Tim Angel
THE VIOLIN AGENT
KATHY LAJARA Saying Yes
LESLIE LOPEZ Purpose
PERRY HOMES Building a Tradition of Excellence
PHOTO BY DESIREE ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Leslie Lopez
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TITLE COMPANY
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Patten Title CompanyFt. Worth (817) 435-2035 PattenTitle.com
Texas Secure Title (817) 519-8800 texassecuretitle.com
VIDEOGRAPHY/ PHOTOGRAPHY studioUSA (469) 955-5833 studiousa.live
Meet The Team
Jordan Espeseth Co-Owner/Founder
Katherine Fondren Editor
Landon Day Photographer
Ashley Gentry Agent Liaison
Sarah Consentino Ad Strategist
Rick Davis Videographer
Jessica Espeseth Social Media Director
Lance Dunahoe Co-Owner
Reece Gentry Partner Liaison
Katharine Gann Photographer
EVERYONE YOU ADMIRE IS STILL FIGURING IT OUT
One of the most surprising things about being around top producers year after year is realizing how many of them still feel like they’re figuring things out.
Seriously.
You sit down with someone doing $15 million, $30 million, or a team leader doing $100 million a year in production and think, “Okay, this person has to have it all dialed in by now.” But the truth is,
a lot of them are still asking themselves the same questions everyone else is.
Can I sustain this? Am I building this the right way? Am I falling behind? Should I be using more AI? Hiring differently? Structuring my team better? Working less? Working more?
Some are coming off the best year of their career and quietly wondering if they can replicate it. Others have been
doing this at a high level for 15 years and still battle insecurity, comparison, pressure, or imposter syndrome from time to time.
The longer I’m around high performers, the more I realize confidence and certainty are not the same thing. And honestly, I think that’s important to remember in an industry like real estate where there can be a lot of pressure to always look like you have it all together.
But the truth is, we all succeed in some areas and struggle in others. None of us have every part of life perfectly dialed in. And that’s okay. In fact, I think growth happens a lot faster when we stop pretending otherwise. When we can be honest, humble, authentic, ask questions, learn from each other, and admit we’re still growing too.
One of my favorite things about Real Producers is seeing what happens when people let their guard down a little. Some of the best conversations at our events have nothing to do with production numbers. They’re about family, burnout, leadership, lessons learned, mistakes made, and the realities behind building a business and a life.
That’s where real connection happens.
So yes, be proud of what you’ve accomplished. You should be. What many of you have built is incredibly impressive.
Jordan Espeseth & Lance Dunahoe Proud Owners, DFW Real Producers
YOUR FORT WORTH REAL PRODUCERS BADGES
Congrats on being one of the top real estate agents in Fort Worth!
Because of your 2026 MLS production, you earned your spot as a 2026 Fort Worth Real Producers Top Agent and can represent your badge proudly! This year, we have added NEW badges to the top 500 and top 1000 – top 10, top 25, top 100, top 250, and top 750 —the badge you will receive is determined by your production. Regardless, that is the top 6% in Fort Worth!
Missing your badge? Email team@ dfwrealproducers.com.
Using your badge? We’d love to see how! Show us how you are using your badge,
and you may just find a picture of what you shared in the magazine! Social media, email signatures, web listings, marketing material... nothing’s off limits!
Our preferred partners have been carefully selected to be a part of this community and have their own badge as well! They have been recommended by your peers and are some of Fort Worth’s most elite businesses. Look for this badge to know that you are working with one of the best, recommended by the best!
LAJARA K ATHY
SAYING YES
Kathy Lajara’s journey into real estate began with people. Their stories, their struggles, and their dreams of finding a place to call home. Long before she became a respected real estate agent in the Fort Worth area, Kathy’s path was already shaped by a deep desire to make an impact and say “yes” to those who were used to hearing “no.”
Born in Puerto Rico, Kathy describes herself as “an island girl at heart.” “Growing up, I moved between Puerto Rico and Chicago,” she shares. “That allowed me to experience different cultures and attend school in both places.”
In 2001, she left Puerto Rico in search of greater opportunities, eventually returning to Chicago before ultimately settling in Texas, a move that would shape both her personal life and professional purpose. Each transition taught her adaptability, empathy, and the importance of building relationships, qualities that would later define her career.
