In the bustling world of real estate, where transactions often take center stage, a real estate professional stands out for her expertise in the field and her unwavering commitment to community service. Meet Rachel Vann-King, a Fathom Realty agent based in Greenville, South Carolina, who has not only built a successful career but has also dedicated herself to positively impacting the local community.

A Transition with Purpose

Rachel’s journey into real estate began as a strategic pivot from a sales management career in journalism, an industry that was experiencing significant upheaval. She sought a career that could allow her to balance family responsibilities while still pursuing her passion for helping others. Real estate presented itself as the perfect opportunity, offering the independence she desired and the chance to make a difference in people’s lives.

Fathom Realty: A Game-Changer

Rachel’s transition into real estate coincided with her former broker, Dan Lang, joining Fathom Realty, a forward-thinking brokerage that values agent empowerment and innovation. Rachel saw this as an ideal platform to launch her vision of “Give GVL Greenville Homes,” a unique initiative aimed at channeling some of her real estate proceeds into supporting local community organizations.

As Greenville continued to experience rapid growth and rising housing prices, Rachel recognized the need for a more community-centered approach to real estate. She envisioned a model where a percentage of every transaction’s net revenue would be donated to Upstate 501(c)3 organizations, particularly those working on affordable housing and housing repairs. However, funds are not restricted solely to affordable housing because housing insecurity has far-reaching consequences in people’s lives. This innovative approach led to the birth of Give GVL Homes, a program that has since donated nearly $75,000 to charitable organizations, significantly impacting the lives of those in need.

Advice from the Heart

Rachel’s journey offers valuable insights for those considering a career in real estate. She emphasizes that real estate is a career where authenticity and personal strengths are assets. Rachel learned early on that building relationships doesn’t require a pushy sales approach. Instead, she found success by focusing on adding value, being herself, and becoming an expert in her field. Her passion for learning about various related topics, from construction and design to housing issues, has enabled her to provide genuine assistance to her clients without feeling like a salesperson. Rachel’s advice to new agents is simple: embrace your unique strengths, values, and interests. 

“Now, I try to incorporate other parts of myself and things that I love into my real estate career because that is what makes me the happiest,” Rachel offers. “For example, I love floral design, so every Valentine’s Day, I deliver floral bouquets to my past clients who are still in the area. If you’re a new agent reading this, you probably have totally different strengths, values, and interests, but hone in on those things because they are going to be key to developing relationships with people and having a sustainable career that you enjoy.”

A Heart for Community

Beyond her real estate career, Rachel is deeply involved in community service. She co-founded “Salsa at Sunset” with Upstate International, a local organization that celebrates international cultures through dance. Rachel’s involvement in fundraising and teaching salsa lessons has made this event a cherished part of the community.

Rachel’s dedication extends to the Sans Souci Community Garden Concert series, where she sponsors events and supports local music and community initiatives. She even finds time to volunteer by teaching salsa in schools and sharing how the arts can be incorporated into various careers, including real estate.

Balancing Act

In addition to her professional and volunteer commitments, Rachel is a mother to two teen stepsons. With their newfound independence, she now enjoys dancing, making art, and spending quality time outdoors with her loved ones. She is also actively engaged in a group that fosters authentic connections and communication through conversational games.

Rachel Vann-King is more than just a real estate agent; she is a community champion, a dedicated family member, and a passionate advocate for following your heart in both career and service. Her story inspires aspiring real estate professionals, reminding us that success is not solely measured by transactions but by the positive impact we create in the lives of those we serve.