Today we’d like to introduce you to Wakako McLellan.
Hi Wakako, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I originally came to the U.S. from Japan as a high school exchange student in upstate New York. At the time, my English was very limited—I spent most of my days smiling, listening, and trying to keep up. But I worked hard, and over time I improved significantly. I was recognized as one of the most improved exchange students, which gave me confidence that effort truly changes outcomes. That experience became the foundation of my journey in the U.S.
I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree in Communication Design from Parsons School of Design in New York. During my studies, I interned at an advertising agency, and they offered me a full-time position. However, life took a different turn—I was in a relationship with my now husband, so I moved to Los Angeles, got married, and began working as a graphic designer. We have now been married for 25 years.
As my husband built his career in commercial real estate, I naturally became more involved in the business—first as an executive assistant, and later in a more active role as we began purchasing and managing investment properties together. We were building something meaningful, until the 2008 financial crisis changed everything. We lost not only income but all of our investment properties during the crash, and at the same time, I had a newborn. It was one of the most difficult chapters of our lives, but our children became our greatest motivation to keep moving forward.
In 2019, we decided to start fresh in Texas. In 2018, we had traveled multiple times to purchase a home, but after submitting offers, we learned we didn’t qualify for financing due to our transition from W-2 to 1099 income. That information was never clearly explained to us in advance, and we ultimately lost time and opportunities and ended up renting instead. It was frustrating, but in hindsight, it became an important lesson.
For the first two years in Texas, we were not able to buy a home. That experience motivated me to act. I decided to get my real estate license—not only to help myself, but to ensure others would not face the same confusion and setbacks we experienced. Soon after, I helped my first out-of-state friend purchase a home in Texas, and I was also able to buy my own. That journey gave me firsthand understanding of both renting and ownership from multiple perspectives.
Today, I work with local, out-of-state, and international clients, guiding them through cross-border and complex real estate transactions with hands-on support, transparency, and a proactive approach. I draw from everything I’ve experienced—adapting to a new country, rebuilding after loss, and navigating financial transitions—to ensure my clients feel supported at every step.
My focus is simple: to create a seamless, well-informed experience where every step is clear, every question is addressed, and every decision is made with confidence.
Because at the end of the day, real estate isn’t just about buying or selling a home—it’s about life-changing decisions that deserve the right guidance. I am grateful to have achieved my American dream and honored to be part of a top-producing real estate team at Keller Williams Frisco Stars. Now, it’s my turn to give back by helping my clients build long-term wealth and achieve their own American dream.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. But every experience has shaped who I am today. From language barriers to losing investment properties, to financial challenges while raising a newborn, and not being able to purchase a home—each moment was difficult. But every challenge made me stronger and more resilient, and shaped how I move forward today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a real estate agent specializing in residential properties, including leasing, buying, selling, investing, and relocation. My goal is to support clients through every stage of their real estate journey, no matter how simple or complex the situation may be.
What I’m most proud of is being able to help my clients reach a place where they feel happy and confident—seeing them smile at the end of the process means everything to me.
I also value being able to use my Japanese language skills to bridge communication for clients during one of the most important purchases of their lives. It allows me to make the experience more comfortable and accessible for them.
Because I personally moved both out of state and out of the country, I deeply understand the challenges of buying or selling remotely. That experience helps me guide my clients with more empathy and practical support.
When my clients tell me that buying and selling a home felt like a smooth and seamless experience, I take that as the highest compliment—it means I did my job well and helped turn what can be a stressful process into a manageable one.
What sets me apart from others is that I genuinely love what I do, and I am always available for my clients. I see myself as a problem solver and a strong negotiator, always focused on finding solutions and protecting my clients’ best interests.
I truly enjoy taking care of my clients and being part of such an important moment in their lives.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that setbacks are not the end of the journey—they are part of it. The harder the challenge, the more it pushes me to move forward and get closer to my goals. I’ve learned to use those moments as motivation to grow stronger, stay focused, and keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wakakomclellan.kw.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakako_realtor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wakakokw/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wakako-mclellan-94b3931a9/
