Most of what I write here is about our towns: what's opening, what's selling, and where to take the family on a Saturday. This one is about me, and the people who matter most to me.
Born and raised here
I'm a fourth-generation Atlantan. Four generations of my family have called this city home, and I've spent my whole life watching it grow. When I help a family put down roots here, they're putting them in the same ground mine are in.
It started in a lumber yard
At 16, I took a job in a lumber yard. I learned building materials, how a house goes together, and why some are built better than others. That's still how I walk through a home. I look at what's behind the walls, not just what's on them.
I got my real estate license at 19. Thirty years and more than 1,800 closings later, I'm an Associate Broker with Ansley Real Estate | Christie's International Real Estate, working from our office on Church Street in downtown Alpharetta. I also coach other real estate agents as they build their businesses. Most of my own business still comes the old-fashioned way, through referrals from people I've helped before.
The best part: my family
Kimberly and I have been married 27 years. She is a staunch advocate for special needs mothers and families, and she holds a high standard of accountability for the care and support our special needs children receive. She shares that journey on Instagram and Facebook as Finding Kimberly's Journey (@findingkimberlyjourney).
Kimberly is a licensed real estate agent, too, and for years we worked side by side as a husband-and-wife team. About five or six years ago, Hayes needed more of her time and attention, so she stepped back from the front lines. She still helps behind the scenes, and she built the system that keeps every contract and deadline on track.
Our daughter, Hannah, graduated from San Diego State University and now lives in San Diego. She works for an interior design and remodeling company and is a licensed real estate agent with Keller Williams La Jolla. Homes and design clearly run in the family.
Our son, Hayes, has Down syndrome and autism. He has taught our family more about patience, joy and what really matters than anything else in our lives. He loves Hot Wheels, and he has a way of making every room a little lighter.
Raising Hayes is why our family supports local Down syndrome and autism groups, and it's why I write about things like fall in North Fulton with a child who has special needs. If you're raising a child with special needs and looking for a home, I understand what that search really involves: the school, the drive to therapies, the quiet street, and a layout that works for your family.
Faith
My faith has guided me through every season of life and business. It's a big part of why I try to treat every client the way I'd want my own family treated.
What I do today
I work across Milton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Cumming and East Cobb, plus in-town Atlanta. Much of my work is custom construction and luxury homes, where that lumber-yard start still pays off. I also help families relocating to Atlanta and families referred by friends I've worked with.
Thirty years in, the part I enjoy most hasn't changed. It's sitting at a kitchen table with a family, figuring out what they need, and getting them there. When I'm not working, you'll usually find me with my family, grilling out or cooking.
Let's get to know each other
That's me. If you have a question about a neighborhood, a home, or just what's going on around town, send me a message. I answer them myself.
All the best,
Wesley
