Fort Worth Real Producers - September 2023

DEVRIES DAVID DEVRIES

CELIA MONTANO: Built on Family and Community

CASEY SMITH:

Pioneering Real Estate with a Maverick Spirit

INGRID SULLIVAN:

Caring for Our Seniors

ORIGINPOINT: With A LIttle Help from His Friends

Photo by: Katharine Gann, DayDream Photography

This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community!

BRANDED MARKETING

MATERIALS

Lovehandle

(281) 778-2051 www.lovehandlepromo.com

BUILDER

Perry Homes, LLC

(972) 629-3900

perryhomes.com; brittonhomestexas.com

Shaddock Homes (972) 526-7700 ShaddockHomes.com

CLIENT AND REFERRAL GIFTS

Board + Brie

(817) 693-1908 boardbriedfw.com

COMMERCIAL ROOFING

PROCO

(817) 975-5948 procoroof.com

ELECTRICIAN

Alpha Kat Electric

John Katchinska

(817) 239-6689 Facebook.com/ alphakatelectric/

FINANCIAL PLANNER

Edward Jones

Jay Brown (817) 459-0018 edwardjones.com/jaybrown

HOME INSPECTION Greenworks (855) 349-6757 greenworksinspections.com

Inspect360

(817) 754-0360 inspect360.com

HOME WARRANTY

Tarrant Home Warranty

(817) 571-7809 tarranthws.com

LAW FIRM

Harris Cook Law Firm (817) 275-8765 harriscooklaw.com

MORTGAGE LENDING

Cherry Creek Mortgage

- The Jefferson Team (817) 602-0348 TheJeffersonTeam.com

Guaranteed Rate, Inc Tanner Graham (469) 200-2860 people.rate.com/ tanner-graham-1916291

Major Money Matters

Major Singleton (808) 763-6831 majormoneymatters.com

Mortgage Matters (469) 807-1300 mortgagematters.us

NTX Mortgage

Glenda White (682) 365-0816 TheMortgage CoachDFW.com

OriginPoint

Dan Carson (512) 878-3047

Still Waters Lending (214) 518-6513 stillwaterslending.com

Titan Lending, LLC (817) 290-3464 titanlending.com

Tom Scott - Click N Close (817) 905-7397

MOVING COMPANY

Black Tie Moving- Fort Worth JC Caldwell (615) 900-2641

PEST CONTROL PROCO (817) 975-5948 procoroof.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

DayDream Photography Landon Day (817) 983-1204 daydream photography.net

Eric Priddy Photography (817) 907-7040 www.ericpriddy.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

American Real PM (469) 620-0114 americanrealpm.com

RESIDENTIAL ROOFING PROCO (817) 975-5948 procoroof.com

RENOVATIONS

Advanced Renovations

Manuel Herrera (817) 350-8553 advancedrenovations11@ gmail.com

ROOFING

Tarrant Roofing

(817) 571-7809

TarrantRoofing.com

Texas Direct Roofing & Construction (682) 408-8551

txdroofing.com

SOLAR

Tarrant Solar (817) 571-7809

TarrantRoofing.com

TITLE COMPANY

Alamo Title Company Cory Turner (817) 896-8686

www.alamodfw.com

Capital Title of Texas South Main Ofc: (817) 756-1471; Clearfork Ofc: (817) 924-7711

CTOT.com

Fair Texas Title fairtexastitle.com

Fidelity National Title - The Baker Firm (817) 377-4100 fidelity-usa.com

Yellowstone National Title, LLC (817) 473-3332

www.yellowstonetitle.us

VIDEOGRAPHY/ PHOTOGRAPHY

StudioUSA (469) 955-5833 studiousa.live

FT. WORTH REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at lance.dunahoe@realproducersmag.com.

DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication.

Jordan Espeseth Founder/Co-owner

Landon Robinson Director of Client Relations

Julie Altemus Executive Director

Lance Dunahoe Co-owner

Kareen Delos Reyes Administrative Assistant

Katie Wallace Photographer

Desiree Roberts Photographer

Jessica Nelson Social Media Director

Landon Day Photographer

Mark Fadden Writer

Dave Danielson Writer

Lanie Schaber Ad Strategist

Katherine Fondren Content Coordinator

Hey there fabulous people of Dallas – Fort Worth!

