Prioritizing my family meant rethinking how I worked and the kind of future I was creating. Along the way, I found a passion for helping others take control of their lives too.

 

After my son, George, was born, I knew I wanted to do things differently. I already had a daughter, Brooklyn, and during her early years, I was focused on building my career. This time around, I wanted more flexibility and a career that allowed me to be present while still offering the income potential to support us on my own terms.

 

At the time, I was managing a sales team in the health insurance industry at a small family-run brokerage. I spent nearly 8 years there, gaining experience in how to connect with people, understand their needs, and guide them through important decisions. I worked with small business owners and self-employed clients, helping them find plans that made sense for their lives. It taught me how to problem-solve, how to communicate clearly, and how to build trust—skills that would later carry over directly into real estate.

 

I also had the chance to work under a leader I deeply admired, Gaylan Hendricks. She built her success in a male-dominated space and never lost her sense of purpose or generosity. Watching her lead by example gave me a better understanding of what kind of professional I wanted to be and how I wanted to grow.

 

My upbringing had a big impact on how I approach work and responsibility. My dad served 20 years in the Air Force, often working extra jobs and eventually going back to school. My mom worked full time, and with my dad deployed often, I took on a lot as the oldest of three girls. I helped care for my younger sisters and got my first job at 14, bagging groceries after school. I learned early that if I wanted something, I had to work for it.

 

Even then, I was drawn to how spaces looked and felt. I loved decorating, organizing, and making sure everything was just right before guests came over. When I was a teenager, my mom made a career change and became a REALTOR® after working in banking. I saw her build something of her own and enjoy the freedom that came with it. That left an impression.

 

Right before the pandemic, I joined a women’s group focused on real estate investing and bought my first flip. It was challenging. I made mistakes, but the strong market helped soften the impact and gave me room to learn. That first experience showed me what flipping really involved and confirmed that I wanted to keep going.

 

I got my real estate license shortly after having my son. My original plan was to use it strictly for my own investments—to make offers and list my own flips. But as the market changed, I saw that working with clients would open more doors. That decision ended up being a natural extension of my work experience helping people navigate big decisions.

 

Since then, I’ve continued flipping properties and built a strong client-based business. I work with a small group of investors, and we’re focused on building something sustainable that can grow beyond just day-to-day transactions. Much of my work involves helping people in tough situations. I lead with empathy, communicate clearly, and stay committed to helping them every step of the way.

 

Real estate has given me the life I wanted. I enjoy the work, I’m proud of what I’ve built, and I wake up every day excited to do it! It’s also given me the flexibility to be present in ways I couldn’t be earlier in my career. George plays sports and keeps me on the go, while Brooklyn is now studying at Texas Tech. In my free time, I love traveling and creating new experiences with both of them. This is exactly the life I set out to build.

 

My expertise spans investment and traditional real estate, with a strong focus on working with distressed sellers. Much of my business involves helping homeowners who are facing difficult circumstances, whether that’s financial hardship, probate situations, or the need for a fast sale. These transactions can be highly emotional, but I strive to be an advocate and guide, helping my clients navigate the process with confidence and support.

 

On the investment side, I’ve been flipping homes consistently for five years, typically completing one to three flips per year. That hands-on experience has sharpened my eye for design, helped me identify opportunities others might miss, and taught me what truly adds value to a property. I also work closely with a network of investors, which allows me to offer clients unique solutions they might not find elsewhere. Whether it’s connecting a seller with a direct cash buyer, identifying renovation potential for a buyer, or navigating a complex situation, I bring creative, practical options to the table. My goal is always to help clients make confident, informed decisions that serve their long-term goals.

 

Sincerely,

 

Celissa Irizarry

REALTOR® | LIC#0736318

Direct Call/Text (682) 410-7716

celissa@coreysimpsonassociates.com

celissasellsdfw.com