Before entering real estate, Kathy built a diverse professional background that quietly prepared her for the work she would one day do. She spent years in banking, then moved into immigration, helping families navigate life-changing transitions. Later, she stepped into the construction industry, where she managed all the administrative operations of the company.
“Each step taught me discipline, problem-solving, and how to truly serve people during important moments in their lives,” she explains. Looking back, those experiences weren’t just career moves. They were stepping stones that shaped her approach to helping clients.
Kathy officially launched her real estate career in 2017, but the spark that led her there came from a deeply meaningful experience. She managed a business focused on owner financing for families who couldn’t qualify through traditional banks. Watching those
families move from uncertainty to stability changed everything.
“Helping people who had been told ‘no’ find their way to homeownership was life-changing for me,” Kathy says. “That experience pushed me to step out from behind a desk and take a more hands-on approach.”
Encouraged by her friend Steven Nieves, Kathy joined his team and built a strong foundation in the industry. But it was her first client that cemented her calling.
“One of my most unforgettable moments was my very first client,” she recalls. “She was a 62-year-old woman buying her first home. After years of renting, she finally had a place to call her own. Seeing her gratitude and knowing I was part of that moment gave me a deep sense of purpose.”
That moment still fuels her today.
For Kathy, real estate has never been about transactions. It’s about relationships, trust, and impact.
“What I love most is being a resource and a source of hope,” she explains. “Many of my clients come to me after being told ‘no,’ and being able to guide them to a ‘yes’ is the most rewarding feeling.”
Those relationships often extend far beyond closing day. “They become like family,” she says. “I’m there for their milestones, their celebrations, and their growth.”
Her definition of success reflects that perspective. “Success to me is about impact,” Kathy says. “It’s not just about transactions. It’s about the lives I touch and the trust I build.” Over time, her definition has evolved, becoming less about numbers and more about meaningful connections and lasting change.
Still, her results speak volumes. As a solo agent, Kathy has achieved over
$52 million in career sales volume, including $7.5 million in 2025 alone. Her dedication has also earned her recognition across the industry, including Fort Worth Real Producers honors, HomeSmart Diamond Awards, and multiple Circle of Excellence awards.
Yet despite the accolades, Kathy remains grounded in what matters most: the people she serves.
One of her most memorable career moments involved helping a family who had heard “no” countless times. After creating a plan and staying committed, Kathy helped them finally secure a home.
“Seeing their kids’ faces, each with their own room, a backyard, and a better place to grow up, was absolutely priceless,” she says. “Moments like that are exactly why I do what I do.”
Like any journey, Kathy’s path hasn’t been without challenges. One of her biggest lessons has been learning to accept what she can’t control. “I care deeply and always want to find solutions,” she says. “But sometimes things are beyond my reach. That’s taught me patience, empathy, and understanding.”
It’s also shaped the heart behind her business, something she believes truly sets her apart.
“My honest commitment to my clients and the fact that I’m human,” Kathy shares. “I truly care about the people I serve and give my all in every situation, but I also want people to see the real me. Someone who feels, learns, grows, and shows up with heart every single day.”
That authenticity extends to her life outside of real estate as well. When she’s not helping clients, Kathy enjoys spending time at home
Every now and then I miss that adrenaline, but these days I find joy in the simple things.”
with family and her five dogs, working in her garden, and slowing down to recharge. She visits her island often to disconnect and soak in the calming sound of the ocean waves. She also reveals a surprising fun fact: She used to ride motorcycles.
“That was my fun, adventurous side,” she says with a smile. “Every now and then I miss that adrenaline, but these days I find joy in the simple things.”
Today, Kathy’s motivation comes from both personal growth and the impact she’s making in others’ lives. “I’m deeply motivated by my family, the freedom I’ve worked so hard to create, and the impact I’m able to make,” she explains. “Growth is no longer just a goal for me; it’s a commitment.”
Looking ahead, Kathy has ambitious goals. This year, she aims to help more than 50 families achieve homeownership, is building her team of real estate agents, and expanding into house flipping to further contribute to community growth.
But beyond the goals and milestones, Kathy remains focused on what she wants her legacy to be.
“I want to be remembered for truly changing lives,” she says. “Someone who showed up with humility, worked relentlessly, and refused to give up until a solution was found.”
