We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erica Berkebile. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erica below.

Alright, Erica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Showing clients you appreciate them is something I think most folks want to do – but it’s not always clear how to do it in a meaningful way. What’s one of the best examples of client appreciation you can share with us?

Since my business is built on referrals, one of my greatest joys is showing appreciation to my clients. I truly value the relationships I build, and as a way of saying thank you, I host several client appreciation events throughout the year. Every November, I hold a Gratitude Gathering where clients receive a pie or a bottle of wine for their Thanksgiving celebration. In the summer, I kick things off with a fun ice cream social on the first weekend of June. I also love creating memorable experiences, like renting out a theater for a private movie event—most recently, we watched Twisters on opening weekend! These events are just a small way I can give back and show my gratitude for the trust and support of my amazing clients.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Getting to Know Me & My Business

Real estate has always been a passion of mine, but my journey into the industry wasn’t immediate. After a successful career in HR, I realized I was working a job but not truly fulfilling my purpose. When my family relocated to Texas in 2016, I saw the perfect opportunity to finally pursue real estate—a career that combined my love for helping people, problem-solving, and building strong relationships. I dove in headfirst, earning my license (passing the exam on the first try!) and joining Keller Williams Realty, drawn to their exceptional training and supportive environment.

As I built my business, I discovered that traditional cold-calling and door-knocking weren’t my style. I wanted my approach to be relationship-driven, not transactional. That’s when I found a mentor who introduced me to working by referral, and it completely transformed my business. My success is built on trust, genuine connections, and delivering exceptional service—so much so that the majority of my business comes from repeat clients and referrals.

What I Offer & How I Help My Clients

I specialize in residential real estate, helping buyers, sellers, and investors navigate the market with confidence. Whether it’s a first-time homebuyer unsure where to start, a family looking to upsize, or a homeowner needing to maximize their sale, I take a consultative approach—educating and guiding my clients every step of the way. Real estate transactions can be stressful, but my goal is to make the process smooth, enjoyable, and successful.

Beyond the transaction, I stay connected with my clients by hosting exclusive appreciation events throughout the year.

What Sets Me Apart & What I’m Most Proud Of

What truly differentiates me is my relationship-focused approach. I don’t just help people buy and sell homes—I build lifelong connections. My clients know they can call me long after closing for advice, referrals to trusted service providers, or just to catch up. It’s not just about one transaction; it’s about being a resource and advocate for them for years to come.

I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me and the referrals they send my way. It’s a testament to the level of service and care I provide. To me, success isn’t just about the number of homes sold—it’s about the relationships built, the families helped, and the impact made.

What I Want People to Know

If you’re looking for a realtor who truly listens, puts your needs first, and makes the process seamless, I’d love to be your go-to resource. Whether you’re ready to make a move or just need guidance, I’m here to help. My goal is to provide a five-star experience so that when you think of real estate, you think of me—and feel confident referring your friends and family.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a realtor is that resilience isn’t optional—it’s essential. Real estate is unpredictable. Transactions come and go, the market shifts, interest rates rise and fall, and deals that seem certain can fall apart overnight. But the key to long-term success in this business isn’t just about closing deals—it’s about adapting, staying steady, and always finding solutions.

I remember working with a seller who received a strong offer, and we were all set to close. Everything was moving smoothly until, at the last minute, the buyer’s financing fell through. Suddenly, what should have been a done deal turned into uncertainty and disappointment. But instead of panicking, I reassured my clients, pivoted immediately, and got the home back on the market. Within a week, we secured another buyer—one who was even better qualified—and the home successfully closed.

That experience reinforced what I already knew: resilience is at the heart of being a great realtor. You have to weather market fluctuations, manage unexpected hurdles, and stay focused no matter what. Interest rates will go up and down. Buyers will get cold feet. Inspections will reveal surprises. But no matter the challenge, my job is to stay calm, find solutions, and keep moving forward for my clients.

Real estate isn’t just about houses—it’s about people, emotions, and navigating constant change. The agents who succeed aren’t the ones who have it easy; they’re the ones who stay persistent, adaptable, and committed no matter what the market throws their way. And that’s exactly the kind of agent I strive to be every single day.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

For me, real estate is not just about buying or selling a home—it’s about building lifelong relationships. My goal is to be more than just a realtor during the transaction; I want to be a trusted resource my clients can turn to for years to come. That’s why I make a point to stay in touch and continually add value long after closing.

One of the ways I do this is through client appreciation events. I love bringing people together and showing my gratitude in fun and meaningful ways. Every year, I host several exclusive events, including:

A Gratitude Gathering in November, where clients receive a pie or a bottle of wine for their Thanksgiving celebration.
A private movie screening (most recently, I rented a theater for Twisters on opening weekend).
A summer ice cream social to kick off the first weekend of summer.

Beyond events, I also stay in touch through personalized check-ins, home anniversary celebrations, and valuable market updates. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a quick text to check in, or a home-related tip that I know will be useful, I make sure my clients know they are never just a past transaction to me.

I also provide a network of trusted referrals for home services, from contractors and landscapers to mortgage professionals. My clients know that whenever they need something related to homeownership, I’m just a call away.

This relationship-driven approach is why most of my business comes from repeat clients and referrals. My goal is to make sure that when someone thinks about real estate, they think of me—not just because I helped them buy or sell a home, but because I genuinely care and continue to show up for them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.EricaBerkebile.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erica_berkebile
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricaBerkebileRealtor

Image Credits

Headshot – Lisa Torres with New Photo Concepts
Branding shots – Riley Lacey Photography