At the core of everything I’ve built is a belief that if you put people first and do what’s right, the rest will follow.
My foundation in business started early, working in my parents’ retail clothing store—a 6,500-square-foot independent shop that served customers for nearly 50 years. That’s where I learned what real service looked like: show up every day, know your customer, do the right thing, and never cut corners. My father told me, “Take care of your client first and forget your own interests.” That became the backbone of how I approached serving others.
In 1999, I earned my real estate license and co-founded a team. For a while, I did both jobs. We were one of the last large, independently owned retail clothing stores still operating, and I was proud of our legacy. But as the industry changed, it wasn’t sustainable, so I closed the store and focused fully on real estate. What stayed with me were the fundamentals: put the client first, outwork the competition, and lead with integrity.
The business began to grow, largely thanks to my longtime partner, Judy Wahba. We worked together for 17 years, and I told her before she passed, “Whatever success I would ever have in this business would be because of her.” She told me I would’ve done it without her—but I still don’t believe that. Judy was brilliant, tireless, and completely committed to our clients. Her impact continues to shape how I lead, how I serve, and how I train others.
New construction became my focus early on. After selling several homes for Kirkland Development, I approached Bruce Kirkland about listing four homes going up in my area. He wasn’t ready, so I offered a deal—if I didn’t sell all four in four months, we’d part ways. I sold them all, unfinished, ahead of schedule. He asked if I could handle 50. And of course, I said “Yes!” I’ve learned you don’t have to have all the answers right away. You just have to be creative, resourceful, and determined to get the job done right.
From there, my role expanded to construction coordinator, applying my knowledge of what buyers were looking for to help with floor plans, finishes, and layouts. Being on-site daily taught me a lot about home construction, but it also gave me a critical advantage: when someone showed up with questions, I was already there ready to talk, answer questions, and show them their options.
As the business scaled, I built a team. Every agent starts by riding with me so they can learn the process, how I treat clients, and the high standards I set for our services. Just as I expect my agents to stay sharp, I prioritize my education too, earning the Accredited Buyer Representative certification and becoming a Certified Real Estate Negotiator.
But the most impactful designation I have is becoming Mississippi’s first Certified AI Real Estate Professional. With AI, I can compare markets, data, trends, and what details impact home value. I can input a home’s features and specifications, and within seconds have data-backed information on the most likely buyers, so we can directly target that demographic in marketing. Combining that with my first-hand industry knowledge, I can offer the most informed advice to my clients. It is also an incredible tool for delivering fast, actionable answers—because speed and accuracy make all the difference in real estate.
I didn’t get here alone. Along the way, I’ve had my faith—and a few incredible people—guide and influence me. My goal now is to be that kind of influence for others: for my clients, my agents, and for my niece and nephew, who I’ve had the privilege of raising since 2016. Through my work and service to others, I want to prove that doing things the right way with honesty, integrity, and putting people first is still the best way to make a lasting impact in this world.
If you’re buying a home, you need someone who knows the market, stays available, and can navigate the process without pressure. I work with buyers at all stages and specialize in new construction. Having helped build homes from the ground up, I know how to spot issues in existing homes and how to evaluate floor plans to make sure new builds align with your needs. I take the time to understand your priorities, like layout, size, features, and location, so we can focus on the homes that actually make sense for you.
If you’re selling, I bring strategy, speed, and regular feedback so you know exactly where you stand in the process. I use AI to create targeted marketing plans in minutes, identify likely buyer profiles, and tailor messaging to reach the right audience. It removes the guesswork and ensures our efforts are reaching the right buyers. I will guide you through pricing, prep, and negotiations, applying over 25 years of experience to help you get the best deal. My goal is to get your home sold efficiently and profitably.
If you’re looking for someone who shows up, tells you the truth, and treats your goals like their own, I’d be honored to help you on your homeownership journey!
With gratitude,
Steve Houck
