About Valerie

Armed with only ambition and determination, she quickly earned her real estate license and started working at a small boutique office in Beverly Hills. Three-month-old Vanessa slept under her desk while Fitzgerald worked long days and weeks, building a real estate business from an empty rolodex.

“I still keep that rolodex as a reminder of where I’ve come from. I know what it’s like to start off in this business and to be scared about trying to make a living at it. My story is a way I can help restore hope.”

Fitzgerald’s encouraging words and inspiring tales are exactly why so many young real estate professionals, as well as veteran agents respect her – and why she has been a frequent guest speaker at Coldwell Banker International Conferences and Mastermind Groups across the country. According to Betty Graham, her former manager, “all of the agents in the Beverly Hills office admire her and look up to her:’ She adds, “We wear her like a jewel in our crown.”

At Coldwell Banker, the forward-thinking Fitzgerald was given “the space to fly.” She says the company has always remained receptive to her ideas, even when she faced criticism. The question for her is not ever “why?”, but “why not?” She recalls how many eyebrows were raised when she hired an assistant with her first paycheck.

“It was unheard of in those days. When I saved enough money, I hired a second assistant.”

Lola Levoy can testify to Fitzgerald’s innovation and detennination. As owner and president of Beverly Hills Escrow, Levoy has worked with Fitzgerald off and on throughout the years. When the real estate broker is not working with West Coast Escrow, she collaborates with Levoy on transactions.

“She develops a very close friendship with her clients, but does not get emotional. She’s able to step back and be that voice of reason. She’s interested in developing and continuing relationships with her clients for the long term.”