Heart & Home

The Tug I Couldn’t Ignore: Why I Chose Real Estate

A Career I Thought I’d Never Leave

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be considering stepping away from the classroom—the only career I ever imagined for myself—I would have smiled politely and told you I couldn’t picture anything else.

Teaching wasn’t just a job. It was a calling.

I grew up in a small town that shaped who I am, and I felt called to give back in the best way I knew how—by showing up in classrooms for kids who reminded me of a younger version of myself. For 15 years, I built a classroom rooted in relationships, high expectations, and the growth mindset.

It was incredibly hard. And deeply rewarding. I’m not sure anything will ever quite match that feeling.

When the Whisper Began

But a few years ago, something started to shift.

Not dramatically. Just… quietly.

I had always thought my “next step” would be an administrative role. Principal, maybe. A lead position. It made sense on paper. But every time I imagined it, I didn’t feel lit up—I felt tired.

There it was: a whisper.

“Maybe there’s something else.” I hushed it, like we all do.
“Not yet.” “When the kids are older.” “Maybe later.”

But that whisper didn’t go away. It became a tug.

And the tug got louder.

A New Possibility

I had been watching my younger brother build his real estate business. I admired his passion and his approach, and I knew in my gut: if we ever worked together, we’d make a dynamic team.

The fear of the unknown was loud but my desire for more was louder:

• More creativity
• More flexibility
• More freedom (including bathroom breaks whenever I need them—teachers, you get it)
• more of my love for people, homes, and small towns all into one.
• and (quite honestly)- more calm and quiet

Buying my first home at 23 gave me equity I could never have built otherwise. Designing and building our dream home became one of the most exciting experiences of my life. Somewhere in that process, I fell in love with what homes mean to people.

My Not So Courageous Leap

So here I am—taking a leap not because I am fearless, but because I’m trusting my heart.

I didn’t choose real estate instead of teaching. I’m letting it evolve and I’m taking it with me. I will continue to:

• Listen deeply
• Hold space for people making big decisions
• advocate for what matters most to them
• efficiently execute tasks like only a mother/teacher can
• And give my people everything I’ve got

You Can Too

If you’re standing at your own kind of crossroads, here’s my gentle nudge:

You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin again.
You don’t need perfect timing or a full plan.
Sometimes, a whisper is all you need.

This is my newest beginning.

I’m so glad you’re here for it,
Alycia