Betrayed by a real estate process, I turned that painful experience into a mission to help others buy and sell homes with integrity.

There were two experiences that kick-started my journey into real estate.

The first was buying my very first home. I did it completely on my own. It was FOR SALE BY OWNER and I thought it would save me some money in realtor fees to proceed by myself. A few days after I moved in, the roof partially collapsed. That was the moment I realized just how important it is to have a knowledgeable real estate agent by your side.

Fast forward a few years—I met my husband, Jack, and we decided to move into his home together. Time to sell the old one! After learning my lesson from the roof fiasco, I hired an agent to handle the sale. I thought this time would be better. It wasn’t. The experience was awful. He explained almost nothing about the process, kept important information from me, lied, and made decisions that benefited him—not me. I felt misled, frustrated, and disappointed.

That bitterness got me thinking deeply about the real estate industry and how significant these transactions are in someone’s life. For most people, buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions they’ll ever make. And yet, my experience showed me how easily clients could be left in the dark or taken advantage of. I knew there had to be a way to make people feel empowered, good, and cared for in a real estate transaction.

I wanted to be that “better way.”

Shortly after having my first child, also named Jack, I got my real estate license, with the naïve notion that I’d have plenty of free time. I quickly learned that real estate is hard work. And just as I was starting, the market crashed. Suddenly, I was navigating foreclosures, short sales, and endless client fears. Business grew, but slowly—very slowly.

Still, I didn’t give up. One of my mentors even told me, “If you can survive this market, you can survive anything.” She was right. I adapted, kept learning, and built my business one relationship at a time. By 2010, things finally turned around. My business took off, and I was voted Agent of the Year by my peers.

From there, my involvement in the industry deepened. As part of the Minneapolis Association of Realtors I was fortunate to become part of their agent committee, where I mentored new agents and got involved in training. I discovered a passion for helping raise the standards of our industry. Clients deserved better, and so did the profession itself. I wanted to pass on my values and standards to other agents.

That passion was recognized when I was nominated for an EMMA Award, an honor given to agents who excel in their business, serve their community, mentor other agents, and elevate the industry as a whole. It was humbling to be acknowledged for doing work I truly love.

Today, years later, I’m still passionate about what I do and the industry I represent.

Outside of work, life is full and rewarding. Jack is now 20 and thriving in a program called SAIL, which teaches kids on the spectrum social, emotional, and independent living skills. Megan, my youngest, is 17, a senior in high school and about to head off to college. My husband and I love spending time outdoors, going to see live music, traveling and hanging out with our family and friends. We share our home with two cats, Sam and Liz, and our dog, Allison, who hates being alone. She’s basically my shadow and frequently my car buddy when showing clients homes. I like to tell people I’m her emotional support human.

Looking back, I can see how those early frustrating experiences shaped the agent I am today. They lit a fire in me to do better, serve better, and never forget what it feels like to be on the client’s side of the table. And that’s what drives me every single day.

I put my clients’ best interests above mine, ensuring they are informed. I don’t just guide them through the process-I educate them on what I’m doing on their behalf and why it matters. Honesty is central to how I work; I’m direct about potential red flags or flaws that could impact their investment, always keeping their long-term interests in mind. I help clients focus on what truly matters, offer perspective, and ensure they make decisions that serve both their present and future.

As a negotiator, I remain clear about our goals and advocate fiercely for my clients. My collaborative communication style helps build agreements rather than conflicts, leading to deals that benefit everyone involved. For sellers, I excel at showcasing properties so effectively that some even reconsider selling! Ultimately, I strive to provide clients with the knowledge, insight, and clarity they need to make the best decisions for themselves.

Sincerely, 

 

Missy Vilett