Kathy Lajara is making an impact on the Fort Worth real estate industry, on the families she serves, and the people she meets along the way. By saying “yes” to real estate, she gets to say “yes” to families by making their dreams of homeownership come true.
PERRY HOMES
BUILDING A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN
PHOTOS BY DESIREE ROBERTS
PHOTOGRAPHY
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY PERRY HOMES
Texas is a land built by pioneers and known for bold beginnings, and Perry Homes has carved out its own legacy as a trailblazer in the homebuilding industry. Since 1967, Perry Homes has delivered over 70,000+ residences across more than 140+ communities with quality at its core and innovation at every turn. Their team continues to lead the way, and people like Kim Swanner are making sure that legacy only grows stronger.
Serving as Vice President of Operational Marketing & Creative at Perry Homes, Kim carries more than a job title; she carries a story. “There’s a certain magic to homes, don’t you think?” she says with a smile. “A home is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a place where dreams come to life. And at Perry Homes,
that’s precisely what we do. We build dreams.”
With over two decades in the homebuilding industry, Kim has witnessed first-hand the evolution of design, innovation, and buyer expectations. Yet through all the change, one thing has remained constant: Perry Homes’ commitment to its core values: Design, Quality, Innovation, Customer Service, Warranty, and Giving Back. “Each of these pillars defines who we are and what we offer to our customers,” Kim explains. “But above all, it’s our commitment to helping people find their dream homes that truly sets us apart.”
Founded by Bob Perry, a former teacher turned visionary builder, Perry Homes began with a simple yet powerful mission: to provide high-quality homes for Texas families. That mission has only grown stronger under the leadership of his daughter, CEO Kathy Britton, who established the Perry Homes Foundation in 2017 to
honor her father’s legacy. The foundation has since donated over $4 million to charitable causes throughout Texas, further embedding community impact into the company’s DNA.
For Kim, this culture of giving back is just as important as the homes they build. “Community welfare isn’t an afterthought; it’s part of our identity,” she shares. “It’s amazing to work for a
company where purpose goes beyond the product.”
So, what exactly makes Perry Homes such a valuable partner for real estate agents?
Kim is quick to answer: “We offer a seamless and elevated home-buying experience that agents can feel confident recommending to their clients. Our homes are located in some of the most desirable communities
in Texas and Florida, and they’re designed to suit a wide range of lifestyles.”
From the signature wall of windows that flood rooms with natural light, to openconcept layouts and over 350 customizable floor plans, Perry Homes delivers thoughtful design at every price point. And thanks to partnerships with leading smart home technology brands, every home comes equipped with modern conveniences at no extra cost—thermostats, lighting, and security systems all accessible from your smartphone.
“We also take pride in our warranty; it’s one of the best in the business,” Kim says. “When agents refer their clients to us, they know they’re getting not just a house, but peace of mind and long-term value.”
Customer satisfaction is no accident at Perry Homes; it’s a deliberate result of their
process, which includes rigorous quality assurance, third-party inspections, and an empathetic sales and service team that walks buyers through every step. That attention to detail has earned them a remarkable 95% customer satisfaction rating.
For luxury buyers, Perry Homes’ Britton Homes division brings an elevated experience to the Dallas-Fort Worth market. “Britton is our answer for those looking for distinct architecture, energy efficiency, and personalized luxury,” Kim explains. “It’s backed by the same 59-year reputation for quality, but with added design flexibility and white-glove customer care.”
As the company celebrates over five decades of building in Texas and expands into Florida, Perry Homes remains rooted in the principles that got them here. “Whether you’re a first-time buyer or searching for your forever home, we believe everyone deserves a space that fits their lifestyle,” Kim says.
For real estate agents, that belief creates a powerful opportunity. “We see agents as our partners,” Kim says. “They’re the ones who guide families through the most important purchase of their lives. And we’re here to make that process as smooth and rewarding as possible, for both the client and the agent.”
One of the ways Kim and her team build those bridges is through local agent networks like Real Producers. “It’s such a fantastic way to connect directly with the people helping families every day,” she shares. “We want agents to know that when they recommend Perry Homes and Britton Homes, they’re delivering more than a great house—they’re delivering on a tradition of excellence.”
