Chattanooga Realtor Whitney Harvey was recently named one of the National Association of Realtors’ 2025 30 Under 30 honorees, an exclusive group of young professionals recognized for their achievements, leadership and community service. Here, Harvey discusses her path into real estate, her unique niche and the philosophy that drives her business.
How did your educational background influence your career?
“My educational journey began with a dream of becoming a nuclear engineer – something I truly believed was my calling. But life has a funny way of redirecting us to where we’re meant to be. Freshly graduated from high school and after just one semester of college, I realized that nuclear engineering wasn’t actually for me.
“Through late-night chats with my mom and serious soul-searching, I left college behind to pursue a path that felt right in my heart – real estate. At just 18 years old, I dove headfirst into this incredible, unpredictable career – and I couldn’t be happier.
“While I don’t have a traditional college degree, I gained something even more valuable: the courage to trust my instincts, take bold action and bet on myself. That decision laid the foundation for the life I get to live today – a life where I’ve helped hundreds of families sell, buy and invest, built a career I adore and beautifully support my own little family – my hubby and fur babies included.
“My short stint in engineering wasn’t wasted. It taught me to spot patterns, analyze trends, think critically and solve problems – skills that have become some of my greatest strengths in real estate. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Why did you decide to obtain your real estate license?
“As an only child and somewhat spoiled – guilty as charged! – my life was always mapped out: graduate high school, go to college, land a stable job and live happily ever after. But during a semester of college, my gut screamed, ‘This isn’t it.’
“While I was talking with my mom one night, she said, “That’s OK. Dad mentioned you’d be a great Realtor – and I agree. You’d be fantastic.” As she said those words, I felt something inside of me. It felt like your very first kiss – exciting, unnerving and a total, ‘Holy cow, my palms are sweaty!’ moment.
“Growing up, I’d always loved rearranging furniture, exploring design trends and turning spaces into something magical. Without hesitation, I enrolled in real estate school and started the career of my dreams. Looking back, it’s clear that real estate was my true calling. It combines my creativity, problem-solving skills and passion for helping others. I thank God every day for guiding me to this path – it’s the best decision I’ve made.”
What’s your specialty or niche?
“My niche is rooted in my love of active, outdoor adventures. I grew up competing in horse show arenas where it’s only you, the outdoors and a 1,200-pound animal with a mind of its own.
“My love of the outdoors continues today – riding my horses, four-wheeling, wake surfing, running, hiking. More often than not, I’ll be at an off-road park out of town, start talking about real estate to someone I just met, and leave with a new friend and an unexpected client.
“One commonality among my buyers, sellers and investors is the importance of an outdoor space. In 2018, I helped a couple buy their first home. Now their family has grown, and they’re set to make over $170,000 from the sale of that home and close on their forever home – a stunning property with 2.5 flat acres where their daughter can freely cruise her pink Jeep, space for the garage the husband wanted and the prime location and modern style the wife desired.
How do you generate business?
“My lead generation philosophy is simple: treat everyone I meet as if they’re already my client. I focus on building sincere connections everywhere I go, naturally pouring my energy and joy into every interaction. This approach has created a business deeply rooted in repeat clients and referrals.
“I don’t sell; I serve. That’s how I’ve built my business – not through ads or cold calls, but by genuinely caring about the people I meet and helping them see what’s possible through real estate.”
How are you working to improve your skills?
“I call improving my real estate skills ‘growth.’ Growth stems from staying curious, asking questions and collaborating with others.
“Some of my best marketing strategies have emerged from collaborating with friends in different industries. One idea – partnering with a local furniture store to stage a luxury listing – allowed the store to showcase and sell products while elevating my listing.
“I’m also an active member of a nationwide coaching community with Jan Copeland and participate in conferences and one-on-one coaching. These connections keep me accountable and inspired, ensuring I stay at the forefront of industry trends and continue delivering exceptional value to my clients.”
How have you given back to your community?
“Community is everything to me. Two years ago, I founded Grace, Grit + Glitter to celebrate local women-owned businesses while supporting Chattanooga Room in the Inn. Our event raises thousands of dollars each year. I donate needed items monthly, as well as send out a monthly email to my sphere with their additional needs.
“Since 2022, I’ve led a Facebook group called Grace Based Living for women with depression and anxiety. It’s a safe, no-judgment place where they can be heard, connect and heal. We have monthly meetups and hundreds have been positively impacted.”
If you could change something about the industry, what would it be?
“Real estate is a profession built on trust, and our clients deserve to work with agents who are professional, responsive and ethical. My change would be to hold agents to higher standards of communication and ethics.
“My suggestion would be a secret shopper program, where trained personnel pose as buyers or agents to assess an agent’s professionalism and responsiveness. Collaboration over competition is also key. Too often, competition overshadows teamwork – and it’s the clients who suffer.”
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
“Even though people often tell me I don’t look like the type to ruin a white shirt, that’s where I thrive. I flipped my four-wheeler before my wedding, totaled my Polaris RZR twice, turned a ‘practice run’ in a dirt bike time trial into the fastest quad time of the day and once fixed a broken dirt bike brake lever using a makeup brush, zip-ties and electrical tape.
“For my wedding, I grew an acre of flowers in 60 days, then hosted an after-party with a 300-foot slip-n-slide, a taco truck, snow cones and a grand entrance on four-wheelers. My work vehicle is a 1997 five-speed Jeep Cherokee with a lift, 33-inch tires and an iridescent sparkle wrap.”
How do you feel about being part of 30 Under 30?
“Honored. 30 under 30 agents are infectious – they magnetize people through action. They lead from the heart; they hold themselves to high standards and give their clients the highest standard of care. They exemplify excellence and exceptionalism and are willing to do what it takes. This is who I am.”