Ah, September! There’s a whiff of pumpkin spice in the air, leaves are flirting with the idea of changing colors, and, for some absurd reason, I still get a tiny pang of “I should be buying school supplies” even though it’s been a good minute since I’ve been in a classroom. Blame it on the Minnesotan roots; we take our fall vibes very seriously.

Speaking of Minnesota, it’s a lot cooler there (and I don’t just mean the temperature). As a Minnesotan turned Texan, I often find myself comparing the two. What I’ve come to realize is that whether it’s the brisk north or the warm heart of Texas, it’s all about the people and the passion they bring to the table. And that’s why this magazine exists. To celebrate the movers and shakers, the go-getters and over-achievers of the Dallas real estate scene. If Texas is the heart of America, y’all are its steady, vibrant pulse.

But, back to September – our little prelude to the grand finale of the year. Kids are hopping back to school, eager (or not so eager) to dive into a new academic year. And, as for us? It’s the perfect time to pull out those goals we scribbled down in January. Remember those? Dust them off and give them a good stare-down. With Q4 peeking around the corner, now’s the moment to regroup, refocus, and rally to end this year on a note so high… even the Dallas skyline will look up to it.

I always believe there’s something magical about the start of fall. Maybe it’s the promise of cooler days, or perhaps it’s due to the fact that the ESPE Awards are just around the corner (updates and information on that coming soon)! But if I’ve learned one thing from my journey from the Land of 10,000 Lakes to the Lone Star State, it’s that any season can be a season of new beginnings.

So, to the Real-producing agents and the incredible businesses that support them: Let’s own this season. Let’s hustle like we’ve never hustled before, let’s celebrate each other’s successes, and let’s set the stage for a spectacular finish to 2023.

Cheers to refocusing, reenergizing, and relishing in what lies ahead.

JORDAN ESPESETH Founder/Co-Owner

Left to right: Paul Mundheim - General Counsel • Jenna Hopper-Dickson - VP |

Operations Ashley Polito-Dunlap - VP | Talent Acquisition & Digital Marketing Strategy Brandon Kuhn - President •

Brandon Kuhn - President Amanda Clower - Escrow Operations Director • Cory Turner

CELIA CELIA

MONTANO MONTANO

BUILT ON FAMILY & COMMUNITY

Written by: Zachary Cohen • Photos by: Desiree Roberts Photography

“Getting into real estate — it’s my husband’s fault,” Celia Montano begins with a telling laugh.

As Celia recalls her entry into the real estate business, she finds humor in the events that led her to begin a new career. And yet, she couldn’t be happier with how things have unfolded.

Celia’s husband, Diego, has been working in government for over two decades. While Diego is passionate about his work, a few years ago, the couple decided it was time to make a transition plan. His travel schedule was heavy, and they both wanted him to be able to home base from Fort Worth more often.

“I’m still traveling five days out of the week,” Diego explains. “It takes away a lot from the family. We both come from broken up families, single parents, so we know the need of having two present parents. With both of us together, we know we can benefit our family.”

At the time, Celia was a homeschool mom for her three children. She worked as a part-time fitness instructor and personal trainer but was ready to take on a fulltime profession. When a friend suggested Celia try her hand at real estate, she resisted at first but soon came to see the opportunity in front of her. In May 2019, Diego was licensed, and Celia followed a few months later.

REALTOR® on the rise

THAT’S WHAT MAKES ME TICK

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR COMMUNITY, CREATING JOB SECURITY FOR PEOPLE, HELPING AS MANY PEOPLE AS I CAN

“Sure enough, my friend was right. I’m good at real estate,” Celia smiles.

TAKING FLIGHT

Celia and Diego’s business took off quickly. While Diego continues working for the government (he plans to retire in 2026), Celia is leading the way for Montano Realty Group with Century 21 Judge Fite.

Celia has done her fair share of residential business, but her primary focus is commercial real estate. It’s in this sector that she feels she can have the greatest impact on her community.

“The work I do creates jobs. A retail space can easily create two to four jobs in the community. In an industrial development, it can go from 150 to 300 jobs created. That’s why I love the

commercial side of real estate. That’s what makes me tick — creating opportunities for our community, creating job security for people, helping as many people as I can,” Celia offers.

Celia and Diego are building their business on a foundation of education and community. Neither of them had the chance to learn about real estate as children or young adults, and they are out to help others avoid the same pitfalls they made early in life. By helping others get ahead, they are living with purpose.

