Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassie Callahan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I actually started my career as a teacher. I already had my Bachelor’s degree in Physical Fitness Programming and was in my first year of graduate school working toward my Master’s in Teaching when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter. During that time, I moved back home with my parents and continued taking night classes while preparing for student teaching. I began student teaching in August and, by February, I stepped right into a full-time position when a teacher retired. I ended up teaching for about three and a half years, and during that time, I started feeling called to do something different—real estate. During those years, I was also coaching an academy team for our local travel soccer club, Villareal Force in Fayetteville, which was such a fun and rewarding experience. I first attempted to get licensed during COVID, but I never actually took the exam. Toward the end of 2020, I decided to fully commit. I retook the course and went for it. It definitely wasn’t a straight path—I failed both the national and state exams the first time, passed the national but failed the state the second time, and finally passed the state on my third try. Third time really was the charm. In April 2021, I officially got my license and joined a large firm. The very next month, I graduated with my Master’s in Teaching Physical Education, and by June, I had finished my teaching career, stepped away from coaching, and jumped into real estate full-time. I spent a couple of years at that first brokerage, building my foundation, before moving to Birch & Beam Realty, where I am now. It’s been such a rewarding journey, and I’m grateful for every step that got me here.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all—it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Early on, I found out I was pregnant while in graduate school, which led me to move back home and completely readjust my plans. That season came with its own challenges—strained friendships, financial stress, and the pressure of figuring everything out at once. I worked multiple jobs, from ZipQuest to cleaning houses and dog sitting, all while continuing my education.
As you know, we’re big fans of Close with Cassie . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
With my teaching background I have a love for educating people on the process and how they can make smart investments. I do believe that home ownership is for everyone, but there is a way that we should go about it. I believe that owning a home can be a great way to generate wealth for yourself and for your family. Granted, most times it is over the process of years. My investing background allows me to give a different perspective of a traditional agent – this allows me to understand value, potential, and long term opportunities – NOT just the purchase itself.
What sets me apart is my personality, I am both relational and strategic, I am very hands-on, very responsible and I truly care about my clients.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the community I have built, and the trust I have earned. My business is heavily based on referrals and relationships and that means everything to me. I want people to feel like I am in their corner – someone local, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping them.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think changing careers is a big risk. I left my very safe secure teaching job, and went into sales. I put my real estate classes on a credit card, I quit teaching with my summer paycheck and one extra month of savings. I had a mortgage, and bills. I continue to take risks by buying real estate, and now homeschooling my 9 year old. I think taking risks is how we learn best, and ultimately grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.closewithcassienc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/closewithcassie_nc/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CassieCallahanRealtor/
