Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Hornsby
Elizabeth , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Elizabeth Hornsby, but everyone calls me Liz. My journey began in Augusta, Georgia, a city known for hosting the prestigious Masters golf tournament. Coming from a long line of nurses, I always believed my path was in healthcare. I spent 12 years working in the medical field, primarily at Lexington Medical Center in South Carolina, after moving there in 2009 to be with my husband, Mike. I started as a nursing technician and worked in various departments before transitioning to the insurance department as a patient representative.
In 2020, life took an unexpected turn when my father passed away suddenly due to a pulmonary embolism at the age of 57. Losing him was one of the hardest experiences of my life. Without a will, settling his estate through probate was overwhelming. There were creditors to pay, a property to manage, and countless legal hurdles. My mother-in-law, Joyce, and my husband were my anchors, offering constant support. This difficult time opened my eyes to how challenging and confusing probate can be for families.
That experience inspired me to pivot my career. I decided I wanted to help families in a different way, by ensuring they had support when navigating big transitions, like buying a home. I earned my real estate license and joined an amazing team, The Lexico Group with CENTURY 21 803 Realty in Lexington, South Carolina.
Today, I’m a decorated realtor, out in the community every week, building trust and connecting with people. I’ve helped single moms achieve homeownership, found nurses their dream homes, and assisted families in securing perfect land for their future homes. I bring the same care and dedication from my nursing career into real estate, with the goal of helping families find stability and comfort in their homes. Every day, I live my dream by helping others create theirs.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest challenge, though, came when I lost my father unexpectedly. His sudden passing turned my world upside down. I not only had to cope with the grief, but also navigate the overwhelming legal process of probate without him having left a will. That time was incredibly difficult—dealing with creditors, handling his estate, and making sure everything was in order while still grieving his loss. There were moments when I felt completely lost and overwhelmed, like I was drowning in paperwork and decisions I wasn’t prepared to make. If it weren’t for the support of my amazing mother-in-law Joyce and my husband, I’m not sure how I would’ve made it through.
That experience made me realize that life is full of unexpected challenges, and it completely changed the course of my career. Transitioning from healthcare to real estate wasn’t easy either. I had to start from scratch, build new skills, and learn how to establish myself in a new industry. There were moments of self-doubt, times when I struggled to get clients or felt discouraged when things weren’t progressing as quickly as I had hoped. The real estate market is competitive, and starting over later in life wasn’t easy.
But through all the struggles, I’ve learned resilience. I’ve faced uncertainty head-on and learned that sometimes the most difficult experiences can lead to a new purpose. Now, as a realtor, I’m driven by my passion to help others through challenging transitions, just as I went through with my father’s estate. While the road wasn’t smooth, each struggle has made me stronger, and I’m grateful for the lessons they’ve taught me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a licensed realtor with The Lexico Group at CENTURY 21 803 Realty, in South Carolina. I specialize in helping families, single moms, nurses, anyone facing foreclosure and individuals find their perfect home, whether it’s buying their first property, upgrading to their dream home, or securing land to build their future. My focus is always on making the process as seamless and supportive as possible, particularly for those who might be going through difficult life transitions, like probate or navigating real estate without a clear plan.
What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built with my clients and how I’ve been able to bring the same care and compassion from my years in healthcare into real estate. I’ve helped single moms achieve homeownership, guided nurses through finding their dream homes, and worked with families to secure the perfect land for their forever homes. Knowing I’ve had a part in making their dreams come true is incredibly rewarding.
What sets me apart from others is my personal experience and approach. Having gone through the probate process with my father’s estate, I understand firsthand how overwhelming it can be to deal with real estate matters during difficult times. That experience drives me to ensure that my clients always feel supported, informed, and cared for, no matter what challenges they face. I’m known for my strong work ethic, honesty, and loyalty. I go the extra mile for every client, whether that’s through door-knocking to find the perfect property, engaging with the community, or posting regularly on social media to stay connected and offer valuable insights.
I bring a unique blend of nursing ethics and compassion into the real estate world, focusing on the well-being of my clients and ensuring they are taken care of throughout the entire process. My clients know that when they hire me, they’re getting more than just a realtor—they’re getting someone who genuinely cares and will be with them every step of the way.
I’m also known for my outstanding homemade breads and pickles, which have become a bit of a signature around here! Baking is my second passion, and in my spare time, you can usually find me in the kitchen “throwing down” a new recipe or perfecting an old favorite. My husband jokingly calls me “Paula Deen,” and I embrace it! I always end up baking more than we can possibly eat, so I love sharing my extra goodies with family, friends, and even clients. I like to include some in their closing gift baskets—it’s a personal touch that I think makes the moment even sweeter!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For anyone just starting out in real estate, my biggest piece of advice is to be patient and stay persistent. Real estate is not an overnight success story—it takes time to build your reputation, your network, and your client base. You’ll face rejection and challenges, but don’t let that discourage you. Consistency is key, so make sure you’re putting yourself out there every day, whether it’s through door-knocking, networking events, or social media. Building trust with clients takes time, but the relationships you create will be the foundation of your business.
Another important tip is to always keep learning. The real estate market is constantly changing, and staying educated on trends, local markets, and the legal aspects of real estate will set you apart. Take the time to build a strong understanding of contracts, the buying process, and different types of properties so you can confidently guide your clients through every step.
One thing I wish I knew when I was starting out is just how important personal branding and networking are. It’s not just about selling houses—it’s about selling yourself. I learned that being active in the community and building genuine relationships is crucial. People need to trust you before they trust you to help them with one of the biggest decisions of their lives. It’s important to engage with people consistently, both in person and online. Social media is a powerful tool, and I didn’t realize early on how essential it would be for gaining visibility and trust.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help or mentorship. I wish I had sought out more guidance in the beginning. There are so many experienced realtors willing to share advice and tips, and having a mentor or being apart of a team can help you avoid common pitfalls. Learn from those who have been in the business longer and lean on their experience to help you navigate the ups and downs.
Lastly, stay focused on providing value to your clients. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of making sales, but the most successful realtors are the ones who genuinely care about helping people.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizhornsbysellssc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizhornsbysellssc
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lizhornsbysellssc