“My legacy is that everyone has the opportunity to succeed, the opportunity that we didn’t have, by giving them the education we didn’t have growing up,” Celia continues. “The real reason for getting into real estate is the need for education in purchasing a home and

WORDS OF WISDOM

“You don’t know what you don’t know — at any age. So, go pursue those answers. Find out what you don’t know. And let it be known that problems don’t last forever. Phases don’t last forever. Things get tough, and they get better.”

investing in real estate. It just didn’t happen for us, and it’s still not occurring for so many people.”

FAMILY FIRST

Diego plans to retire from his government job in 2026. Until then, he’ll continue traveling often while supporting the growth of their real estate business.

“The big picture of us now is family,” Celia says.

“Life is meant for living, not surviving. That’s the ultimate goal,” Diego adds. “For us, life is simple. And to enjoy something simple, we have to work to get there.”

Celia and Diego live on a small farm with their three children, Rocio (14), Isabella (10), and Carolina (9). They also have four goats, five ducks, nine chickens, and a dog. There’s plenty of joking around and entertainment in their house, from karaoke nights to watching standup comedy.

“I would like to continue doing what I’m doing — helping grow local businesses, establish local restaurants, and helping the community in any way I can — all while being there for my family,” Celia concludes.

THE REAL REASON FOR GETTING INTO REAL ESTATE IS THE NEED FOR EDUCATION IN PURCHASING A HOME AND INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE.

print me more!

Were you, your broker, or the team featured in an issue of Real Producers?

Want a copy of your article or full magazines that you were featured in?

REPRINTS!

What the heck is a reprint? A reprint is a four-page, magazine-quality-grade paper with your full article and photos featuring you on the COVER of the publication.

WHY DO I NEED THOSE?

These reprints are a professional marketing tool that can help brand you, your team and/or your business.

• Use on listing appointments.

• Send out to friends and family.

• Send to clients with your holiday greetings.

• Brokers, use as recruiting tools for capturing new talent.

• Use when farming your favorite neighborhood.

WHAT IF I CHANGED COMPANIES OR NEED SOMETHING CORRECTED IN MY ARTICLE?

No worries! We can make any changes needed. We send you a proof, you approve, and they are sent to you via FedEx.

WHO CAN BUY THESE?

The REALTOR® who was featured, the broker or family. Anyone who wants to promote you.

HOW DO I ORDER?

Email Katherine Fondren at katherine.fondren@n2co.com or call 985-518-1991.

WHICH REAL PRODUCERS TERRITORY ARE YOU A PART OF?

REAL PRODUCERS IN THE DFW METROPLEX

WHICH REAL PRODUCERS TERRITORY ARE YOU A PART OF?

A Quick Look at the Different DFW Real Producers Markets

Real Producers in the DFW Metroplex

Real Producers has 100+ franchises nationwide and there are four in DFW alone. In each of these markets, we pull the top 500 agents based off annual residential MLS sales volume. Where your broker address is located will determine which publication is for you. This map shows the territories for each of the four DFW franchises. If you are a top-500 agent in any of these markets, you will be receiving a publication every month and have the possibility of being featured at no cost to you!

A Quick Look at the Different DFW Real Producers Markets

Real Producers has 100+ franchises nationwide and there are four in DFW alone. In each of these markets, we pull the top 500 agents based off annual residential MLS sales volume. Where your broker address is located will determine which publication is for you. This map shows the territories for each of the four DFW franchises. If you are a top-500 agent in any of these markets, you will be receiving a publication every month and have the possibility of being featured at no cost to you!

North Dallas Real Producers

North Fort Worth Real Producers

Fort Worth Real Producers

Dallas Real Producers

NMLS #1856457

OriginPoint OriginPoint

With A Little Help from His Friends

Written by: Mark Fadden • Photos by: Eric Priddy, Eric Priddy Photography

FROM LIVING IN HIS CAR TO HELPING PEOPLE FINANCE THE HOME OF THEIR DREAMS, DAN CARSON HAS TAKEN LESSONS FROM SEVERAL CHAPTERS OF HIS LIFE TO BUILD A PHENOMENAL TEAM OF LOAN ORIGINATORS

READY TO SERVE THE DFW COMMUNITY.

Before working for OriginPoint mortgage company, Dan Carson was an executive at several mortgage companies. Earlier this year he moved to OriginPoint with several key team members to continue their path of growing together as the One Group Mortgage team.

As a leader for the team, Dan has used his life experiences from being homeless and living out of a car for a period of time, playing college sports, to recruiting high-powered professionals in several industries and understanding what makes the great in order to support the team to the best of his abilities.

