Real estate has never been just a job for me—it’s been a journey of learning, growth, and service. From the people who shaped me to the challenges that pushed me forward, every step has led me to where I am today.
From the moment I met Carmen, I knew she was different. She was a powerhouse with decades of experience mastering her craft. I had already gone through three REALTORS® before finding her, but she stood out immediately. She wasn’t pushy. She was educating me, making sure I understood every step of the home-buying process.
At the time, I was just a young mom trying to find a home after relocating to Port Saint Lucie. With Carmen’s help, we decided to build, which came with its own set of challenges. But Carmen took the time to walk me through every detail, answering my endless “why” questions with patience and depth. She didn’t just give me answers—she made sure I understood them. That’s what impressed me the most.
Somewhere along the way, she convinced me to start working with her. It started small—networking through the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, then applying my graphic design knowledge to designing marketing materials and building websites for real estate agents. Before I knew it, I was meeting her at 5:30 AM in our bathrobes, coffee in hand, going over business plans before the rest of the world woke up. She had hired me as her assistant, and I was learning the industry in a way I never expected.
Then she started pushing me. “Melissa, you need to get licensed,” she’d say. I resisted. “Carmen, I am never going to be a used car salesman.” She just laughed, shaking her head.
And then she tricked me. She asked me to build a website for the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, promising me $500. When I finished, she told me they didn’t have the money—but instead, they could offer me real estate classes.
So, with three kids, including a newborn, I went to night school. I studied until 2 AM, lived on caffeine, and somehow, I passed the class exam. Then the state exam. By March 2003, I was a licensed REALTOR®. The market was on fire. I hit the ground running, selling new construction and learning everything I could from Carmen and her circle of seasoned agents.
When the 2008 crash hit, everything changed overnight. Families were losing homes. People were desperate. I was barely keeping my own head above water. My husband lost his job. By 2012, I was raising three kids as a single mom, trying to keep us afloat in a collapsing market.
Carmen taught me to “Never stop learning.” So, I pivoted. I got certified in distressed properties, learned how to work with banks, and started handling foreclosures and investor sales. It wasn’t what I loved, but it kept my family going. I networked, built relationships, and learned to survive in a drastically different market.
As the market stabilized, I was able to return to my real passion in real estate: helping people achieve milestones in their life, whether that is a first-time homebuyer breaking into the market, someone looking for their dream home, or a seller upgrading, downsizing, or relocating. I find the most fulfillment in the personal transactions that shape people’s futures and open new doors.
Many of the core values Carmen taught me remain at the heart of my business. She asked me to pay what I’ve learned forward because, as she once said, “If we don’t help them, who will?” Even though she has passed, I am determined to continue her legacy in the industry. That’s why I am so passionate about serving as a resource and guide, not only for my clients, but also for fellow agents. My goal is to uphold the highest industry standards, break misconceptions about real estate, and lead by example.
With over two decades of experience, I have navigated every market shift, from booming sales to economic downturns to bidding wars. My deep industry knowledge allows me to provide expert guidance to buyers, sellers, investors, and renters, ensuring they make informed decisions in any market. At RE/MAX, I have the privilege of working alongside some of the top producers in the area—agents who are just as driven, knowledgeable, and client-focused as I am. My approach is always rooted in honesty, professionalism, and results-driven strategies.
What truly sets me apart is my dedication to personalized service. I take the time to understand my client’s needs, educate them on the process, and advocate for their best interests every step of the way. When I was new to real estate, I was always asking “why” to better understand the process. Now, I anticipate what my clients need to know and ensure they are fully informed so they can make the best decision for their situation. Beyond that, I believe in building relationships that last well beyond the closing table. I want to be your ultimate real estate resource for life!
Sincerely,
Melissa Conrad
