Rachel Reaves

Authentically Providing First-Class Service

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Tracie Seeley with Downriver Real Estate Photography

Rachel Reaves worked in the service industry for 18 years before she decided to get out of her comfort zone three years ago and start something new. It turned out to be the best decision of her life.

Rachel realized that she had an incredible interest in homes — everything from historical and architectural features to layout, design and renovations — after she purchased her house in 2011. “I knew I somehow wanted to be involved in real estate,” she recalled. “Then one day, while leaving my previous job, I heard an advertisement on the radio for a real estate school near me, and the idea of a career move popped in my mind. Even though I was happy where I was in life, I immediately signed up for the class because I wanted something more challenging.”

After Rachel acquired her real estate license, she joined the team at RE/MAX Cornerstone. Today, she’s successfully running her business at RE/MAX Leading Edge. Her very first transaction was helping a good friend purchase her first home. “It felt absolutely amazing, and from that point on, I was addicted to real estate,” she said.

Prior to her real estate career, Rachel was a server at an airport for most of her adult life. She was very involved with her union and had the highest regard for customer service. Her years of having a “client-first” mentality was far greater than any education and has since become a hallmark in every transaction. “My focus on first-class service has rewarded me with referral business and lasting relationships well beyond the closing table,” Rachel said. “I try to ensure that my clients have the best possible experience and to anticipate each of their individual needs ahead of time. It’s a huge deal to finally cross the finish line because, for most, buying a home is the biggest purchase of their lives and a huge milestone, and it melts my heart to be a part of it.”

Since the age of 17, Rachel has been on her own. Her independence quickly taught her life lessons and how to be self-reliant. “I turned my challenges into personal achievements,” she said. “My experiences instilled a strong work ethic and an acute understanding for perseverance, benefiting both my clients and business.”

The greatest influence in Rachel’s life has been her mother, Gerianne, who Rachel said is the closest thing to a saint. “My mother is the hardest working woman I know,” Rachel said proudly. “She is tenacious and takes great pride in everything she does, even the simplest of tasks.”

Rachel’s mother was originally diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013 and is battling cancer for the third time. “My whole outlook on life changed when my mom got sick. It puts things into perspective in a major way, and I never take a day for granted.” When Rachel’s father passed away in 2018, it encouraged her to work even harder and set her goals higher. “I know I’ve made him proud,” she said.

Currently, Rachel is most passionate about helping buyers who feel they cannot qualify as homeowners. “As a single mom, I understand firsthand how hard it is to purchase a home,” she said. “Homeownership was once a dream I thought I would never achieve, and therefore, it’s an amazing feeling when I can provide the necessary tools to others to actually make homeownership a reality — those are some of my favorite transactions.”

Because Rachel loves what she does, her biggest challenge is finding a balance between her worklife and her homelife. “I enjoy what I do so much that it is hard to turn it off sometimes,” she said. “I find myself at family functions searching the MLS, scheduling showings or writing contracts, but when you love what you do, it never feels like work.”

IT’S IN MY NATURE TO HELP PEOPLE AND ALWAYS FOLLOW THROUGH ON MY WORD.

When Rachel is not working, she’s usually checking out the latest restaurants with friends, paddle boarding or heading to yoga with her 19-year-old son, Erick, who is pursuing a career in HVAC with possible plans to later work alongside Rachel in real estate.

“In my real estate career, I hope I leave a lasting impact that reflects my caring and hardworking personality,” Rachel said. “I’ve always been driven to work with integrity and sincerity. It’s in my nature to help people and always follow through on my word.”

Rachel’s authenticity is genuine, heartfelt and consistent among all of her clients. “No matter what kind of transaction I’m working on, everyone is guaranteed the same high-level experience,” she explained. “In this business, relationships matter most, so just be yourself and people will gravitate toward you.”

RISING STAR Rachel Reaves from RE/MAX Leading Edge