To get a more in-depth look into Perry Homes’ vision and values, please visit their websites: perryhomes.com/ experience-perry-homes/ tradition-of-excellence/ BrittonHomesTexas.com
Perry Homes doesn’t just build houses, they have redefined what it means to build a home. And thanks to people like Kim Swanner, they are filled with heart, legacy, and a tradition that continues to inspire.
Angel Tim
The Violin Agent
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN
PHOTOS BY DESIREE ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Tim Angel’s story doesn’t begin with open houses or listing presentations. It begins with a violin, a tiny one, placed in the hands of a three-year-old in Port Orchard, Washington.
“My mom started me and my triplet siblings–yes, I have a triplet brother and sister–on the violin at three years old,” Tim recalls. “We were always performing as a family in the area at churches or special events, and my mom was always so happy to volunteer our family’s services.”
Growing up in a musical household with six children, music wasn’t just a hobby; it was a way of life. That early immersion shaped not only Tim’s
talent but also his discipline, a trait that would later define his career in real estate. He pursued music with strong commitment, earning an undergraduate degree, a master’s degree, and eventually a doctorate in music performance.
His career as a professional violinist flourished, landing him positions such as Guest Concertmaster for the Amarillo Symphony, Principal Second Violin in the Lubbock Symphony, and artistic engagements across the country.
Yet, despite the accolades, the life of a professional musician demanded constant movement. “Life was always busy, and I was always on to the next event or lesson,” he says. “I gigged a lot, about 40 performances and events each year.”
From 2018-2021, he served as a guest lecturer at the University of Texas at Arlington and built an after-school violin program for children as young as three. Through it all, Tim was building more than musical skill, he was developing relationships, learning to connect, and understanding the value of consistency.
“I wanted to get hired for gigs regularly, so I always wanted to win over my colleagues and friends hoping they would call me in the future,” he explains. “Nothing short of how this career in real estate is.”
But life has a way of shifting direction when least expected.
As Tim and his wife prepared to welcome their now youngest child, flexibility became more important than ever. He began questioning whether his demanding schedule could support the family life he envisioned. After exploring
other career paths and facing multiple rejections, Tim found himself at a crossroads.
Then came the moment that changed everything.
“Right before the fall semester of 2021, I got an email letting me know that university policy was changing,” he remembers. “I was losing part of my teaching load, and I wouldn’t be offered health insurance that semester. I remember thinking that day… I am DONE with a career that does not advocate for me.”
Within three months, Tim earned his real estate license. By January 1, 2022, he officially began his new career, stepping into an industry where perseverance would once again become his greatest asset.
His first win came quickly and memorably.
“I enjoyed getting my first win from a client asking for a CMA based off my initial ‘I’m a REALTOR® and begging for your business’ social media post,” he says with a smile. “Better yet, that client has now done four real estate deals with me in the last four years and has brought multiple referrals.”
Still, the journey wasn’t without challenges. In fact, one of Tim’s most defining moments came in 2024, a year that tested his grit and reinforced his belief in perseverance and in God’s provision.
“The first six months of that year, I did three deals and it was absolutely terrible,” Tim shares candidly. “I was so burnt out thinking that I might actually not stay in the industry and wondering what I had done wrong… but, just like practicing
I once met a home buyer in the cupcake line at Magnolia Bakery in Waco.”
so true when things got a bit dry the first six months of 2024.”
Instead of stepping back, Tim leaned in. He focused on relationships, stayed consistent, and kept emotions at bay.
for a competition in music, I just pushed and stayed strong.”
The parallels between music and real estate became undeniable.
“When I practiced six hours a day in graduate school, I was always practicing with the expectation I would NEVER get paid, but I could persevere and hopefully get better over time,” he explains. “This rang
“Keeping emotions out and grit in is IMPORTANT,” he says.
That perseverance paid off. In the last six months of 2024, Tim completed 18 transactions, turning a difficult year into his best one yet. The momentum carried into 2025, where he closed 32 transactions totaling nearly $14 million in volume.
“I’m so glad that my ability to put my head down and work hard really shined during those times and kept me going,” he reflects.
Another element that makes Tim stand out is his unique branding, one that brings his musical roots into the world of real estate.
