I’ve faced many life challenges; but each time, I rise. Like the Phoenix, I rise from the ashes—stronger, wiser, and more determined to reach my dreams, and I know I have so much more to give.
There was a time in my life when everything seemed to fall apart at once. I received a devastating cancer diagnosis and after my first treatment, my former husband filed for divorce. As a military spouse, I was battling cancer entirely alone away from my family and friends. I found myself consoling my sons, fighting for my health, and trying to piece life together.
Some days I would lie on the couch, paralyzed by fear of what might happen. The loneliness was overwhelming. Every day, I’d try to get myself together and put on a smile before my son, Noah, would come home from school so he wouldn’t see how much I was struggling. I knew that I had to pull myself together, not just for my sons but for me. I began to think, What about me? It was time to heal, regroup, and move forward.
As I fought through cancer and the pain of divorce, I found even greater strength in my faith. There were moments when I had no one else to lean on but God. This gave me the resilience to beat cancer. When you overcome something so difficult, it makes anything seem possible. It was during this time I remembered a passion I had from childhood: real estate. As a kid, I was obsessed with homes—dragging my parents to showings just to satisfy my curiosity. The excitement of walking into a new house and imagining its potential always stayed with me.
So in 2018, I made a bold decision. After spending years teaching science and biology, I transitioned into real estate. At first, I juggled both teaching and real estate. However, I soon realized that to succeed in real estate, I needed to be all in. I set a goal for myself: if I was going to leave teaching, I needed real estate to at least match my income. When I hit that goal, I didn’t stop—I pushed myself further...knowing I could build a thriving business providing exceptional service to others.
Real estate has become my calling. I have a heart for people and find genuine fulfillment in being there for others during life-changing events... something I can understand at a very deep level. The uncertainty of big changes and the uneasiness of starting over can be difficult and having an empathic REALTOR® to guide you is a game changer. I have walked into homes and become more than just a REALTOR® but a listening ear... death, divorce, job changes, health issues, new baby, etc... are life stories that sometimes become a part of navigating the transaction.
I have found a career where I can bring my authentic self. Clients have explained that they are genuinely drawn to my true character and good energy. I am not just buying and selling homes, but helping people find peace and stability during one of the most significant transitions in their lives.
I use my life story to fuel me every day! I learned from my difficulties that I have the ability to tackle and achieve goals; not just for myself but for others too! This is what drives me to set and accomplish goals for you in real estate. My overall life goal is to use my experience, gifts, and talents to make a real difference in the lives of others. Fast forward to the present...I am happy; truly happy, without the weight of anything holding me down.
Looking forward, it’s about the freedom to live life on my terms and to continue giving back. I dedicate part of my earnings to supporting breast cancer survivors. Also, I continue to give back in various ways through community service opportunities via my sorority.
I believe we are all blessed with different gifts, and it is important to find a way to use them to help others. The analytical skills I developed while teaching has helped me identify market trends and strategically approach the buying and selling process. There's also a strong teaching element to real estate, especially when working with first-time homebuyers.
I guide clients through the process step by step, ensuring they understand every part of the transaction. I enjoy meeting people where they are and helping them reach their goals. Whether it’s educating clients on the home-buying process or advising them on building generational wealth, my approach is always centered on service. My ability to connect, empathize, and educate has allowed me to truly change lives through real estate, and that’s what makes this work so fulfilling for me.
Sincerely,
Shelley Dance
REALTOR® | LIC#0225236304
Direct Call/Text: (910) 467-6009
shellsellshomes123@gmail.com
hamptonroadsrealestategroup.com