen Campbell with Campbell Appraisals about Marti Tejada, president of MT Appraisals, Inc. She trains others, educates the community and Realtors, and ensures that buyers and sellers understand the ramifications of financing, pricing, marketing time and more. Because the SE Florida market is changing, Marti is also becoming a crusader against mortgage fraud, while at the same time maintaining her integrity as an appraiser and a real estate agent. “She wears both hats with a conviction and an intelligence almost unseen today.”

At first, it was because I had a new baby and needed a more flexible job to spend time with her. The corporate world was too demanding for me as a new mom. Little did I know how much I would love my new found job.

I can make a difference in people's lives; after all, their home is their biggest investment and security.

In this profession, there can be many challenges, and it’s hard to pin point one as each case is different. Yet regardless of what it is, I love walking away with the satisfaction that I learned something new or accomplished the goal.  My comfort level as an appraiser grows with each challenge, so they're all good in a way.

Do your job because you love it, and because you want to make a difference, not just as a means of getting by until something better comes along.  This is a profession.

It used be growing professionally within the hotel industry, which I was in for 16 years.  I make it a goal and a priority to grow and be accomplished within my field of work, but owning my own company tops it all.  It's mine and I worked hard for it, and to top it off I love it.   

I don't know if it's the most unusual, but it was an order for a $10,000,000 home on the ocean and intracoastal. There are not too many of those around on a daily basis.



My mom. She believes in everything I do, and is my biggest fan and cheerleader. You can never go wrong with the advice and love of a mom.



In one simple word, attitude: keep it positive, learn from the negative, use a light touch of humor. After all the glass is always half full, just keep filling it up.



I have a tie-Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates. I admire them for their intentions and goodness towards mankind, on all levels. They are the perfect examples of using their wealth, knowledge and statures for the good of people. We can all do that, even on a smaller level.



I have a Latin last name, and everyone Latin speaks to me in Spanish, but I am really Hungarian, born in Hungary.



There’s so many to choose from: Gone with the Wind, Pride & Prejudice, Titanic; I love history mixed with romance and drama.



I make myself available to mortgage companies and Realtor offices to answer questions about appraising/industry trends. I am amazed that we are all in the same industry, yet we are worlds apart. I like to teach and train by nature. I also have a real estate license, so I can relate to their dilemmas. It is important to educate as much as we can and share our knowledge whenever we get an opportunity with everyone. It's NOT just about coming up with the value of the home as they all think. When we're all on the same page, it's a win-win for all.

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