Fitting all the pieces of my life together, I’ve found there’s nothing more rewarding than being able to show up fully for my family, my work, and my community.
Most days, I’m switching between roles without thinking twice—answering a client’s question, carpooling to kids activities, then heading to a showing without missing a beat. So much of our time is spent at football games, volleyball practices, swim meets, and school events—and those are often the same places I connect with people in the community. I’ve built a life where my work, my family, and my community are all connected, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. That didn’t just fall into place. It took time to figure out a balance and how I could prioritize different parts of my life without wearing myself thin. My parents modeled that throughout my childhood. They worked hard, followed through, and showed up for people. They made family a priority and lived with consistency and integrity. Watching them made a lasting impression. It shaped how I carry myself now, and how I want to show up for others. I also grew up as a competitive swimmer, which definitely shaped my drive and taught me how to stay focused and push through challenges.
When I got into real estate in 2004, I wanted something people-focused—something that allowed me to do meaningful work. I liked the pace, the conversations, and the trust people placed in me. And I still do. I enjoy helping people with something that matters deeply to them, and I take that responsibility seriously. Real estate lets me work in a way that reflects my values: staying grounded, being available, and building trust through real relationships. What I love about real estate is building trust, guiding people through big decisions, and making something that can feel overwhelming a little more manageable.
I like the pace, the variety, and the problem-solving throughout every transaction. No two days are the same, and no two clients are either—that’s part of what I love about real estate. I enjoy the challenge of serving different needs and finding the right approach for each person. Relationships are what keep me passionate about my work. A lot of clients become friends, and friends often turn into clients, which makes the work that much more personal and rewarding! Early in my career, I thought the only way to create a stable business was to always be available. But once we had our kids, Lola and Calvin, finding balance became my priority. I’ve learned that setting expectations and finding my clients’ preferred times to communicate can go a long way. I’m still highly available, but in a way that is sustainable.
The transition has been incredible. It has made me a more present parent and a more efficient REALTOR®. Many of my clients have families just like ours and understand how important it is to be there for the big moments. Learning how to manage my time hasn’t taken away from my business—it’s made it stronger. And as a result, a lot of areas of my life naturally blend together. My work, family, and community often overlap, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I meet people at school events or on the sidelines of a game, and later I might end up helping them with a move. I genuinely enjoy forming relationships and being able to help people in any way I can! We stay very busy with the kids’ activities. Lola plays volleyball and swims, and Calvin plays football, basketball, soccer and swims too. Whether it’s volunteering, helping with team events, or just being on the sidelines, I love getting involved with the kids’ sports. I’m also a PTA board member at Fisher Elementary and Cobb Middle School which is a great way to support the schools and get to know other families in our community. When we get the chance, we love going up to Arkansas where I grew up to spend time with family by the lake. We enjoy boating, relaxing, and soaking up the sunshine!
Over the years, I’ve worked in a wide range of markets. I started my career before the 2008 downturn and learned early on how important it is to stay adaptable. I’ve guided clients through foreclosures, competitive bidding wars, rapid shifts in inventory, and everything else this industry brings. Those experiences taught me to pay attention to the details and make sure clients feel confident in their decisions. I don’t overcomplicate things, but I do make sure people understand exactly what they’re signing, where they stand, and what to expect next. Most importantly, I want my clients to feel comfortable asking questions, voicing concerns, and trusting that I’ll be honest with them from start to finish. I’m not the agent who disappears —I’m available, involved, and here to help every step of the way. I take pride in making the process feel less overwhelming and more straightforward, especially during moments that can be emotional or stressful. Whether someone is buying their first home, upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, I approach each situation with the same goal: to guide them through it with clarity, trust, and care.
Sincerely,
Leslie Knutson