Feature Spotlight #67 - Sandi Donaldson

Her.Collective Spotlight, Sandi Donaldson – Experience, Heart & the Power of Perspective

Today, we’re rolling out the red carpet for Sandi Donaldson of Real Estate Closing Path; a true cornerstone of the title industry whose story spans more than forty remarkable years.

From Fayetteville, Georgia, Sandi brings an unmatched blend of experience, heart, and straight-talk wisdom to her work, lighting the way for both seasoned professionals and those just finding their footing.

Since first stepping into the industry in 1983, Sandi has navigated every twist and turn with grit and purpose. Now, as Lead Instructor, she’s not just teaching the how—she’s inspiring the why. Sandi believes the title industry isn’t a single lane, but an open road filled with possibility, and she’s passionate about helping others discover where they belong on that journey.

A Title Career Rooted in Experience.

Sandi’s exposure to real estate started early. Growing up with a father who was a builder and broker, the industry was always part of her world. As an adult, she began her professional career on the lending side, spending more than 20 years there before transitioning into the settlement side in the early 2000s.

That dual perspective—lending and title—has given Sandi a unique and holistic understanding of the real estate process, one she now shares generously with others.

Teaching the Bigger Picture.

Today, Sandi serves as the Lead Instructor for Real Estate Closing Path, where her passion lies in helping newcomers, and career changers, see the vast opportunities within the title and settlement industry.

Rather than steering people toward a single path, Sandi encourages exploration. She helps students identify their strengths, discover their niche, and understand how every role contributes to the greater whole. Her goal is simple but powerful: to bring more people into the industry who feel confident, prepared, and inspired to stay.

Mentorship, Inspiration, and Teamwork.

While Sandi credits her father as an early mentor who instilled responsibility and work ethic, she is deeply inspired by Mary Anne Harris, founder and visionary of Real Estate Closing Path. She also speaks with admiration about her RECP teammates Janis Gaines and Pier Boulogne-Glavin, calling them the kind of team everyone wishes for.

Equally inspiring to Sandi are the students themselves—an ongoing source of motivation and purpose.

Challenges, Confidence, and Growth.

Like many women in title, Sandi has faced being overlooked or underestimated. Over time, she learned a powerful lesson:

“The only person limiting me was me.”

That realization became a turning point that shaped her confidence and reinforced the importance of trusting herself, even when others didn’t.

Advice for the Next Generation.

Sandi offers wisdom earned through experience: 

“The journey—like the closing process—isn’t always linear. What feels like a detour may take you somewhere beyond your imagination.”

 Its advice rooted in lived experience and a reminder that every chapter has value.

The “Why” Behind the Work.

Early in her career, Sandi was a single mom, and every professional decision she made was for her “home team.” Today, her children are grown and remain her biggest cheerleaders and a source of pride, motivation, and gratitude. That sense of responsibility and purpose continues to drive her forward.

Handling Conflict with Compassion.

Sandi understands that conflict is inevitable in an industry built around negotiation. Her approach is grounded in empathy and clarity. She listens first, seeks to understand the real issue, and remembers that while closings may be routine for professionals, they are often once-in-a-lifetime moments for clients.

Above all, she believes in only promising what she can personally deliver—a standard that builds trust and respect.

Character Over Everything.

Sandi is a firm believer that character matters. At Real Estate Closing Path, the philosophy is clear: hire character, train skill. She believes our industry needs more recognition for those who consistently do the right thing—and that integrity should be celebrated, not taken for granted.

Grit, Family, and a Full Village.

Sandi’s grit was forged through necessity, doing what needed to be done as a single parent and strengthened by her desire to help others avoid the same pitfalls she faced.

Her “village” is vast and loyal. Her husband, Paul, reminds her of her own capabilities and encourages her to release what she can’t control. Her children, Sydney (and son-in-law Glenn) and Spencer, have never doubted her strength. And her circle of friends—deep, loyal, and ever-growing—forms a strong foundation of support.

Life Beyond Title.

Outside of work, Sandi’s life is full and joyful. She’s a devoted dog mom to three energetic Catahoula Leopard Dogs, an avid road-tripper who’s seen much of the country, and a proud steward of her family legacy—having attended the same high school as her parents and grandfather. 

Reading is her daily de-stressor, and music has always played a meaningful role in her life, from her first Beach Boys concert at 14 to traveling across states to see George Strait.

Philosophy, Boundaries, and Balance.

One lesson from Sandi’s mother has

guided her throughout her career:

“Someone else’s bad behavior does not justify your bad behavior.”

She also learned, sometimes the hard way, that pleasing everyone is impossible. Letting go of that expectation was liberating and essential to her well-being.

Legacy and Looking Ahead.

Sandi hopes her legacy is one of trust—helping others believe in themselves and understand that while the how can be taught, the what and why matter most. While she’s incredibly proud of the accredited, copyrighted RECP curriculum, it’s the relationships she’s built that mean the most. To her, nothing compares.

Final Words for the Women of Her.Collective.

Sandi’s journey through career changes, personal challenges, and growth has shaped her final message to the women of our industry:

“Never underestimate what you can accomplish.”

With leaders like Sandi Donaldson sharing their experience, perspective, and heart, our industry becomes stronger—not just in skill, but in humanity. Thank you, Sandi, we celebrate you for your leadership and inspiring example to all the women of title.

 *Connect with Sandi: sandi@realestateclosingpath.org I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook