When I told my dad I wouldn’t inherit his business, I felt a sense of guilt—like I was betraying my family –– but it turned out to be an opportunity for me to grow and take flight.

 

I’ve always loved being on stage; connecting with people through performance lights me up! Real estate has become my stage, a platform where I can connect with others in a way that feeds my soul and elevates my spirit.

 

My story starts with my family’s immigration from Greece. My grandfather, Michael, built a flower shop in Virginia, and as far back as I can remember, I worked there—cleaning floors, helping customers, and doing whatever was needed. It was always assumed I’d take over the shop one day.

 

In high school, though, my passion was performance. I was a singer, musician, and actor, performing in as many plays and musicals as I could. I even toured the country in a choir and dreamed of becoming a music teacher.

 

College, however, was not smooth sailing. My parents divorced, and I went through a tough breakup myself. Distracted and dealing with emotions, my grades dropped, and I decided to move back home. That was a low point for me—I felt like a failure for not finishing college.

 

As a result, I started partying hard—drinking too much and surrounding myself with the wrong crowd. I still worked at the flower shop but had a hard time finding true joy. I bought a house, which I shared with partying roommates, and juggled three jobs to make ends meet. I kept grinding, but deep down, I wanted a change.

 

My mom was the first to suggest real estate. At first, I wasn’t sure, but I knew there was no room for growth at the flower shop. Around this time, I met Asheli, who became my wife, and when we found out she was pregnant, everything shifted. Fatherhood inspired me to seek a better life for my family, so I got my real estate license and started as a part-time agent.

 

Although business was booming, my relationship with Asheli took a toll—a fact that became clear when I broke my leg and finally got a chance to stay home. Asheli and I talked, and I realized how much she missed me. Slowing down helped me understand that my family needed me, not just as a provider, but as a husband and father. Since then, I’ve made key adjustments to my work-life balance. 

 

One day, over coffee, my colleague Richard told me: “I’ve seen a lot of agents, and you, Payton, have talent. You’re really good at this.” He encouraged me to follow him in joining a new brokerage and showed me the ropes of the business in an industry where many keep their knowledge to themselves. The generosity I found there helped my career flourish.

 

Telling my dad I wouldn’t stay at the flower shop felt like a betrayal. Luckily, he didn’t judge me but fully supported my decision, which turned out to be life-changing. Real estate was the big thing I’d been waiting for. I excelled in the business—earning recognition as the #1 new agent at my brokerage, and tripled my income within a few years.

 

In a way, my dream of becoming an educator came true. Real estate became my classroom, where I educated clients about the buying and selling process. I also began coaching other agents, teaching them how to communicate compassionately, leverage technology, and build networks.

 

Asheli and I are now celebrating 11 years together, and I cherish time with her and my kids, Miles and Maxwell. I love being their dad—we watch movies, play constantly, and camp under the stars. When I have time to myself, I embrace my nerdy side by listening to sci-fi audiobooks and building Legos. I also give back through my son’s school, volunteering to babysit, landscaping, organizing events, and supporting my local food bank.

 

Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come—from party boy to family man, educator, and entrepreneur. My dream of teaching became a reality; now, I educate people on achieving homeownership and building a brighter future.

 

Real estate allows me to connect with people and empower them with knowledge. As a natural leader, I help clients navigate what can be a complex process by simplifying it –– I break it down into manageable steps which, when followed, guide them to their dream home. This straightforward approach ensures results! I also excel at clearly communicating to all parties, including other real estate agents, how everyone can achieve a win-win outcome. After identifying solutions, I proactively steer everyone toward success. This type of leadership allows me to resolve any situation and drive negotiations forward. 

 

Integrity is of paramount importance to me. I prioritize truth and facts over slick talk, which ensures honest relationships. If I don’t have an answer, I own it and find someone who does, which avoids mistakes and ensures efficiency. Clients know they’re working with an authentic advisor who encourages thoughtful decisions, analyzes choices from multiple perspectives, and is eager to connect with them at a deep level. My goal is to lead with vision, guide with honesty, and deliver results.

 

Sincerely,

 

Payton Polychrones

Associate Broker/Realtor

Call/Text 703-565-8462

paytonpoly@gmail.com

paytonpoly.com