Featured Realtor: A Former CPA, Alyssa O’Brien Ramsey Uses Her Business Acumen And Natural Talents

Smart, creative, and hard-working, Alyssa O’Brien Ramsey is a Realtor you want on your team. Not only has she made a name for herself with client referrals, but she’s become an integral part of the well-oiled machine that is the up-and-coming independent brokerage Nathan Grace. But Alyssa, every humble, says that it’s the other way around when it comes to the people that make up the brand — they’re all family, and all indispensable.

“In my career I have been blessed to work with great people at great companies, or so I thought,” Alyssa said. “It wasn’t until working at Nathan Grace that I have truly experienced working with great people at a great company. As cliché as it sounds, the Nathan Grace team are my extended family.”

And family matters, Alyssa notes, especially in an industry that follows the law of the jungle: Eat or be eaten.

“This is a competitive business, but at the end of the day, we lift each other up and have built a culture that is second to none,” Alyssa said. “The leadership and support team truly care about the success of the agents’ business first and foremost – without our success they don’t have success.”

To recognized that success, the brand does something called “Gracing” Alyssa said. A team member’s front yard is littered with branded signs a la flocking. “We have fun, we love to win, and we take our work seriously, but not ourselves,” Alyssa notes. “There are many reasons that Nathan Grace has been named one of the ‘Best Places to Work’ by Dallas Business Journal and I but the number one reason – the people! It’s not your mama’s real estate company, but she’d be so proud!”

Now that sounds like company culture that Jeff Lindigrin of Great Western Home Loans could get behind! He works hard and has fun, all the while recognizing the hard work that Realtors and brokers put into every transaction. What has your lender done for you lately? Find out what you’re missing by calling Jeff Lindigrin of Great Western Home Loans today.

Jump to find out more about Alyssa!

CandysDirt.com: So, where are you from?

Alyssa Ramsey: I grew up in Dallas on Mercedes in the M-Streets neighborhood in a house designed by Clifford Hutsell. I still love that house! I attended Zion Lutheran School, Ursuline Academy of Dallas, and then SMU. I am definitely a native Dallasite!

CD: So, how did you get into real estate? What’s your specialty?

AR: My degree and background is in Accounting and I am a CPA (I know that sounds horribly boring). I have always had an interest in real estate, loved watching the market and neighborhoods, and decided I wanted a better life for my family. Millie and Cannon, my children were one of the deciding factors for a career change. Having my own real estate business allows me to do what I want and enjoy, provides flexibility, and I have fun every day. Believe me, while I have more flexibility I still work as much (if not more) as I did before, but it’s on my terms. I love working with people (not a stereotypical CPA), helping them with their home choices, and beginning the next chapter in their lives.

CD: How do you stay sharp in a challenging market?

AR: I read CandysDirt.com every day! (Editor: We’re blushing!!!)No, seriously I read a lot, talk with other agents, have excellent insight from our Nathan Grace team, attend MLS meetings, and participate in industry updates provided by Nathan Grace and title companies. My business/accounting background provide an additional advantage in this market. Working in different industries, with a variety of disciplines and with levels of leadership has provided me with business and life lessons that transfer to the real estate business on a daily basis.

CD: Where is home for you in Dallas?

AR: Our family, which includes my husband, kids, and two dogs, live in Lake Highlands. We have lived in our house for 10 years and I absolutely love our neighborhood! Lake Highlands has a very small town feel to it within the big city of Dallas ,and a very strong sense of community. Our street has several block parties each year and all the neighbors look out for one another.

CD: And you drive a … let me guess, Range Rover?

AR: Ha! No … I drive a Lexus SUV … and before you think that is fancy, remember I have two kids, so at anytime you may find goldfish or toys scattered around the car.

CD: What’s your favorite ‘hood in Dallas and why?

AR: Well, I really love both Lakewood and Lake Highlands (so you could really say the entire East Dallas community). Since I grew up in Lakewood, it holds a very special place in my heart, and I am still friends with some of our neighbors from 30-plus years ago. Lake Highlands has been a great place to raise my family, and I don’t see myself moving out of this neighborhood for many years to come. I am also a runner, so I love being able to run from my house to White Rock Lake and enjoy this jewel in the middle of the city.

CD: What was your best/highest sale?

AR: It’s hard to pick just one because each transaction is unique and special in its own way, but I think helping a 49-year-old high school teacher buy his first home was one of my favorite sales. He had been saving to buy his first home and we looked and looked and finally found the perfect house for him, but of course there were multiple offers on it. The sellers picked my client in part because of a letter he wrote to them. It was such a proud moment for him at the closing table, and I feel fortunate to have been able to help him.

CD: Likewise, what was your most challenging or memorable transaction?

AR: My most challenging transaction was one where I was working with an agent on the other side that was very difficult. The sale almost fell apart for my buyer clients at the 11th hour, but somehow I managed to work through it and we made it to the closing table and they love their home!

CD: Tell us: What was the most interesting thing to happen to you while working with a client?

AR: Last fall I was showing homes to some out-of-town clients. We were looking around one house and I heard voices coming from the backyard. I opened the back door to find three surprised young ladies smoking a questionable substance. Needless to say, we cut the tour of that house short and excused ourselves!

CD: How quickly have you ever turned a house?

AR: Before putting it on the market with multiple offers is just the best!

CD: How much did you sell last year?

AR: I will just say, for my first full year in real estate, I had a very good year.

CD: What words of wisdom do you often share with clients?

AR: Especially in a market like we are in right now where there are multiple offers on a lot of homes, educating my clients about the process is the best information I can give them.

CD: If you ever change careers for an encore you’ll…

AR: I will never change careers again! Getting into real estate was the best decision I have ever made and I have never looked back! I feel like I am able to use all my talents in one job.

CD: Do you have a second home? If so, where?

AR: No second house at this time. Maybe when my kids get older! But if you have seen the Nathan Grace offices, it’s the best home away from home.