Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Pilkington.
Hi Heather, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I never anticipated a career in real estate. I was a military spouse, and when my husband separated from the Army, we moved to San Antonio in 2017. At the time, I was working in destination marketing, but the transfer process didn’t work out, so I found myself needing to start over in a city where I didn’t know anyone.
Real estate felt like a leap of faith. I had no local network, no knowledge of the San Antonio market, and no built-in client base. I relied heavily on the military community that had always been there for our family, and I used my background in marketing and social media to start building relationships and creating opportunities. Looking back, those relationships are what got my business off the ground, and many of them are still clients and friends today.
After about two years in the business, I realized I had outgrown the brokerage I was with. In 2019, I moved to Keller Williams, and that decision completely changed my career. It challenged me to think beyond just selling houses and taught me how to build a real business. As I’ve grown, I’ve been able to create better systems, provide a higher level of service, and be more intentional about the experience my clients have from start to finish.
Today, I’ve had the privilege of serving on our Agent Leadership Council for the past two years, which has given me the opportunity to give back to the office that’s invested so much in me. Nearly nine years later, I’m still incredibly grateful to the military community that believed in me when I was just getting started, and social media continues to be one of the biggest sources of connection and growth for my business.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. Real estate is constantly changing, and I’ve built my business through two completely different markets. During COVID, we experienced one of the most competitive seller’s markets we’ve ever seen. Homes were selling almost overnight, buyers were competing with multiple offers, and the pace was relentless. Fast forward to today, and it’s a completely different environment. Higher interest rates, economic uncertainty, and increased inventory have made buyers more cautious, which means our job as agents requires a very different skill set than it did just a few years ago.
One thing I’ve learned is that you can’t build a sustainable business by relying on the market to do the work for you. You have to be willing to adapt, continue learning, and find new ways to create value for your clients regardless of what’s happening around you.
On a more personal level, I’ve also had to let go of the idea that work-life balance looks like a perfect 50/50 split. As a business owner and a mom, I’ve realized that’s just not reality. Some days my family needs all of me, and some days my clients do. Instead of chasing balance, I try to stay aware of where my attention is needed most and make sure I’m being intentional with the time I have. That mindset has taken a lot of the guilt out of trying to do everything at once.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Monstera Real Estate Group was built on the belief that real estate should feel personal, not transactional. Whether I’m helping someone purchase their first home, sell a luxury property, or make an investment decision, my goal is always the same, to create an experience where clients feel informed, supported, and genuinely cared for from beginning to end.
We’re probably best known for our listing strategy. I don’t believe in simply putting a home on the MLS and hoping for the best. Every listing starts with a thoughtful plan that includes pricing strategy, preparation, staging guidance, professional marketing, and a focus on selling the lifestyle a home offers not just its features. I want every client to feel confident that we’ve done everything possible to position their home for success.
What also sets my business apart is that education is a huge part of what I do. I believe informed clients make better decisions, so I spend a lot of time creating educational content that helps people understand the market, the buying and selling process, and everything that happens behind the scenes of a real estate transaction. My goal has always been to simplify what can feel like a complicated process.
That commitment to education extends beyond my clients. I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned with other agents through mentoring, training, and serving on Keller Williams Heritage’s Agent Leadership Council. Real estate can be an incredibly competitive industry, but I believe there’s room for all of us to succeed. If I can help another agent build a better business, serve their clients more effectively, or avoid mistakes I’ve already made, that’s a win in my book.
More than anything, I’m proud of the reputation Monstera Real Estate Group has built. Many of my clients come back years later, refer their friends and family, and continue to stay connected long after the transaction is over. To me, that’s the greatest measure of success. At the end of the day, houses are what I sell, but relationships are the business I’ve always wanted to build.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m a big believer that you never stop learning, especially in real estate. The **Millionaire Real Estate Agent Podcast** is one I listen to consistently. It’s full of practical conversations about building a sustainable business, improving systems, and keeping the focus on serving clients well.
Another resource that’s had a huge impact on my business is the **Glover U Podcast**. It’s helped shape the way I think about lead generation, client communication, and running my business with intention. There are so many actionable takeaways that I’ve been able to implement immediately.
And then there’s my complete opposite end of the spectrum: **Giggly Squad**. Sometimes you just need to turn your brain off and laugh. I love listening to Paige and Hannah because they’re authentic, hilarious, and unapologetically themselves. As funny as the podcast is, I also find it motivating. They’re proof that building a successful brand doesn’t always mean fitting into a traditional mold. Sometimes it’s about leaning into who you are, having fun with it, and creating something people genuinely connect with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.monsterarealestate.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/heatherpilkington_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherepilkington
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherpilkingtonrealtor/
- Other: https://instagram.com/monstera.re
