While I was always driven, competitive and skilled in the art of negotiation, I didn’t see the alignments forming in front of me that would ultimately forge my path into an amazing career.  
 
For as long as I can remember, real estate has been a part of my life. My grandfather was in real estate, and my parents started working in the industry in the 60s. Despite spending my childhood surrounded by it, I never envisioned myself following in their footsteps. They were always taking calls or off to “showings,” and I just didn’t see the appeal.  
 
I was adamant about forging my own way and finding a fulfilling career that I was passionate about. Even during my college years, the prospect of joining the real estate world was far from my mind. I recall the promises I made to myself: real estate was not my calling! Little did I know then that life has a way of leading us toward our destined paths, often despite our strongest convictions. 
 
 After graduating from Texas State University, I moved home and immediately went to work at my parents’ real estate office, where they just happened to have an opening for a receptionist. This was supposedly temporary while I looked for a job more suited to my aspirations. 
 
But as the days turned into weeks and weeks into months, something unexpected happened… I fell in love with real estate. It wasn't just about the transactions and properties; it was about the people, their families, their dreams, and the profound impact we could make in the lives of our clients. What started as a reluctant step soon blossomed into a heartfelt passion, one that would shape the course of my life in ways I never imagined. 
 
 Working alongside my parents was an enriching experience. While my father specialized in commercial and land transactions, leveraging his expertise as a licensed appraiser, and my mother excelled in financial management and residential operations, I carved my own path by focusing on cultivating new business opportunities and modernizing our practices. Together, our complementary strengths propelled our family business forward, fostering growth and adaptability in an ever-evolving industry. My competitive nature came in as I earned several designations early on. 
 
One of the most memorable chapters of this journey was the joy of bringing my daughter, Morgan, to work with me. From just 2 weeks old up to the time she was 4, I would bring her with me, introducing her to many different people. She never met a stranger she didn’t like and always smiled at everyone, bringing joy to the office. Reflecting on these experiences made me realize that the flexibility of my real estate career afforded me the opportunity to be there for my daughter, just as my parents were there for me.  
 
 
For Morgan, I was determined to do the same. She played club volleyball in high school, and we traveled all over the country for tournaments. I went to every single game, even when it meant writing contracts during breaks and between games. The sacrifice that was made was worth it to be there for her. For that alone, I was incredibly grateful to have this career at that time and be able to prioritize her. 
 
Much like my younger self, Morgan was confident she didn’t want to work in real estate. Imagine my surprise when, in 2023, she expressed her genuine desire to join me. It was a full-circle moment, a testament to the enduring legacy of our family's passion and dedication to this industry and to our community. With my parents now retired, I have big shoes to fill.  I see this as the beginning of a new chapter—one where I have the opportunity to introduce the fourth generation of our family to real estate. 
 
 Our family’s legacy is represented through decades of hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence. I carry with me the wisdom passed down through generations and the spirit of perseverance that has defined us.

Over my 35+ years in the business, I've seen families evolve and grow, spanning generations. It's humbling to have worked with grandparents, parents, and now their children, guiding each generation to make great real estate investment decisions. The relationships I have built and the continued trust that my clients have in me are the ultimate rewards after years of working in real estate. 
 
In 2013, the property where I grew up spending time with my father riding horses on the weekends became a homeless shelter named The Samaritan Inn. The place that was so special to me is now special to so many others and has helped countless people to get back on their feet. I continue to support the shelter and other causes like Habitat for Humanity, Rotary International and the Collin County Animal Shelter. 
 

Sincerely, 
  
 
 
Holly Milstead 
REALTOR® 
Office 214-544-7653 
Direct 972-658-6007 
HollyM@KW.com 
 www.TheMilsteadTeam.com