They say diamonds are formed under pressure, and the same is true for my journey to becoming an incredible REALTOR®. When challenges arose, I embraced the opportunity to grow, adapt, and refine my skills—ultimately allowing me to do what I love best… helping others.

 

My entrepreneurial spirit has shaped how I navigate life. At first, I didn’t imagine myself as an entrepreneur, yet I love my choice to run my own business while giving clients the best service.

 

Born in Virginia, I come from a background of family and tradition—picking blueberries in the summer under my grandma’s instruction and enjoying Thanksgiving gatherings filled with cousins. My exposure to real estate started early since my stepdad was a real estate appraiser and 2 of my uncles owned brokerages, and I occasionally helped them. I started working at 13, nannying and teaching etiquette so I could contribute to our household income. Then, when I was 14, I met my now-husband, Travis. 

 

Before becoming a REALTOR®, I spent years working in credit unions. It started during the dot-com boom––I traveled all over Virginia, representing credit unions, knocking on doors, and building relationships. As long as my intentions were pure, I had no fear of talking to anyone, and it worked—I built connections and secured accounts, becoming a trusted face in the industry.

 

After years of doing this, I had a moment of clarity: “Why am I doing this for a company when I could be doing it for myself?” That’s when I became an entrepreneur. I started CU Achieve, a business that provided marketing, business development, and training for credit unions across multiple states. I ran that company for 20 years, and my clients became like family. I cared deeply about their success and did everything in my hands to help them. During these years, Travis and I welcomed two children into our family, Melissann and Forrest. Those were fun and prosperous years.

 

Then COVID happened. My whole job revolved around in-person connections, and suddenly, that was impossible. As I watched my company disappear, and wrestled with what to do next, multiple friends kept asking, “Why aren’t you in real estate? You’d be great at it.” And that question stuck with me. Why wasn’t I in real estate? I had grown up around it and had deep ties to the community. So why not?

 

I got my license in 2021 and posted the news on Facebook. Within minutes, my dad called, disapproving of my choice. He listed all the reasons why real estate was a bad idea, and that’s when it hit me—I had been looking at real estate through his lens my whole life. It was time to carve my own path and change my perspective.

 

Like anything worth doing, real estate has had its ups and downs, but after navigating different teams, finding my people, and growing into the business, I now feel at home as a REALTOR®. If things ever get tough, my kids remind me that I can get through it. My resilience has kept me going through my ups and downs.

 

Family remains a cornerstone of my life. We camp, hike, and picnic often, and since we live by the water, you’ll find me canoeing regularly. I still carry on my grandma’s tradition of picking blueberries and I often gift my clients blueberry bushes. It is a way of sharing a tradition that I have loved for years.  I also love reading and giving back to the community through the Gunto Women’s Club, organizing a market to raise funds for literacy programs, college scholarships, veterans’ clothing, and food for the homeless.

 

Looking back at my life, I see how the dots have connected. I believe what’s meant for you will come to you. When you move through life knowing you’ll be okay, no matter what, everything changes. That mindset has made all the difference for me.

 

I run my real estate business with the utmost care, treating my clients like family. Buying or selling a home can be overwhelming, and I ensure my clients never go through it alone. Beyond my expertise, I bring a team of trustworthy vendors—inspectors, electricians, plumbers, and more—who prioritize honesty and quality service. They take care of any need that may come up. 

 

I take the time to understand my clients on a deep level, from where they shop to their healthcare needs and lifestyle preferences. This allows me to find them a home that truly fits their life, not just a property. For sellers, I go beyond the sale by presenting investment options that enhance their income and legacy.

 

I specialize in residential, farms, land, and second-home properties, always working with efficiency and a solutions-focused mindset. Indeed, I work fast, and my approach is simple: always give more than I take. Clients can expect someone who cares deeply and goes above and beyond to ensure they make the best real estate decisions for their future.

 

Sincerely,

 

Melissa Boyce