How I got here
"What about real estate?" he offered.
I put my fork down, staring at him. "You think I should become a realtor?" He told me to pray about it, & a few weeks later, I found myself studying for the licensing exam.
That was more than 7 years ago. When I look back, I feel impossibly grateful for my dad: my best friend, my mentor, my inspiration in so many ways. I took his sage advice, & today, I'm the owner of my very own boutique brokerage, I've worked with hundreds of loyal & wonderful clients, & I have the best team in the business.
I signed up for the Illinois real estate licensing course as an impressionable & bright-eyed 20-year-old. At the time, I knew next to nothing about this crazy, competitive industry, but I felt desperate for a change. Real estate seemed like it just might be the ticket.
It was all my dad's idea, really.
Over lunch one afternoon, I confided in him about my fear of the future & what I would do after graduation. I was an incoming senior at DePaul University, majoring in journalism & worrying about how I would fit into the ever-changing media world.
375+
30^u30
1%
$150M+
Number of
homes sold
since 2014
recognized nationally in NAR's "30 under 30"
in 2017
ranked in the top 1%
of chicago realtors
from 2019-2021
career total
sales volume
since 2014
since the beginning
I am a writer
Since 2019
I am a small business owner
I opened the proverbial doors to Melanie Everett & Company in January 2019 after spending several years at a large real estate firm. No regrets!
My first love is writing! I've had a blog since I was 13, & I studied journalism in college. Writing isn't my career, but it is a huge part of who I am.
Since 2020
My husband, Andrew, & I welcomed our darling daughter into the world last year. Holly Grace Everett is the sweetest gift from above. There's nothing I love more than coming home to my little family after a long day of showings & appointments.
I am a mom
My most important role yet!
With love, Melanie Everett
founder of Melanie everett & company
Featured In:
Reader's Digest
Financial Times
Follow Along
The Everygirl
Crain's Chicago Business
Time Out Chicago
Chicago Magazine
Apartment Therapy
Realtor Magazine
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