Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Van Pelt.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From an early age, I learned how to compete and persevere, playing championship tennis as a junior and later graduating from Southern Methodist University. I knew I wanted a career that challenged me and made a difference—so I started in business-to-business sales with a Fortune 100 company before transitioning into the high-pressure world of medical device sales.
Working for industry leaders like Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and Johnson & Johnson, I was often at the forefront of life-changing heart surgeries. Those years taught me the weight of responsibility—celebrating the successes but also carrying the heartbreak when patients didn’t make it. I learned how to stay composed under pressure, communicate with all types of personalities—including brilliant but demanding surgeons—and maintain empathy in the most difficult moments.
Eventually, I felt called to a new kind of purpose—one that still combined expertise, strategy, and compassion. I transitioned into real estate, where I became a top producer for over a decade, guiding clients through the emotional and financial complexities of buying and selling homes.
Over time, my focus naturally evolved toward helping seniors and their families navigate the sensitive process of downsizing. I built a team of trusted professionals—including estate planning and elder law attorneys, senior moving specialists, and senior living advisors—to ensure every client receives the same care and coordination I once gave to patients in the operating room.
My journey has been one of both high stakes and high heart—from the intensity of cardiac surgery to the compassion of guiding families through life’s biggest transitions.
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?
Some of my greatest challenges have come from leading complex heart surgeries where outcomes weren’t always what we hoped for. I’ve also learned to navigate a wide range of personalities—from intense, high-performing surgeons to clients experiencing the emotional stress of buying or selling a home. Each experience has strengthened my patience, empathy, and ability to guide people through high-stakes, deeply personal situations.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), my mission extends far beyond buying and selling homes — it’s about helping seniors and their families navigate life transitions with dignity and confidence. I created a community-focused seminar series, “Don’t Wait — Plan Now: Your Guide to What’s Next,” which I’ve brought to recreation centers across the area to raise awareness about the unique challenges seniors face. These seminars provide education, resources, and real-world solutions for issues like downsizing, preparing a home for sale, understanding senior living options, and coordinating a smooth move. I partner with a team of trusted professionals — including elder law and estate planning attorneys, senior moving specialists, and senior living advisors — to offer practical guidance and compassionate support. My goal is to empower seniors and their loved ones to plan ahead, reduce stress, and approach this next chapter of life with clarity and peace of mind.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The Bible is my best resource
Contact Info:
- Website: https://valerievanpelt.com/seniors
- Instagram: Valerievanpeltgroup
- Facebook: valerie.j.vanpelt