“I believe the violin and God’s guidance has truly got me to where I am today,” he says. “I came to Texas for music school by faith… met my wife within the first year… and I don’t believe I would be on this crazy unique path if the violin was not my main focus for the beginning career of my life.”
Today, Tim is building a growing social media presence under @ TheViolinAgent, where he plays violin inside listings, creating memorable content that blends creativity with connection. “My attention to the craft and my practicing have paid off,” he says. “I’m excited to see where that takes me.”
Tim’s passion for people fuels his work daily. Whether meeting clients in unexpected places or building lasting relationships, he thrives on connection.
“I once met a home buyer in the cupcake line at Magnolia Bakery in Waco,” he recalls. “Two months later, I helped that buyer find a home. You truly never know who you might meet.”
Behind his drive is a deeper perspective shaped by personal loss. In 2019, Tim and his wife lost their three-month-old son Jack, a devastating experience that changed how he sees the world.
“This experience showed me a new outlook on life with a huge heart full of empathy,” he says. “Everyone could be dealing with something difficult.”
That empathy now shapes his approach with clients, allowing him to connect on a meaningful level beyond transactions. He will truly do anything for his clients –from pop-by gifts and encouraging notes, delivering fresh sourdough bread, and hosting events or simply showing up when help is needed.
Today, Tim continues to grow, having been recognized among the Top 500 agents in 2025 and ranking No. 104 among top agents this year. With nearly 95 deals completed and $34 million in career sales, his trajectory continues upward.
Yet, when asked what he hopes to be remembered for, Tim’s answer is simple.
“My faith and integrity, my hard work, and my empathy,” he says. “I hope to always be known for the kindness that I give to others.”
For Tim Angel, success isn’t just about volume or recognition. It’s about perseverance, relationships, and showing up, day after day, with purpose.
And sometimes, it’s also about bringing a violin along for the journey.
REAL LEADERSHIP, REAL OPPORTUNITY
HOW REAL PRODUCERS ARE USING ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP
SYSTEMS TO BUILD INFLUENCE , NOT JUST PRODUCTION
BY LES MCGEHEE, CHIEF EDUCATION STRATEGIST, RIALTO ACADEMY
There’s a moment in most successful real estate careers when production alone stops being the whole story. Professionals want to teach, advocate, and eventually, a select few will LEAD.
For them, another layer comes into focus—one that is hungry for influence and responsibility. Not just how much you can earn this year, but how durable your business becomes, how far your relationships extend, and whether your impact in the market outlasts any single cycle.
That’s when two different questions start to show up:
What kind of leadership influence can I have in my market? Where do I get the opportunity?
Across Texas, some of the most forwardmoving associations and MLSs are
leaning into that exact moment. They are not simply offering education. They are building leadership systems— intentionally designed to develop the people who will help shape their markets next. And educators are frequently the biggest benefactors.
Through innovative products like Rialto Academy’s Board Excellence Series, top-producing real estate leaders are learning how to gain expertise as board leaders, opening up entirely new levels of leadership opportunity. Learning experiences like this are crucial to leadership success. These leaders gain knowledge on everything from “Robert’s Rules of Order” to “What is the 3-way agreement?” Real skills that a professional board member is expected to know.
They are not waiting for leaders to emerge. They are building them. You are invited, and there is training to help you succeed.
Where
Leadership Actually Begins
In organizations such as MetroTex Association of REALTORS®, Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS®, and Austin Board of REALTORS®, education has become more than support. It is infrastructure—and often the entry point into leadership.
MetroTex CEO Justin Landon, who just led a successful board merger and is renowned for strong board members, puts the role of the association in clear terms:
“At the end of the day, the association is trying to bring organization to what would otherwise be a very chaotic ecosystem. Through leadership academies, the board excellence series,
and great educator development, we create a path for leaders.”
When education is utilized in this manner, and production leaders are nurtured to become educators and organizational leaders, it doesn’t just transfer knowledge. It creates alignment, sharper professionals, and a group of members who are engaged enough to care about what happens next. These individuals are leaders of the local industry.
The Pipeline Most Agents Don’t See Many board members didn’t begin in leadership roles. They began as engaged educators—teaching classes, contributing to programming, caring about advocacy, and showing up consistently. In many cases, they never stopped. There are board members today who are still active educators, still contributing, still sharpening their perspective.
Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS®
CEO Suzanne Westrum, following a major and successful merger in Fort Worth that is combining and growing two great communities, underscores this point:
“When you meet a REALTOR®, you meet someone who cares deeply for their community,” Suzanne Westrum said. “REALTORS® are committed to making the Fort Worth area a desirable place to live, whether that’s through advancing the profession or advocating for personal property rights.”
insight. They gain proximity to decisions that matter.
They contribute to conversations around board and MLS structure, policy, professional standards, investment, and member experience. Over time, they become known not just for production, but for perspective.
More Than Volunteering
It is worth saying plainly: This is not just volunteering.
It includes volunteering. It requires giving time. But if you think this is only about donating hours, you are missing the point—and potentially missing the opportunity to operate at the highest level of leadership in your market.
The professionals who step into these roles consistently come out of the experience more connected, more informed, and more effective in their own businesses.
They see the market differently. They understand its mechanics more deeply. They build relationships that don’t exist anywhere else.
And they carry that back into their companies and teams.
Bringing It Back to the Individual
At its core, all of this still connects back to the individual professional transacting homes in our markets.
Emily Girard, CEO of the Austin Board of REALTORS® and Unlock MLS, framed that responsibility in practical terms:
business, engagement, education, advocacy, and developing trained board leadership volunteerism. And offering Rialto’s Board Excellence Series to emerging leaders.
The Opportunity
Most agents will continue to focus on production, and many will do very well.
But a smaller group will decide to build something more.
They will step into education not only as participants, but as contributors.
They will engage in leadership development early, not later.
They will take seriously the idea that influence carries both opportunity and responsibility.
And over time, they will help shape the direction of their markets— while continuing to grow their own businesses.
The opportunity is there.
A Simple Next Step
If you are ambitious about your growth—not just in production, but in leadership—this is where the path begins.
Start showing up where leadership is being developed. Engage. Contribute. And if you are serious about building that path intentionally, reach out to us for more information.
These professionals care to shape cooperation, rules, investment, and the long-term direction of the market itself. And they enjoy gaining leadership skills along the way.
Agents who engage deeply in education—particularly leadershiporiented education—don’t just gain
“My job is to help them sell one more house—so they can stay in the business and grow their trajectory over time.”
Austin’s board has helped that trajectory span from beginner to amazing board leader, many times, helping members grow through
Les McGehee is Chief Education Strategist at Rialto Academy, the number one provider of localized real estate education, where he works with leading associations and MLSs across North America to develop education and leadership systems that drive member success, engagement, and long-term growth. les@rialtoacademy.com
LESLIE Lopez
PURPOSE
Some stories begin with opportunity. Others begin with sacrifice. For Leslie Lopez, her story began with both.
Born in Mexico, Leslie was just seven years old when her parents made the courageous decision to move their family to the United States in search of greater opportunities. It wasn’t an easy transition, but it was one that would ultimately shape not only her future, but the legacy she now works to build for others.
“When we first started school, my older brother and I were placed in a full-immersion English program where no one spoke Spanish,” Leslie recalls.
“I still remember sitting in class, feeling overwhelmed and unable to understand what was being said.” At the time, Leslie’s younger brother was still just a baby, and her parents were raising three children while navigating life in a new country.
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE H. FONDREN
Like many immigrant families, Leslie and her brothers quickly stepped into roles beyond their years. While Leslie and her older brother worked to adapt in school and learn English, all three siblings grew up helping their family navigate unfamiliar systems and responsibilities. At home, Leslie and her older brother leaned on an English-Spanish dictionary, translating assignments line by line. Outside the classroom, the siblings became translators and advocates for their parents, learning resilience, responsibility, and determination at a young age.
Those early experiences built more than language skills; they built perspective.
“I come from very humble beginnings,” Leslie says. “Before moving to the U.S., my parents built our first home in Mexico with their own hands, an adobe house that, to this day, holds some of my most cherished memories.”
That home represented far more than shelter. It symbolized determination, sacrifice, and the foundation of something greater.
Shortly after arriving in the United States, Leslie’s parents purchased their first home using the savings from selling their house in Mexico. Leslie remembers sitting quietly during meetings with the real estate agent and title company, unaware that she was witnessing something that would one day shape her career.
