Stepping out of the classroom, I found a new way to do what I love: supporting, educating, and showing up for people.
The day my wife, Bridget, and I found out we were expecting parents changed everything. We sat down, looked at the numbers, and realized something had to give. We wanted one of us to be home with our kids. At the time, I was a high school math teacher, and while I loved my job and working with kids, the numbers simply didn’t add up. Something needed to change if we were going to have the life we dreamed of for our family.
Growing up, school was my safe space. My teachers were the people I could count on, and early on, I knew I wanted to be one. In high school, I had a phenomenal math teacher for three out of four years. She inspired me to become a math teacher. I loved teaching and the opportunity to show up for students the way my teachers had shown up for me. But unfortunately, the pay didn’t align with the goals my wife and I had for our family. I wanted to be there for my own kids in a way I hadn’t experienced growing up, and I was ready to take a different path to make that happen.
Real estate had always interested me. A few months out of college, I bought my first house, fixed it up, sold it after two years, and repeated the process. It’s a path many take, building equity over time and creating real financial stability. Combining my knack for numbers with my passion for helping and educating people, real estate seemed like a great opportunity.
I kept teaching during my first year as an agent in 2017, working in the classroom during the day, then spending evenings and weekends with clients. That year, I became the top producer in my office. If I could do that while still teaching full-time, I knew going all in would change our lives.
The biggest challenge early on was earning trust. Without a track record, getting clients to take a chance on me was tough. That’s why I started with people who already knew me: family, friends, and colleagues. From there, the referrals kept coming, and I’ve continued to grow my business every year through repeat clients and referrals.
My wife has been able to stay home with our four kids, Grover, Dorothy, Llewellyn, and Winifred, which is truly the greatest gift this career has given us. And while my schedule can be busy, I still make nearly every game, swim meet, and school event. That flexibility is something I never take for granted.
Leaving a job I loved wasn’t easy, but I know I’m still making a positive impact. Instead of teaching high schoolers how to solve math equations, I’m now guiding people through life-changing decisions that affect their future and financial well-being. It’s an honor to be part of that process, and I take the responsibility seriously.
Outside of work, I coach T-ball and serve as our school’s PTA treasurer. My kids are part of the business too—they’ve tagged along to plenty of open houses and appraisals. We love staying connected to the community, whether it’s a spontaneous pickup baseball game at the park or a family day at the beach. This area is close-knit and family-oriented, so I can really connect with clients wanting to enjoy the same lifestyle we do. My approach is personal, data-backed, and grounded in ethics. I don’t cut corners. I build trust and do things the right way.
Real estate gave me the chance to rewrite my story and build the kind of life I always hoped to have. And now, it lets me help others do the same!
Buying my first home at 22 for $197,000 set everything in motion. My wife and I used each move after that to build equity and take the next step, eventually getting into our dream home. That experience shaped how I work with clients today. Every transaction should be a step toward your goals, whether that is upsizing, downsizing, or finding that dream home.
I take the time to learn what matters to you and why you're making a move, so we can create a plan. As a listing specialist, I help sellers establish the best pricing strategy, prepare the home, and host open houses designed to generate offers and get the most buzz. For buyers, I break down the process, walk through the numbers, and help you make decisions that align with your short and long-term goals. And my job doesn’t end at closing. I’m here as a long-term resource, offering support and guidance whenever you need it throughout your homeownership journey.
With gratitude,
Joseph York