However, what is unique about this group isn’t the leader it’s the individuals that all have a team attitude and support each other’s growth in the business.

While each of the team at OP has unique life experiences, they all have something unique that taught them that becoming a mortgage broker was something that could help him help others.

“After being homeless, I thought about what it would mean to help people achieve the American Dream of home ownership,” Carson said. “Seeing customers reach their goals and buy their first

home, or helping someone restructure their finances to better serve their families is all a part of making a difference. My core purpose is to make people’s lives better for being a part of it.”

After becoming a mortgage lender, the first loan he completed was for a veteran who was having trouble securing financing. “He had gone to 10 other mortgage companies,” recalled Carson. “He had no credit score, and had no credit established. We had to think outside the box to find options for him. We were finally able to get him a VA loan, but more importantly, it was awesome to help someone who was ignored by so many others.”

The team at OriginPoint has continued that trend of not just looking for easy loans, but actively seeking out the tough loans that require hard work. The team agrees that many times, those loans could be two to three years in the making. But he’s committed to putting in the work and doing whatever he can to help people.

“Everything in life is an opportunity to learn and grow,” Carson said. It’s a philosophy he’s used to launch OriginPoint’s The One Group. Within just the last 4 years, Carson’s team already has amassed more than $1 billion in business. Perhaps even more importantly, the 6 originators—who all moved from other companies to combine forces, have proved that family is their brand.

“We’ve worked together for more than five years now,” said Carson. “We all have different personalities that not only we appreciate, but I think our customers appreciate as well.”

We all have different personalities that not only we appreciate, but I think our customers appreciate as well.

· Drew Brenner – “Drew’s a second-generation loan officer. He’s an engineer by education and one of the most technically sound loan officers I know.”

· David Betbadal – “He’s been in the business for more than 15 years. He’s extremely well versed in jumbo mortgages and is very family oriented. David creates deep connections with people and is one of the most caring people that you’ll meet. Oh, and he’s a pretty decent golfer.”

· Brandi O’Donald – “Brandi is a Fort Worth local and has been a top originator for the last 10 years. She is both loved and liked by every client, and they all consider her their lender for life. If you ever meet Brandi, you’ll never forget when you crossed paths with her.”

· Rosy King – “Rosy is the newest edition to the team. She decided to join forces with us when she saw the cultural values that we share. She’s a perennial top producer and has a private banking background. Mortgage is one of the loves of her life, and she’s got a huge supporter in her husband.”

· Kelsey Acosta – “Like Drew, Kelsey is also a second-generation loan officer. Her mother, who works at a competing company, recommended her to us. Kelsey has built all her business organically on her own. In her free time, she teaches hot yoga classes at Ritual One Yoga in Dallas. Lots of realtors go to her class to get abused on a weekly basis!”

WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE MEMBERS OF HIS TEAM, CARSON TALKED FONDLY ABOUT THE OTHER FIVE ORIGINATORS LIKE THEY WERE BROTHERS AND SISTERS:

DEVRIES DAVID

DEVRIES

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

EVERY BUSINESS HAS TO WATCH NUMBERS, BUT IF YOU REALLY TAKE CARE OF PEOPLE, LISTEN TO WHAT THEY WANT, THEIR LIFESTYLE, AND ASK GOOD QUESTIONS — THAT’S IT.

Written by: David DeVries • Photos by: Katharine Gann , DayDream Photography

HEN DAVID DEVRIES RELOCATED TO TEXAS FROM CHICAGO, HE WAS SEARCHING FOR A BETTER LIFE FOR HIS FAMILY. DAVID FOUND TOUGH LUCK IN A CHICAGO JOB MARKET THAT HOVERED AROUND 13% UNEMPLOYMENT. THE TWO OPPORTUNITIES DAVID LANDED ENDED QUICKLY IN A RECESSIONERA MARKET; ONE COMPANY LAID HIM OFF, AND THE SECOND SHUT ITS DOORS ENTIRELY.

“I had a two-year-old son and a pregnant wife,” David reflects. “My parents had moved to Texas, so I figured if I had to start over, I may as well go where the jobs are. And, Texas was the place to go. We came down here and found our way.”

DISCOVERING HIS CALLING

David launched his real estate career in 1983, seeking to build a business to support his growing family. David remembers hearing a common piece of advice early in life: Do what you love. So, when he set out to rebuild in Texas, he followed that mantra, leading him to real estate. Despite knowing very few people in the area, he got his business off the ground by door-knocking and showing up daily.