“Watching my parents go from building an adobe home in
Mexico with their own hands, to purchasing their first home here, and eventually using that home to build equity and invest in additional properties, showed me firsthand the power of real estate,” she explains. “It wasn’t just about owning a home; it was about creating stability, opportunity, and long-term security for our family.”
That seed was planted early, though Leslie’s path would first lead her into higher education. After earning a full-ride scholarship to a private college, she majored in psychology and built a successful career in recruitment, working in higher education, healthcare, and leadership roles across Texas.
But after starting her family, Leslie found herself reflecting on what mattered most.
“I wanted to build a career that aligned with my values, my passion for helping people, and the example my parents set for me growing up,” she shares.
In October 2019, she stepped into real estate, bringing with her not only professional experience but a deeply personal purpose.
From her very first transaction, Leslie knew she was exactly where she was meant to be.
“I remember thinking, ‘This is it. This is exactly where I’m meant to be,’” she says. “Watching my clients receive their keys and knowing I played a role in that moment confirmed for me that this was more than a career. It was something I was genuinely called to do.”
Today, seven years into her career with two-and-a-half of those years at Rendon Realty, Leslie continues to approach every client with the same mindset that shaped her beginnings.
“I treat each client the same way I would have wanted someone to treat my parents. Patiently guiding
them, educating them, and protecting their best interests every step of the way,” she explains.
For Leslie, real estate is about transformation.
“I’ve seen firsthand, through my own parents, how homeownership can completely change the
trajectory of a family’s life,” she says. “What started as their first home eventually became a stepping stone to building equity, investing in additional properties, and creating long-term financial stability.”
That perspective has also shaped her definition of success.
“Success, to me, is not defined by numbers alone. It’s defined by impact, legacy, and the life you’re able to build for your family,” Leslie shares.
Today, that legacy extends beyond her clients and into her own home. Leslie and her husband, Carlos, are intentionally building a life centered around faith, purpose, and family. Together, they homeschool their two boys, Ayrton and Ander, teaching them firsthand the values that shaped their journey.
“Our boys are at the heart of that motivation,” she says. “They get to see firsthand what it means to work hard, serve others, and trust God in the process.”
Whether joining her at inspections or tagging along to closings, her sons are witnessing the impact of her work and the example she’s striving to set.
“In many ways, I am now able to be the example for them that my parents were for me,” Leslie reflects. “Just like I once watched my parents build a life through real estate, my children are now watching me do the same.”
That full-circle moment continues to fuel her passion.
With nearly $30 million in career volume and recognition including DFW Real Producers Top 500 Agent, Multi-Million Dollar Producer awards, and community honors, Leslie’s success is undeniable. But for her, the true reward lies in the relationships she builds and the lives she helps shape.
“My biggest motivation is my family,” she says. “Everything I do is, in many ways, a reflection of the life my parents worked so hard to build.”
Looking ahead, Leslie remains focused on growth, both professionally and personally, while mentoring newer agents and helping more families understand the long-term value of real estate.
“At the core of it all, I’m motivated by legacy,” she says. “What we’re building together, who we’re impacting, and what we’re passing on to the next generation, all with faith leading the way.”
At the CORE of it all, I’m motivated by LEGACY.
And when asked what she hopes to be remembered for, her answer reflects the heart behind her journey.
“I want to be remembered for the impact I made in people’s lives,” Leslie shares. “If my lasting impact is that I helped families change their future, while also raising my children to do the same for others, then that is a legacy I will always be proud of.”
For Leslie Lopez, real estate isn’t just a career. It’s her purpose. One rooted in faith, driven by motivation, and built to last for generations.
NORTH FORT WORTH & FORT WORTH Masterclass
Our first Masterclass of 2026 on April 15th was something special.
This one felt different from the start. Not your typical sit-and-listen event. The room was full of energy, laughter, real connection, and yes… even a little dancing. It was one of those events where you could feel people growing in real time.
Huge shoutout to Les McGehee and his Plays Well With Realtors interactive masterclass. The FOMO on this one was very real.
Attendees walked away with a simple but powerful shift: how to create more momentum and alignment in their conversations by using “Yes, and…” instead of unintentionally shutting people down. They left with
practical tools to build stronger relationships, communicate more effectively, and ultimately get more yeses in their business.
