NATCHEZ — Patti Sanders made a long leap in her career from nursing to real estate, but she said the two surprising go hand-in-hand.

And now that Sanders has opened the first RE/MAX office in Natchez, she has a chance to help people in a different way.

“I was a nurse since 1992,” Sanders said. “I picked up real estate as a second career, and really enjoyed it. It fed off nursing — taking care of people and confidentiality — and I enjoyed meeting people in different terms.”

Sanders said she heard agents have wanted to open a Natchez RE/MAX office for the past 15 to 20 years.

“RE/MAX has to agree, and finally they have,” Sanders said. “I’m just excited to be part of this opportunity.”

Sanders said she works full-time at the office, located at 119 A, Jefferson Davis Blvd., by Curves.

“I don’t look at this as just a job,” Sanders said. “It’s something I enjoy — an adventure.”

Sanders said she is the only agent at RE/MAX right now, but that will change.

“I do plan on hiring,” Sanders said. “But they have to be the right agents — the right fit.”

Sanders said her first priority is to create a professional environment for real estate sales associates to work and support each other.

“Within the RE/MAX network, we have leading support, tools and resources to facilitate the agent’s career goals,” Sanders said.

Sanders said she already has listings, and she doesn’t work with just sellers, but buyers as well.

Sanders said she is proud to be the face of the local RE/MAX office because of the company’s good reputation.

“They are No. 1 with J.D. Power Associates for buyers and sellers,” Sanders said. “And RE/MAX has expanded internationally to be the No. 1 franchise in the world as far as real estate.”

RE/MAX Mid-States and Dixie Region Owner Dennis Curtin said Sanders is the right person to manage the location.

“While most real estate companies are retrenching in these challenging times, Patti made the wise decision to come aboard with RE/MAX,” Curtin said. “We see this as a perfect fit.”

More than anything, Sanders said she feels fortunate that she has a job she loves.

“I feel blessed to have this opportunity,” Sanders said. “It’s going to be great, not only for consumers, but for other agents. Anything I can share, I am here.”