My first name is unusual! Many people say my name quite often, without even realizing it, when they say something like this: "Well, I, uh, I don't remember!" The "I, uh" part is my first name! I put a pronunciation help on my calling cards that looks like this: (eye-uh), to help people who think, "I, uh, don't remember how to say her name!"
My name is a very common name in the little country of Latvia, which is where my mother and father were born. After WWII, they had the choice of either staying or leaving their homeland forever. The Iron Curtain was about to fall, with Latvia behind it, shut off from the western world as part of the new United Soviet Socialist Republic. Not wanting to live under communism, under the tyrants who invaded and now held their country, my parents chose to live in a Displaced Persons Camp. A host family in the United States of America agreed to care for them, as immigrant refugees, until they got their feet on the ground in their new homeland. I am the first person in my family to have been born in the United States!
My mother and father both ended up as professors at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. I have followed their lead. After obtaining my Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Ohio, I fell in love and married my leading tenor, James Shrader! We sang our way through the opera houses of the Midwestern United States. When we became serious about raising a family in a stable household, we both obtained our doctoral degrees, and entered university careers.
Jim has now retired, and I have tasked him with being my real estate assistant! He was a tenured Professor in the Honors College at Valdosta State University, teaching leadership and creativity. Our two children entered the musical world: Alek and his wife, Daniela Mack, are singing with opera companies throughout the world, and directing opera and making movies. Dorothy is a booking agent with Opus 3 in NYC. I earned a Doctor of Education degree, focusing on creativity and leadership in administration.
With both children grown up, I once again became a student, this time, of real estate. It is my background of understanding the need for thorough research, understanding how to communicate, and understanding how to achieve your goals, that I bring to the table as a Realtor. It would be my pleasure to meet you, and to work with you to help you achieve your goals as you go through this transition in your lives.
Realtor of the Year in 2017 Professional Development Chair 2015-2018 Valdosta Board of Realtors Director at Large 2016-2018 GAR Grievance committee 2018, 2019 Professional standards committee 2020 Top Producer for over 10 years – and ready to give you the personal attention and service you are looking for!
Designations
Fine Homes and Estates Specialist
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Spoken languages: English
Client Reviews (27)
5.0 out of 5
(5)
Buyer Review
Emmanuel & Annetta Taylor, 308 Simpson Place Valdosta Ga 31602
We've started looking at houses Before the pandemic with Mrs Aija ; we were impressed with her dedication to find a home for Annetta and I. So it was only natural for us to reconnect with Mrs Aija & Jim when we were in position to BUY. Love ❤️ her intuitive and knowledge and personality. Through the years we have grown in Knowledge or the houses buying processes. We are so grateful for Mrs Aija.
Emmanuel & Annetta Taylor
1 year ago
Buyer Review
Byron K Hollis, Quitman, GA
From hello till closing, my experience purchasing 901 W Screven Street with Aija Shrader of Century 21 was exceptional. The process was seamless, stress-free, and genuinely fill with professionalism and dedication. Aija showed impressive market knowledge and attention to detail throughout. She anticipated my needs, provided timely updates, and guided me with clarity and patience. Every question was met with thorough answers and genuine care, ensuring I felt supported and informed.
Aija’s advocacy on my behalf during negotiations was remarkable; she navigated every detail to my benefit, handled all documentation and deadlines efficiently, and consistently demonstrated a commitment to my success. Even after the transaction, Aija offered valuable recommendations and support, making me feel valued as more than just a client.
Thanks to Aija, I am now the proud owner of 901 WScreven Street and grateful for the journey we share journey. I wholeheartedly recommend Aija Shrader of Century 21.
5 months ago
Buyer Review
Michael Guy, Valdosta GA
Aija was patient with all our questions while providing detailed understandable explainations. It's been over 26 years since we needed the help of a realtor to buy a home and then that was in a differant state with differant rules and laws. She was very ameanble to our schedule and needs.
1 year ago
Buyer Review
Kelly Lunceford, Valdosta, GA
Aija truly went above and beyond for us in the purchase of our home, from our lengthy search to final closing date. As first-time homebuyers, we were grateful for her expert guidance through an unfamiliar process. She relentlessly searched for homes meeting our admittedly long list of criteria and never pushed us to settle before finding the house we could see as our home. From three thousand miles away and while on vacation, she dropped everything to prepare an offer when we finally found what we were looking for. Through every stage of the process, she patiently answered our numerous questions and clearly explained our next steps. We never would have wanted to face this process without her, and we are so grateful for all her efforts to find and secure our new home.