“I had no choice,” he reflects. “I worked at the gas station at night and weekends, but I thought, ‘If I could start my own business, that would be the dream.’ I was already licensed and simply

needed to make sure something was always coming in… I had to swim or sink, and luckily for me, I swam.”

While the early years of his career were tough, David persevered, remaining committed to his vision. The result has been a 40-year real estate career in which he has continually topped the local real estate rankings.

“After all these years, I still love this business. I still enjoy the heck out of it, and get a thrill out of getting it right, because I affect people’s lives — where kids go to school and how they live their lives. This work matters to me.”

40 YEARS… AND COUNTING

So, what keeps David going after four decades in real estate? He says it’s all about the positive impact he can make in the lives of others. That approach has allowed his team to become the #1 RE/MAX team in Tarrant County, closing 103 homes in 2022.

“Every business has to watch numbers, but if you really take care of people, listen to what they want, their lifestyle, and ask good questions — that’s it. It’s not about whether I like a house personally. If you pay attention, know what questions to ask, and know the area, you can lead them to what they want. I’m always learning, always studying, so I can help people better,” David explains.

David’s team includes Conrad Jackson (who has been with him for nearly 20 years), Michael DeVries (David’s son), Henry Vuong, and assistant Arely Rivera. The team has diverse roots, something David is proud of.

One of the secrets to David’s success has been his relationship with Viridian, the development he’s lived in for the past decade-plus. He and his wife were the one of the first to sign a contract in the neighborhood, which now has over 2,700 homes. David has closed over 140 transactions in the development.

“It’s a place where I’ve become part of the fabric of the community. I’m on the board. I am involved in clubs. It’s home.”

STAYING YOUNG

David’s motto, Going the Extra Mile, is a nod to his passion for running. He’s been running regularly and participating in marathons for longer than he’s been in real estate. Viridian has proven to be the perfect location for a runner. Most mornings,

he steps outside his door to run the fourand-a-half-mile loop around the lake.

David and his wife, Leigh, have two grown children. Peter lives in Tulsa, and Michael works alongside David in real estate. David and Leigh also have three grandchildren.

“I’m hoping that my team can take this business over one day, that I built a business they will want to keep going. But I’ll keep doing this until people say, ‘Hey old man, get out of here,’” David laughs.

“I love doing this. I don’t see myself retiring. Retire to what? I already work my own hours and travel when I want. So, I want to leave a company that they can take into the future. I had a dream. I love doing this; I still do.”

YOUR FORT WORTH REAL PRODUCERS

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You now have your own badge to use however you’d like to show that you’ve made it a part of this exclusive community of the top 1-2% in real estate! Missing your badge? Email jordan.espeseth@n2co.com.

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Our RP-vetted businesses 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 in the top 500 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!

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Contact Tarrant Roofing, we have an army of people waiting to help!

We provide Five Star quality ser vice from beg inning to end!

Need payment options? No money out of pocket, we take payment at closing!

SULLIVAN

Written by: Zachary Cohen • Photos by: Desiree Roberts

Over the past decade-plus, Ingrid Sullivan has centered her real estate business on serving the senior citizen community. These folks often need a particular level of service, and Ingrid and her team are committed to being the ones to provide it.

Today, a staggering 85% of Ingrid’s business falls in this niche, but it wasn’t always that way. She’s been in the real estate business for over 30 years. Now, she’s using her experience and expertise to service a community that so deeply needs it.

“Why do I do this?” Ingrid poses, emotions rising. “Older adults often get overlooked or even

neglected. People think that older adults are discardable. I’ve seen so many people that I’ve helped where their children have been disrespectful to them. The attitude can be, ‘We’re going to put you here,’ or ‘You don’t need that.’ And that does not feel right. They gave us the freedom we have today, and they need to be appreciated for that. So, when the time comes when they are elderly, they need someone to embrace them and give them pride and respect.”

BUILDING A FOUNDATION

Ingrid began her real estate career as a consultant offering training to REALTORS® through her company, Technosmart Future. She taught agents how

“IT’S NOT ABOUT THE MONEY. IT’S ABOUT THE SERVICE. THAT’S MY MAIN FOCUS.”

to use and implement marketing systems, create contracts, and discover properties through the MLS. She’d hold classes for groups of agents and works with agents one-on-one.

