Carrie LaShell: The Queen of First Impressions on Selling Smart, Buying Right, and Finding Your Next Dream Home
Interview by Heather Anderson
With 20+ years of entrepreneurial experience across peronal branding, fitness, and real estate, Carrie LaShell has built a career rooted in relationships and integrity. Known as the “Queen of the First Impression,” Carrie has a unique approach to real estate, blending her expertise in presentation with a passion for helping families find their first or next dream home. Whether she’s guiding sandwich-generation clients through emotional transitions or educating first-time buyers, Carrie’s mission is clear: to make real estate a seamless and rewarding experience for every client.
“Buying a home is such an intimate process, and I think that’s why my clients often become lifelong friends. My goal has always been to meet people where they’re at and help them achieve their dreams, and real estate is just another way to do that.”
You’ve built a diverse career over the past 20 years across different industries. What inspired you to transition into real estate, and how has your experience in other fields influenced your approach in this industry?
My background gave me the tools to build really unique relationships with people. Whether I was helping clients with fitness, lifestyle branding, or personal styling, those roles required a lot of trust and personal connection. That carried over to real estate naturally. Buying a home is such an intimate process, and I think that’s why my clients often become lifelong friends. My goal has always been to meet people where they’re at and help them achieve their dreams, and real estate is just another way to do that.
Your clients call you the ‘Queen of the First Impression.’ How has your branding and styling background influenced your approach to staging and preparing homes for sale?
It’s all about presentation. For me, staging is only part of the equation. I focus on the entire first impression, from curb appeal to interior details like fixtures and cleanliness. My goal is to create a space that feels inviting and memorable. It’s the same skillset I used in branding—making sure everything aligns with what you want to communicate. I’ve worked with clients to repaint, update fixtures, and even declutter because those little changes can completely transform how a home feels to a potential buyer.
You specialize in helping those who want to downsize find a home that fits their future and assist couples who have recently become empty nesters. How do you navigate the needs and preferences of multiple generations during these transitions?
It’s all about listening and taking it one step at a time. For sandwich-generation clients, they’re often juggling their own households while helping aging parents move out of longtime family homes. That can be overwhelming. I help by breaking the process into manageable steps—starting with decluttering and deciding what to keep, donate, or toss. I also connect them with resources, whether they want to tackle it themselves or hire help.
For empty nesters, the focus shifts to “rightsizing” rather than downsizing. That’s a big distinction. Some clients think they need less space but later realize they miss having room for hobbies or hosting family gatherings. It’s about finding the right fit for their lifestyle and future needs, not just a smaller home.
That’s why I created my Downsizing Guide—to help clients make informed choices about their next move. It includes key factors like evaluating space needs, organizing the transition, and understanding market trends. My goal is to help people make a move that feels exciting and freeing, not stressful.
Can you share a memorable story of helping a family through a big transition?
One of my clients was part of the sandwich generation. Her parents lived in a retirement community, but her dad’s memory issues were progressing, and her mom couldn’t manage alone anymore. It was emotional for her because she was balancing her own young family while trying to help her parents move. I helped them break the process into steps, from sorting belongings to preparing the house for sale. In the end, her parents were moved into the same assisted living facility but Dad into the memory care area. It was in the same neighborhood as their home so her mom could still visit her friends. My client felt a sense of relief knowing her parents were safe and could then focus on the project of selling the house.
On a lighter note, I also worked with a couple in their 70s who had just gotten married and decided to fulfill their dream of living by the beach. I sold both of their Bay Area homes, and they then ended up buying their dream home in Pismo Beach. It was so rewarding to see them start their next chapter together in a place they had always dreamed of.
What types of clients do you find you’re particularly skilled at serving?
I’d say there are three main groups. First, there are sandwich-generation clients, who are managing the needs of both their parents and their own children. Second, I work with empty nesters who are rightsizing into their next dream home. And third, I have a special place in my heart for first-time homebuyers. They’re often nervous and unsure about the process, so I take extra care to educate and guide them. It’s so rewarding to see their excitement when they finally find their first home.
In addition to your real estate work, you also explore real estate investing. How has that journey benefited you, and what advice would you offer to families interested in diversifying their income through property?
My husband and I, along with other investors, currently own 274 multifamily units on the Southeast Coast, in places like Savannah and Charleston. These properties generate passive income and have been a key part of our long-term financial planning. Real estate is an incredible way to build multi-generational wealth. I’ve also taught classes and spoken on podcasts about investing. If anyone is curious about exploring this, I’m always happy to share my experiences and insights.
When you’re not working with families on their real estate journeys, what are your favorite ways to relax and recharge?
Travel is my ultimate way to unwind. My husband and I love beach vacations and have plans to visit Europe soon. We also enjoy skiing in the winter and spending quality time with family and friends, whether hosting gatherings in our backyard or exploring new places together. Family and connection are at the heart of everything I do, both personally and professionally.
How can readers connect with you if they want to learn more or work with you?
Visit Carrie LaShell Real Estate to explore her real estate services.
Thinking about downsizing? Get her expert guide here: Downsizing Guide
Buying your first home? Download her step-by-step Home Buyers Guide
Selling your home? Make the process seamless with her Home Sellers Guide
Reach out to discuss your real estate needs or investment questions—call or text Carrie at 925-478-0084 to connect personally.
Connect with Carrie LaShell on Instagram or Facebook.
You can also find Carrie on The M List, The Mamahood’s searchable database of mom-recommended resources, or connect and collaborate with Carrie inside The Club membership for women Founders.