Inspiring Conversations with Katie Rother of VIVID PROPERTY GROUP

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Rother

Hi Katie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Real estate has always felt like where I was meant to end up — it’s the perfect mix of everything I love and who I am. Even back in high school, I was that person bouncing from house to house, making friends everywhere I went. I’ve always been full of energy, colorful in every way, and drawn to people and connection. That love for creating community, helping families, and being there for others has shaped every chapter of my life — from working with special needs children to building a business that’s rooted in heart, trust, and relationships. Real estate just gave me the perfect space to bring all of that to life.

Before real estate, I worked with special needs children, and while I loved the work, what truly filled my cup was being there for the families. Helping them, supporting them, building relationships — that’s what stuck with me. That job opened the door to incredible conversations and lifelong friendships, and it taught me the value of being a steady, trusted presence in someone’s life.

Starting VIVID Property Group in Raleigh wasn’t just a career move — it was a calling. I wanted to build a real estate firm rooted in heart, honesty, and connection. We’re not your average brokerage. We care deeply about our clients — they become like family. We offer straight-shooting advice, real-time support, and a fresh, personal approach to buying, selling, or investing in real estate.

Today, I lead a passionate team that’s grown one referral at a time — all because we put people first. Real estate may be our business, but helping people feel at home — that’s our purpose.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s never really a smooth road — and I don’t think it’s supposed to be. In the beginning, business doesn’t just fall in your lap. You have to show up every day, work hard, keep your head down, and trust your gut. For me, I always believed that if I followed my heart and put people first, things would fall into place — and they have.

One of the hardest parts has been finding the right people to build a team with — people who care as deeply as I do, who treat clients like family, and who show up with the same level of passion and heart. Starting a business is one thing, but sustaining it, growing it, and doing it with intention… that’s where the real challenge is.

I’m incredibly lucky to now be surrounded by friends and family — and to be turning new clients into both. Yes, this job is stressful. Yes, I work all the time. But it doesn’t feel like any job I’ve had before. I created something from the ground up, and every year it gets better. That’s the most fulfilling feeling in the world.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Why did I name it VIVID and why is our logo my dog? Because both are a reflection of who I am at the core.

VIVID felt right because that’s my personality — bright, bold, full of energy, always moving, always connecting. I wanted the brand to feel alive, colorful, and full of heart, just like the way I live and the way I work with my clients. The name needed to represent the kind of experience we give people — one they remember.

And the dog? That’s Apollo. He’s my heart. When I left teaching, one of the first things I wanted to do was share him with others. We started visiting schools together as a therapy dog team, and I saw just how powerful his calm, old-soul energy was. He’s gentle, steady, and always present — everything I strive to be for my clients.

Both Apollo and Sunny — my sweet girl with a bright, playful spirit — are certified therapy dogs. We spend our free time visiting schools and universities around the Triangle, especially during exam season or high-stress times. This is such an amazing thing to do and the students just love it. I have the best time sharing our story with them.

I’ve always loved the saying, “Be the person your dog thinks you are.” That’s the standard I hold myself to, and why this business means so much to me. It’s not just about real estate — it’s about being there, showing up fully, and bringing light into people’s lives.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
How do I define success? Honestly, for the first time, I feel like I’ve made it. This year, I hit a major milestone — being named one of the top 500 Realtors in the Triangle. It’s something I’ve worked incredibly hard for over the past few years, and to see it actually happen feels surreal. The best part? I wasn’t even chasing it this year. I was just focused on doing what I love — taking care of my clients.

And I really love what I do. I’m obsessed with homes — the details, the design, the feel of a space. I get to bring my love of flowers, the outdoors, travel, and everything that inspires me into my work every day. Real estate lets me be fully myself, and that’s a gift.

That’s what success looks like to me now: showing up for the people who trust me, who support me, and who continue to recommend me to others. When people come back year after year, or send their friends and family my way, that’s when I know I’m doing something right.

I’ve been invited to weddings, engagements, baby showers, and client parties. I’ve celebrated life’s biggest milestones with people who started as clients and became friends. To be brought into their lives like that — to truly experience life with them — that’s what fills my heart. Success, to me, is having a community that believes in you and building a business that grows organically through connection, trust, and genuine care. It means people want to spend time with me, and I feel so lucky that I get to spend time with them too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vividnc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiesellsraleigh/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katiesellsraleigh/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/vivid_nc_/