For Julie Heltne, real estate has always been about more than buying and selling homes. It’s about relationships, trust, and being there for people during what can be one of the most significant and stressful purchases of their lives.

Born and raised in Belleville, Illinois, Julie grew up surrounded by a large extended family. Her parents instilled in her the values that would eventually shape both her life and her approach to real estate: compassion, honesty, and hard work.

“I was raised in a very loving family,” Julie shares. “My parents were both honest and hard workers, they taught me how to be compassionate and work hard.”

Those lessons have stayed with Julie throughout her career. Today, she believes her compassion for her clients is one of the reasons she has found success in the real estate business.

“I don’t take for granted that this is very likely the largest purchase they will make and how stressful that can be,” she says.

Julie met her husband, Nate, in 1993. They quickly married and moved to Michigan, where Nate served in the military. A retired Master Sergeant, Nate and Julie eventually returned to the Belleville area in 2008.

Julie’s professional background before real estate was in retail management. Her transition into real estate, however, happened somewhat unexpectedly.

While moving with the military, Julie worked closely with the agent who was selling their home. Julie mentioned that she would be looking for a job, and the agent made her an offer.

“I was moving with the military and worked closely with the agent selling us our home,” Julie recalls. “I told her I was going to be looking for a job and she asked me to work for her!”

That opportunity changed the course of Julie’s professional life. She began her real estate career in 2006 and has been an agent ever since.

Today, Julie works with HomePro Real Estate as an individual agent. She enjoys the independence of working for herself and, perhaps more importantly, knowing that every interaction with a client comes directly from her.

“I like working for myself and knowing that every communication with my clients comes directly from me,” she explains.

Julie’s approach to real estate is centered on helping people navigate the process from beginning to end. Whether she is helping someone find a dream home or guiding clients through the market, she finds fulfillment in being a resource they can rely on.

“Finding people their dream home, helping them navigate the market and guiding them,” she says, is among the most fulfilling parts of her work.

The career does come with its challenges. Inspection responses and the stress surrounding a transaction can weigh on her, but Julie remains focused on advocating for the people she represents.

Her advice to newer agents is straightforward: understand that real estate requires a full-time commitment, know the contract, and put the client first.

“It’s important to understand the contract and make sure you advocate for your client’s best interest and not just a paycheck,” she says.

Julie’s dedication has also earned recognition, including being named RASI Realtor of the Year in 2017. But she measures success by more than awards. One hundred percent of her business comes from referrals from past clients, friends, and family. She enjoys having fun with her clients, and many relationships continue beyond the transaction.

“I take my job very seriously but like to have fun with my clients,” she says. “Many will become friends which is an awesome feeling!”

For Julie, that combination of professionalism and personality is at the heart of her business.

Her philosophy can be summed up simply: “Real Estate with Personality.”

Julie and Nate have been married for 33 years. Their son, Nick is 27, a video game technical artist and lives in California, while their daughter, Natalie, is 25 and runs her own business, Natalie Nook Designs. Julie and her family now reside in O’Fallon. The family also includes Remi, their dog, and Desi, their grand dog.

Away from work, Julie enjoys spending time with family and friends, relaxing in the pool, local pub crawls, and traveling. She also gives annually to Cities in Harmony, a program within Belleville District 118, as well as Gateway Pets and the Belleville Humane Society.