We recently connected with Shawndria McCoy and have shared our conversation below.

Shawndria, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the best advice you’ve ever given to a client?

The best advice I give my buyer clients is, “Buy smart, not emotional—real estate is an investment first, even when it feels like your dream home.” It’s easy to get caught up in granite countertops or trendy staging, but my role is to keep buyers focused on what really matters: location, resale potential, inspection results, and long-term financial impact. Emotions play a role, but smart decisions build generational wealth.

I always encourage buyers to get pre-approved before house hunting—it strengthens their offers and keeps them focused on homes within their actual budget, rather than falling in love with something out of reach. I remind them that while cosmetic features can be changed, location and layout cannot. A home should align with their lifestyle needs, now and in the future.

For my sellers, I give advise them to, “Price it right, prepare it well, and be emotionally ready to let go.” Overpricing—even a gorgeous home—can turn buyers away. A competitively priced, well-prepped home creates urgency and often attracts multiple strong offers. Small updates, a clean space, and quality photos make a huge difference in first impressions.

I also emphasize that once a home is listed, it becomes a product. Emotional attachment is natural, but detaching helps sellers make clear-headed decisions that lead to better outcomes. Transparency is key—disclosing issues and addressing necessary repairs up front builds trust and protects against future liability. If something needs fixing, we fix it—or we price accordingly.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Shawndria McCoy—an experienced attorney and real estate broker with a passion for helping people make empowered, informed decisions that create generational wealth and peace of mind. I’ve spent over a decade in law, advocating for my clients with integrity, precision, and a no-nonsense commitment to results. My legal background gives me a unique edge in real estate—I’m able to anticipate problems before they arise, negotiate fiercely, and protect my clients’ best interests with every contract and transaction.

I got into real estate because I wanted to expand the ways I could serve people—not just in the courtroom, but in their everyday lives. Buying or selling a home is one of the most personal and financially impactful decisions someone can make. I don’t take that lightly. I bring both strategy and heart to the table. Whether I’m guiding a first-time homebuyer, helping a seller maximize their equity, or working with investors to grow their portfolio, I lead with transparency, education, and clear communication every step of the way.

As a realtor, I help my clients solve problems they’re aware of—and many they don’t even see coming. For buyers, I simplify a process that can feel overwhelming, guiding them from pre-approval to closing with clarity and confidence. I help them understand not just what they can afford, but what makes sense for their long-term financial goals. I narrow down options to homes that truly fit their lifestyle, protect them from overpaying, and keep emotions in check so they make smart, sound decisions. I also help them avoid costly surprises by recommending inspections and asking the right questions. Most importantly, I give them peace of mind in a process that often feels uncertain.

For sellers, I tackle everything from pricing strategies to emotional readiness. I use market data to help them price their home correctly from day one—so it doesn’t sit or sell for less than it should. I market their property with professional photos and strong exposure, ensuring it reaches serious, qualified buyers. I walk them through prepping their home for sale, showing them where to invest in updates and how to present the property in a way that creates urgency. When it comes to negotiations, I take the pressure off by handling the tough conversations and protecting their bottom line. I also ensure that every legal document, disclosure, and deadline is handled properly to avoid issues down the line.

What sets me apart is my dual expertise in law and real estate, my deep commitment to client care, and my ability to get things done while keeping things real. I’m not here to sugarcoat—I’m here to get you the best results possible. My clients know I have their back, I show up, and I handle business with integrity.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built and the lives I’ve helped change through knowledge, advocacy, and hustle. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or just starting to explore your options, I want you to feel seen, heard, and empowered.

At the end of the day, I’m not just here to close deals—I’m here to create impact, solve problems, create peace of mind, and turn big life transitions into smooth, empowered moves.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Phil Knight’s Shoe Dog is one of my favorite books. It lit a fire in me and truly inspired my journey into entrepreneurship. Reading about his relentless hustle, his willingness to take risks, and the way he built Nike from a “crazy idea” into a global powerhouse made me believe that anything is possible with passion, vision, and grit. What struck me most was how raw and honest he was about the struggles—the setbacks, the near-bankruptcies, the self-doubt. It wasn’t a smooth path, but he kept going. That reminded me that entrepreneurship isn’t about perfection—it’s about perseverance. Shoe Dog showed me that you don’t have to have it all figured out to start—you just need to believe in what you’re building and stay committed. That mindset helped push me from playing it safe to betting on myself.

Phil Knight’s winding journey to becoming the billionaire founder and CEO of Nike unfolded in a time when resources were limited—no internet, no email, no social media. Just grit, consistency, and unshakable belief in his vision. He built Nike by pounding the pavement, showing up, and doing the work—long before anyone else believed in the brand. Today, Nike is a global powerhouse because he stayed committed. That same principle fuels me in my business. I have to believe in myself first, push through the tough days, and stay consistent—even when it’s hard. The difference is, real estate doesn’t feel like work to me. I genuinely love what I do. I’m grateful to be my own boss, build my brand my way, and create real impact in people’s lives. The joy I feel when I hand over keys on closing day makes every bit of hustle worth it.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Pivoting from law to real estate wasn’t just a career move—it was a personal awakening. I had dedicated years to becoming an attorney, and while I was successful, deep down I knew I wasn’t happy. I didn’t feel lit up by the work. I was constantly pouring out, but never felt refueled. The long hours, the emotional weight of certain cases, and the lack of creative freedom started to take a toll on my mental and emotional well-being. I had to get real with myself: just because I was good at something didn’t mean I was meant to keep doing it.

That’s when real estate found me—or maybe I finally opened the door to it. I realized I wanted to work in a space where I could help people build their lives, not just fight to fix what’s broken. Real estate allowed me to shift into a more positive, forward-thinking space where I could use my knowledge, hustle, and heart in a way that aligned with my purpose. I still get to advocate, educate, and protect my clients—but now, it’s in a way that brings joy, financial empowerment, and fresh starts.

Walking away from law wasn’t easy—it felt like letting go of a piece of my identity. But the truth is, that chapter prepared me for this one. I took the discipline, the sharp thinking, and the professionalism from my legal career, and now I apply it to a business I actually love waking up to every day. Real estate feels right in my spirit. It’s fulfilling, exciting, and allows me to create real impact while honoring my own happiness. And to me, that’s the true definition of success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mccoyhomesrealty.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawndriamccoy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mccoyhomesrealty
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndria-mccoy-1890a3194/