This is exactly what happens when you get the right people in the room.
Thank you to ALL our RP Preferred Partners and especially our event sponsors:
Nick Drescher, Nick the TX Broker
Black Tie Moving
Goosehead Insurance, Ben Jones
Proco Roofing
Partners In Building
CLC Roofing
American Home Shield
Grateful for everyone who joined us. We look forward to seeing you at the next event.
PHOTOS BY SCOTT PEEK PHOTOGRAPHY LLC
Eli Howard General Manager
Convenient Inspection Packages that Include:
• New Construction Phase Inspections
• Pre-Listing Inspections
• Commercial Inspections
• Termite/ WDI
• Thermal Imaging
• Pool Inspections
• Sewer Line Inspections • Drones
• Water Quality Testing
• Inspection Repair Amendment Builder Tool
• Level 2 Foundation Inspection Report
• Thermal Imaging & Zip Level Measurement
Included with Every Inspection
• Virtual Report Review Available
Real Producers FAQ
Real Producers Magazine is a national franchise that started in Indianapolis in 2015 and is now in over 130 markets across the nation and continues to spread rapidly. DFW has four Real Producers Communities: North Dallas, Dallas, North Fort Worth, and Fort Worth Real Producers.
Q: What is the goal of Real Producers?
A: We believe that we are better together. When we surround ourselves with other successful, like-minded people, we grow to new heights. Real Producers is a platform that brings together the most elite individuals in DFW real estate. We take the highest producing real estate agents, and RP-vetted businesses in every market, and build an exclusive community around that group. We share their stories, successes, upcoming events, and educate – really anything that will connect, inform and inspire, we put in our monthly publication.
At Real Producers, we believe we are one person, one conversation, or one idea away from everything in our business and life changing. With this powerhouse community, it happens all the time.
Q: How do you become a Real Producers Top Agent?
A: In all of DFW, there are roughly 60,000 licensed agents, meaning there are ~15,000 agents in each of our four communities. We rank all those agents based off their yearly MLS sales volume. In years past, we congratulated the Top 500 Agents, and we still are, but in 2026, we are adding a other groups to our community… all in the RP Top 1000! These agents are in the top 6%.
Q: Who receives Real Producers Magazine?
A: The Top 1000 agents in each community will receive the digital magazine for the year. The Top 500 agents
will also receive the magazine physically to their mailbox. Our RP Vetted Businesses also receive the magazine physically and digitally.
Q: Can I be featured?
A: If you are in the Top 1000, you have the opportunity to be featured! We love nominations and take them seriously. If you’d like to be considered for a feature, or if you would like to nominate someone, you can email team@dfwrealproducers.com.
Q: What does it cost to be featured as an RP Top Agent?
A: Zero, zilch, zippo, nada, nil. How, you ask? Because of the businesses that your peers have recommended, who partner with Real Producers, and invest in this community to support you. These companies have all been recommended by top agents and have been vetted by us to ensure they are of the highest quality. So instead of you paying $5k - $10k for this feature…they cover all those costs for you! Pretty incredible, right?
Q: Does Real Producers host events?
A: Yes, we host many different events throughout the year! Some large 400-800 people, some 75-250 people, and other more intimate events that are 30-50 people. We do Social Events, Magazine Celebration Events, an Awards Gala, and Masterclass Events. You can see quick recaps of some of our events under the “Events” tab on our website.
For our events, we invite the top 1000 real estate agents and our RP-vetted businesses. The Top 1000 agents are allowed to invite agents on their team, as well. These events are an incredible opportunity to connect with the best in DFW real estate. It is amazing to see the power in the connection made at these events. Be on the lookout for your exclusive invites!
Q: Who are the RP Vetted Businesses?
A: They are some of the best businesses in DFW in their category! You can find them listed in our index and their ad in the magazine. We don’t just find these businesses off the street, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. Each business has come recommended by your peers, the top producing real estate agents in the market. Our team will further vet every business to make sure they are a good fit and bring value to our community. Our goal is to create a powerhouse network, not only for the best real estate agents in the area but the best businesses, as well, so we can grow stronger together.
Q: Can I nominate an agent or recommend a business?
A: Absolutely! Email your nominations and recommendations to team@dfwrealproducers.com.
