One of the biggest challenges of my life became one of my greatest teachers. Overcoming huge obstacles led me on a new path, where I could use what I’d learned to help others navigate their own journeys.

 

We had big dreams of starting a flower shop that I could grow while raising my first child. But we were newer in the community, and business was slow as we started laying down roots. Then, before we had time to give the shop a real shot, the 2008 recession hit.

 

My fiancee had taken out a mortgage on his childhood home, which had been fully paid off. We both believed in this dream. But before we knew it, our mortgage payment doubled in one month. We couldn’t keep up. We lost the house. We lost the business. We went from trying to build a future to scrambling just to get by. For years, we rented, trying to regain our stability.

 

Eventually, we did. He found a good job, and we were finally able to buy a home again. And that experience, after losing everything, made buying our house feel like more than just owning property. It meant getting our life back. But something shifted in me during that process. Even after we moved in, I kept looking at homes. I wasn’t searching for another home, I just genuinely liked it. I liked walking through them, imagining what each one could be, picturing who it would be right for.

 

At that point, I had been a stay-at-home mom for seven years. My youngest daughter, Alexis, had just started first grade, and I knew I needed to find something for myself again. That interest in real estate kept pulling at me, so I finally said, “Alright, let’s try it!” I figured if I could close one deal, I’d call that a win.

 

That first year, I did 27 transactions in just 5 months.

 

No team, no handouts, no built-in client base. Just consistent follow-up, showing up when others might not, and doing the work. That first year set the tone for how I’ve worked ever since.

 

What we went through gave me a deep understanding of what a home really means. It’s not just about square footage or curb appeal, it’s where your life happens. That perspective has stayed with me, and it’s a big part of why I take my role so seriously. I want my clients to feel informed, confident, and protected as they navigate the process of buying or selling. I’m straightforward, I point out the things that need to be considered, and I don’t shy away from the tough conversations because I care about the outcome.

 

Real estate has been such an exciting career for me, and even with the challenges, I find myself enjoying the process of digging into the details, navigating curveballs, and solving problems as they come. Every transaction is different, and that’s what keeps it interesting. I don’t see this as just sales. I see it as guiding people through one of the biggest decisions they’ll ever make and making sure they’re protected every step of the way.

 

One of the things I value most is the flexibility this career gives me. I can run a successful business and still be present for our youngest, Alexis, especially with her travel volleyball schedule. Whether we’re on the road for tournaments or just keeping up with everyday life, I can be where I need to be for my family, and still give my clients 100%.

 

I take pride in the way I show up for people. I've lived through the highs and lows of homeownership, and that’s why this work matters to me. I understand what’s at stake, and I treat this career with the care it deserves.

 

What has set me apart from the very start of my career is my work ethic, honesty, preparation, and full involvement from start to finish. I don’t hand clients off or keep them guessing. I stay accessible, communicate clearly, and make sure they always know what’s happening and why. Whether it’s a first-time buyer, a land purchase, a relocation, or a high-end listing, I bring the same level of care, detail, and advocacy to every transaction.

 

Behind the scenes, I rely on a trusted network of professionals, lenders, inspectors, and contractors I know personally, many of whom work closely with Homes By Brandy – Keller Williams Realty Signature.

 

Sincerely,

 

Brandy Graves

Broker-Associate

Mobile (815) 914-7752

Office (815) 315-1111

homesbybrandy8@gmail.com

www.sellwithbrandy.info