Life is what you make of it. There’s only one thing certain for all of us, you choose how to play the hand your dealt. My goal: make my future self proud.
The decision to step away from a 20-year career in public education wasn’t one I took lightly. As an educator, I loved shaping young lives, watching students grow, discover their passions, and chase after goals they never dreamed were possible. And while that fulfilled something deep in me, I reached a point where I had to make a choice: continue pouring into everyone else’s children or turn toward a life that let me be more present for my own family.
That’s when I stepped into real estate. I didn’t know then how natural the transition would feel, or how closely the two worlds would connect. Because helping someone find the right home or take their first step as an investor, it’s just a different version of what I’d always done. I was still guiding people through pivotal moments, still building relationships rooted in trust, and still showing up with the same heart to serve. Only now, I had the freedom to control my own future and be there for my family in ways that were not possible before.
That calling to serve others all started in my upbringing. Growing up in the countryside of west Tennessee, the odds weren’t exactly stacked in my favor. My childhood was full of hardship, poverty, addiction, and abuse. But, there were a lot of good memories, too. My two siblings and I would get into all sorts of adventures outside, fishing, and building forts. Despite having little, my mom taught us to give. Most Saturdays, she’d drop us off at the library while she grocery shopped, and we’d carry a box of books across the street to read to the residents of the local nursing home. We spent countless hours and days at church events, from musicals to bible drill.
Then at 15, I became a foster child. I’ll never be able to repay the family from our church who stepped in. Karla and Timmy didn’t have space for me with four kids of their own, but they made room. I’m so grateful they saw something in me that was worthwhile. They didn’t just give me a bed; they gave me a vision of what family could be. They became the kind of steady presence I had never known. Today, they’re grandparents to my children, present at birthdays, holidays, and every special occasion. That kind of love doesn’t just rescue someone, it transforms them.
Looking back, I see how powerful those childhood moments were. Loving and serving others is one of the most impactful things you can do to help someone and even change their life. It was the perfect storm for me to be another statistic. However, instead of using my past as an excuse, I turned it into fuel to have a different life. I was the first in my family to graduate from college, went on to earn advanced degrees, and finished my doctorate by 36. As an educator, I wanted my students to realize they, too, had the choice to change their future. In everything I do, I’ve carried with me a love of people and a passion for service because I know firsthand how impactful that can be.
As a REALTOR®, those very values define my approach. It never feels like work. It feels like another way to invest in people. I’ve even helped some of my former coworkers and students buy homes and invest in their futures. Those really are full-circle experiences to help past students (or their parents) buy their first home or even start their investing journeys.
In 2024, my husband and I married and blended our families, totaling five kids. It’s been incredible to be more involved with them and their activities. Although our family home is in Opelika, we spend a large amount of time in the Alabama and Florida gulf coast communities. All the markets I serve are fabulous and offer something special in the world of real estate.
Real estate decisions carry financial and emotional weight. You deserve someone who’s going to be honest with you, educate you, and support you through every decision. I pride myself on setting clear expectations, upholding strong communication, and creating a fun, no-pressure experience. Real estate comes down to understanding your needs and finding the best path forward. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, I focus on what makes sense for your goals, help you navigate the market, and make sure every decision is informed and intentional. From guiding pricing strategies on listings to crafting a winning offer, I guide you with my professional experience, but ultimately, the final choice is always yours.
My focus is on making sure you feel prepared, protected, and supported from the first conversation to closing. I’m hands-on, responsive, and direct. Real estate is my full-time profession, not a part-time gig. Long after closing, I remain a resource for questions, advice, connections, or whatever you might need in the future!
Sincerely,
Erika Plyler
