When I was invited to be an ombudsman for a Navy ship, life took an unexpected turn.
My faith is a huge part of my life—it’s my north star. From a young age, I had a desire to serve God and a higher calling. I was raised by an independent, amazing single mother who taught me to be goal-oriented. I took her lesson to heart—I went on several mission trips to serve children, and eventually, I went to work with Youth With A Mission with the goal of becoming a missionary.
After six months of school and a nine-week backpacking mission trip through New Zealand, I came back to Washington State and got engaged to Kevin—a surprise to both of our families! At the time, Kevin was serving in the Navy and soon received orders to Hawaii. A long-distance relationship didn’t feel right, so at just 19, we decided to get married. I packed up and we moved into a tiny apartment in Hawaii—air mattress and all. I pursued the desire to work in the medical field and received my Associate in Applied Science of Medical Assisting.
Not long after, the Navy moved us again—this time to San Diego. By then, our first baby, Asher, had just arrived. He was only eight weeks old when we got stationed there, and I knew right away that my family had to be my top priority. Going back to the medical field would have taken me away from those first precious moments, so Kevin and I decided I would stay home.
In San Diego, our family grew—first with Claire, then with Aria. Alongside raising the kids, I found connection and purpose by joining support groups for military families and volunteering within that community.
My introduction to real estate came when we bought a home from a part-time agent. The process was frustrating and difficult; I didn’t feel educated or supported. That experience stuck with me. It showed me how critical it is to have a knowledgeable, caring REALTOR® by your side. Kevin’s Navy colleague who was also a REALTOR® entered the picture. He invited me to become an ombudsman, which meant being a family liaison for our ship’s command. I’d serve as the point of contact for Sailors and their families back home, especially in emergencies. Little did I know that what I would learn as an ombudsman, would serve me when I decided to go into real estate.
At the time, I wasn’t interested in real estate—but I clocked what he said. Over the years, I served as an ombudsman, and people told me the same thing over and over again: You’d be a great REALTOR®. I eventually mentioned this to my grandmother, who had invested in real estate herself—and she agreed.
I got my license in 2017, and since then, real estate has become my purpose. I’m grateful to work in a Christian-centered brokerage, where my values align with my career. I believe God called me to this profession to help people navigate some of life’s biggest transitions. For me, being a REALTOR® is both a service and a spiritual calling.
I volunteer with Embrace Grace, a nonprofit that supports women with unexpected pregnancies. My admiration for my mom, who raised me on her own, inspires me to walk alongside single mothers and offer support. I’m a supporter of a group called, Task Force Hydro 1, that supports veterans’ and first responders’ mental health through ocean therapy—using the water as a space for healing. My kids are active in sports, and I love watching their games. Other than that, I take long walks on the beach to fuel my soul.
Looking back, my path into real estate has been purposeful. Each step—every mission trip and relocation—has added to my mission to serve with compassion, faith, and a deep commitment to people’s well-being.
Building long-term relationships with my clients means everything to me; I want us to stay in touch and become friends well after the transaction is over. Real estate transactions can be emotional, and I approach every client with compassion, feeling honored to help them transition from one chapter to the next. My business is referral-only, and the fact that my friends continue to return and send their loved ones my way is something I take to heart. I feel a deep responsibility to care for them as if they were my own family.
I work with clients from all walks of life and specialize in helping first-time homebuyers, especially veterans and active-duty military members. As the spouse of a retired Navy Chief, I understand the ins and outs of VA loans, down payment assistance, and other benefits available to our community. I also help connect families to local resources, including school programs, to ensure they feel fully supported—not just during the transaction, but in their new lives as well.
Sincerely,
Ky Sheehy
REALTOR®