From Guadalajara to Greater Seattle: Grit, Growth and Gratitude

At Keller Williams Bothell, top broker Lizbeth Loreto turned the hustle of entrepreneurship into a powerhouse real estate career. From owning her own convenience store to handling dozens of listings at a time, Lizbeth’s journey is a masterclass in patience and client-first service.

Lizbeth attended school in Guadalajara before moving to the Pacific Northwest in high school.

After high school, she went straight into the workforce—spending 15 years at a Safeway ice cream plant, moving from packing and freezer work into shipping management. But she knew she wanted more. 

“I still felt like it was not me,” Lizbeth said. “I wanted to be on my own.”

That drive led her to open the first Mexican convenience store in Everett. The business thrived—but demanded her presence seven days a week. 

While managing the store, Lizbeth began building her real estate career. Within a month, she was closing transactions. 

“Eighty percent was my sphere and relationships, and then referrals,” she said.

Being bilingual also allowed her to build unique connections with potential clients.

“The Hispanic community relies on people that can explain better in their own language,” Lizbeth said.

As the market shifted, Lizbeth embraced opportunities others avoided, allowing her to grow her business at a rapid pace.

“Back then, I was the only one in the company working short sales,” she said. “I took advantage of whatever was happening in the market, and I learned how to do it.” 

Now an independent agent, Lizbeth values control and flexibility. According to Lizbeth, her patience and client-first approach set her apart. 

“I am a very patient agent,” she said. “I’m not pushy at all… clients really appreciate that I’m patient enough to explain the process without making them feel the pressure of making a decision. I think that’s what they like about me.”

For Lizbeth, real estate is both practical and personal. She encourages new agents to cultivate patience, leverage technology, and always put clients first. 

More than two decades in, Lizbeth continues to thrive on her own terms — turning a knack for customer service and an entrepreneurial mindset into a flourishing career.

Listen to the rest of Lizbeth's story on Real Conversations: Episode 11.