Billy Shugart Crushes Charlotte Realty!

As a back-up plan, Billy Shugart got his real estate license his Junior year of college. Sixteen years later and with more than $240 million in career sales, this hardworking, charismatic, no-nonsense REALTOR® is a Top Producer who remains devoted to the business. In 2013, he took his career to the next level and launched the Shugart Realty Group. Last year, one of his “For Sale” signs helped him level up in his personal life, too.

“Real estate has been my entire focus since I graduated from UNCC,” Billy says. “My drive is like no other, and I’m used to working 70 to 80 hours a week, which doesn’t leave much time for a personal life. I’d been talking to my now fiancé, Christoper, online for 11 months in 2018. One day, he called me and said, ‘I think you are selling my neighbor’s house!’ That’s when we finally decided to meet up, and a year later we were engaged. Christopher makes me a better person.”

Billy grew up in a small town on the coast of North Carolina. After graduating from college with a marketing degree in 2005, he made Charlotte his home and launched his real estate career with one of the largest independent brokerages in the city.

“I never dreamed then that I’d be where I am today,” Billy says. “I view myself as a regular guy trying to make it in the world, and I’m always looking for ways to improve and push past any limits. I figure I have this one life, so why not make everything I do an experience?”

Part of Billy’s philosophy includes seizing every opportunity that presents itself. “I came to Keller Williams five-and-a-half years ago to grow my business and find more time for myself,” he says. “They encouraged me to build a team, but I put it off for a year. Finally, I took a class, and the instructor called me out. He said, ‘Factor how much money you make an hour, and then tell us how you can’t afford to pay an assistant $15 an hour to make you more money.’ It was like a lightbulb went off. I formed a team in 2016 and doubled my business that year.”

Today, Billy’s team includes three agents, an operations manager, a listing manager, and a transaction coordinator. They sold $35.5 million together last year. “My long-term goal is to pour myself into my team and make them successful,” Billy says. “I want to magnify my career and duplicate it for others. I’m so thankful for my team, my working friendships, and my client relationships. I believe in the collective good.”

Having had several mentors during his career, Billy has excellent advice to share. “Find someone who will help you role play and practice handling objections,” he says. “It will only make you better. Then find someone who will teach you how to hustle and get in front of as many people as possible. Next, learn business savvy from someone, like building wealth, creating systems, and giving back to the community. Becoming better is always a learning process.”

In addition to mentoring his team, Billy advocates for the community. He supports Time-Out Youth, a local organization that helps LGBT youth. He’s also on the UNCC alumni board and was on the Board of Directors for the RPAC for five years.

With a 70% referral base, Billy has a reputation for being authentic and honest. “My clients know I’ll never tell them to buy a house they shouldn’t, and I try to ensure their homes fit their criteria,” he says. “I treat them like I would my own family. I’m very direct, but ultimately, they make the decision.”

Billy’s also known for being an open book. “Everybody knows everything about me if they’ve met me,” he laughs. “I love to talk about food, wine, travel, art, and life experiences. I also enjoy cooking gourmet food and surrounding myself with people I love.”

Especially Christopher! Billy’s team helped his fiancé propose last July. Once again, a “For Sale” sign played an important role. “My team took me to get a pedicure, and when I came back home, one of my signs was in the yard. When I got closer, I realized it said, ‘Marry Me!’ Christopher and I are now planning a February wedding. From the beginning, real estate was what I wanted to do in my heart – and it has brought me so much love.”

Written by: Heather Pluard
Photography: Kelly Klemmensen