After many years running this business in Colorado, Ingrid successfully transitioned Technosmart Future to Texas in 1997. She continued running it through 2005 when she got her real estate license (alongside her husband John) and began selling.

Over the following years, Ingrid rose to become one of the area’s top agents. Inspired by her journey with her mother-inlaw, Ingrid began working more exclusively with older adults and seniors around 2010.

“Through my in-laws, I became inspired to work with more seniors,” Ingrid reflects. “And over the years, it has evolved into much more. A real estate transaction with an older adult is more than putting a sign in the yard and relocating to a new house.

They are often downsizing, or what I call… rightsizing. They need assistance in the way of contractors to fix things that have been neglected, someone to help them figure out what they can and can’t take, and love them through that. They need someone to help pack and unpack, legal assistance, and so much more.”

LEARNING TO LISTEN

Ingrid and her husband, John, have built their business around the principle of helping older adults transition. Their group, Senior Downsizing

Experts, handles everything from A-Z for their clients. Ingrid’s son, Patrick, also recently rejoined their team. Operations Manager Debbie Ford, who has been with the team for eight years, rounds out the team.

Ingrid also teaches monthly seminars for seniors alongside her partners, like attorneys and real estate liquidators. They have a move management division to ensure seniors are cared for every step of the way.

So, what’s been the secret to Ingrid’s continued success? “Listen,” she advises. “Listen to those people you are working with. Hear their needs. Make them feel they are important. And work hard to honor their goals in the most respectful way you can. People need to be heard.”

OFFERING GRATITUDE

When Ingrid lost her father 16 years ago, she was devastated. She holds some regrets from this time, as she never had one more opportunity to tell him how much she loved him. This catalyzed the discovery of her niche, encouraging her to care for the countless aging adults that need it.

“During the first few years, I started focusing on older adults, I’d be at a consultation, and the gentleman often had my dad’s hands or other qualities of his. So often for the first two years that occurred, giving me the confirmation that I was doing the right thing. I am honoring and cherishing my relationship with my dad by helping people and showing them I care,” Ingrid says, emotions rising once again.

“I know I’m doing what I need to be doing, what I’m supposed to be doing with this life.”

FUN FACT

Ingrid and John co-wrote a book titled The Ultimate Guide to Downsizing: Downsize Your Life to Upsize Your Lifestyle.

SMITH

MAVERICK SPIRIT

a turning point in her career. “I committed to learning everything I could possibly know about the industry and excel at it. It had enough intricacy and opportunity to keep my attention,” says Casey.

Her approach to real estate was far from conventional. Casey’s decision to discount her commission and her emphasis on creative solutions propelled her beyond the boundaries. “When you work with investors, they’re repeat customers that have more knowledge than typical sellers and buyers, so it’s a win-win,” Casey asserts, highlighting her commitment to exploring every facet of the industry.

Developing Atlas Transaction Coordinator Services to bridge the gap between REALTORS® and investors, Casey transformed challenges into opportunities. “That company was started at the end of 2019 before COVID shut the world down,” Casey explains. “Growing that company to 10 employees and handling over 4,500+ contracts nationwide was a game changer in giving me the confidence in this industry.” With a firm belief in treating her career as a business, she built a team to support her ventures, marking a defining shift in her perspective.

Casey’s unique trajectory reflects a deep-rooted desire for freedom – freedom to explore, learn, and create. “My dream and goal are to live a life where I have the freedom to learn and create every day,” she shares. Her unconventional path led her to this freedom, a journey propelled by her fearless and adventurous spirit.

Her advice to aspiring real estate professionals echoes her journey – know yourself first. “The most successful people I know in this industry know who they are and what they want out of life and authentically enjoy the chaos of real estate,” Casey advises, emphasizing the value of authenticity and adaptability.

Casey Smith’s story is an embod iment of non-conformity, a testament to the power of explor ing uncharted territories and embracing change. Her journey underscores the importance of treating one’s career as a business, harnessing creativity, and carving an unconventional path to success. With a maverick spirit that thrives on challenges, Casey Smith is redefining real estate, one audacious step at a time.

FUN FACT: Casey’s spirit for adventure has led her to have many “once in a lifetime” experiences. She has traveled the world and visited or lived in over 25 countries, hang gliding off the French Alps and cage diving with great whites in South Africa just to name a few of her adventures.

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE I KNOW IN THIS INDUSTRY KNOW WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY WANT OUT OF LIFE.

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