🏡 Sweet Tea & Sold Signs: An Interview with Kristin Kelso, Your Southern-Fried Real Estate Pro

Real estate in the South isn’t just about square footage — it’s about soul. It’s about front porches big enough for a swing, kitchens made for casseroles, and neighbors who wave whether they know you or not. Enter Kristin, the real estate agent who brings Southern hospitality to every closing, knows which house has the best shade tree, and probably owns more monogrammed tumblers than you.

We sat down with her to talk houses, homestyle, and what it’s like to be the Dolly Parton of property deals.

🍑 Personal Side: Bless Their Heart (In a Good Way)

Q: Let’s start easy — what’s your Southern spirit animal?
“Miss Kay from Duck Dynasty is my Southern spirit animal. She talks nonstop with heart, cracks hilarious one-liners, and shows endless kindness. Plus, she’s always cooking up something delicious to bring the family together—like when she sweet-talked Phil into keeping that pet turtle. Warm, funny, and full of love—that’s me in Miss Kay form.”

Q: Describe your perfect Southern Saturday.
“My perfect Saturday starts with waking up naturally—no alarm needed—or at least sleeping in until my dogs, Reba BARKentire and Koe WOOFzel, wake me up hungry for breakfast. Then it’s all about spending quality time with friends or family, ending the day with a classic Southern home-cooked supper and a marathon of true crime documentaries or scrolling Pinterest for new recipes."

Q: Sweet tea or lemonade? Or are you full-on Arnold Palmer?
“Specifically my Mawmaw’s sweet tea.”

Q: Do you live that Southern lifestyle yourself?
“While I am as country as cornbread and butter beans, I’m currently living the apartment life while I save up to buy my own farm.”

Q: What is a fun fact about you? 

“One time, for my birthday, I went to a concert where one of my favorite artists—and thousands of other fans—joined together to sing me happy birthday. It was a moment I’ll never forget.”

🏡 Professional Side: Southern Charm, Real Estate Hustle

Q: How’d you get into real estate?
“Well, I’ve always been nosy in the nicest way — loved looking in houses, loved talking to folks. One day I thought, ‘Why not get paid to do both?’ And the rest is history.”

Q: What’s your favorite kind of property to list?
“I like listing land. I enjoy the endless possibilities of what buyers could turn the land into!”

Q: What’s the most Southern thing you’ve ever experienced during a showing?
“Showed up to a listing appointment, met their bull named Brutus. They told me, “He stays with the land.” I’ve heard of fixtures—but I didn’t know bulls counted.”

Q: What advice would you give someone buying a home down South for the first time?
“Don’t like the weather today? No problem, it won’t be the same tomorrow. Oh, and don’t forget the mosquito spray.”

⚡ Bonus Round: As Fast as Biscuits Rise in the Oven

• Dream home must-have: “Wraparound porch” 

• Most overused listing word: “Crozy”

• Least favorite trend: “Everything being neutral. Throw some color in there!”

• Your negotiation style: Think of negotiations like a big family cookout—everyone’s got a seat at the table, and the goal is to make sure everyone leaves happy and full. Compromise is key, and there’s always room for one more devil egg (or deal sweetener).

• Favorite Southern saying: “Bless your heart”--It can be used in so many different contexts.”
  
  

🌻 Final Thoughts from Kristin

“Real estate’s kind of like a good Sunday dinner — it takes time, love, and the right people at the table. Whether you’re buying your first little starter home or finally getting that dream house with the porch swing, I’m here to make the process feel a little less stressful and a whole lot more Southern. Just don’t forget to bring your patience — and maybe some “bless your hearts” in your back pocket.”

Ready to find your home sweet home? Drop by The Humphries Group or contact Kristin directly at (256)709-3688.