REALTORS® live a life of service to their clients, helping them to navigate the sometimes-convoluted process of making what will likely be the biggest purchase of their lifetime. It is always a situation of ‘What can I do for you?’ But for most REALTORS® it’s never a one-and-done transaction. Emily Popa of Murney Associates knows that well. Since 2007 when she became a REALTOR® in Southwest Missouri she focused on serving, having the clients’ highest and best interest at heart. While keeping good relationships with other REALTORS®, Emily will not stop exploring all the options available ensuring her clients achieve their real estate goals. Whether it is a luxury home client, a first-time home buyer, or an experienced investor, Popa will dedicate her full attention and provide the services they need and deserve.

As Emily often says, “My clients are my friends.” Thus, she will strive to have the best outcome every single time, every single transaction. This is why most of her business comes from repeat clients and word of mouth referrals. She is trustworthy, passionate about her work, open minded, and is always looking at ways to learn something new. Emily is there for her clients and her community.

Usually, Emily keeps it private. Yet this time around she decided to share what she does outside of the real estate field in hope of encouraging others to be part of the change our communities need. One of the projects she’s part of, is that since 2018 together with her husband, Emily is involved and contributes on a weekly basis to help the needy and the homeless people in the Springfield area. “We started by taking the time to listen, talk, help, and pray for those in the neighborhood who asked for support. Yet I knew more was to be done,” says Emily.

In 2019, as the number of people requesting help grew, she took a leap of faith and asked the church board members to grant permission for her to prepare healthy homemade meals at church. Free meals were given to those in need from the neighborhood. More business professionals and church members got involved in the local community by working together in providing emotional and financial support, encouragement, guidance, along with healthy homemade meals. On a weekly basis, more than 200 people receive free meals along with other individualized help. During the summer, the number has been increasing to around 250 weekly attendees, and the number of the participants is constantly growing.

“It is heartwarming to see that we can bring help, joy, and hope to those in need. To see people back on their feet, free from addictions, and into a safe place after they have been homeless for an extended period of time, it is indeed a miracle we rejoice witnessing” says Emily. “While I never dealt with addiction or poverty at a personal level, in a way, I know what it means to start life again from the most basic things. I’ll forever be thankful for my family’s support when I came to the United States. Therefore, I wish to pay it forward and help others who need help and encouragement.”

Emily migrated from Romania. She is also donating or volunteering in various other groups, providing help for low-income families, abused women, single parents, supporting education for children in undeveloped countries, and helping the veterans. Together with a team, Emily is working and aiming to create rehabilitation centers in Southwest Missouri for those who are determined to exit homelessness and addiction lifestyle, providing individualized support and training, as well as encouragement for the participants. “I just love helping people and this is my drive force,” she said.

It’s this giving spirit that attracts people to Emily and has her paying forward, helping others in every possible way she can. Whether it’s selling homes in the Greater Springfield market, or volunteering in the local community through various means, Emily strives to be a positive influence and focuses on giving back in a big way. “I consider myself a simple woman. So, if I can make it this far to have a thriving business and to touch so many lives, I believe everybody can achieve their dreams and goals if they work hard, put heart into all they do, and stay focused,” she said.

With every possible chance, Emily loves spending time together with her husband Ionel (John) Popa and their three children. They love God, helping people, listening to music, reading books, enjoying nature, and creating artwork and painting among other activities. Going forward, Emily is looking to a bright future, building a team with a focus on creative ways to continue improving her business model as well as greater involvement in the community.

Emily Popa can be contacted by email at Emily@EmilyPopa.com or phone at (417) 693-5445
Emily’s profile can be found at
https://www.real estate agent.com/realestateagents/5673659d0fa4170100716ab5 and her website is https://emilypopa.murney.com/

Missouri Real Estate Agent Emily Popa