Today we’d like to introduce you to Val Connelly.
Val, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved to the United States in 2014 when I was 19 years old and didn’t know a single word of English. A few years after arriving, I was blessed with an amazing opportunity to work for a management company as a Leasing Consultant at an apartment community in Dunwoody, GA.
I still remember my first few weeks with the company — every single word was new to me. I was not only starting in a completely new field, but I was also doing it in a new language. I had to learn everything from applications and background checks to marketing and overcoming daily challenges. I was 22 years old and so excited to learn and grow professionally.
The company provided excellent training, and within just eight months, I was honored to be recognized as Rookie of the Year across the entire company. That experience gave me confidence, drive, and a true passion for helping people find a place to call home.
In 2019, I got married and moved to Madison, GA, where I began working for Madison Realty, Inc. as an assistant. By the end of that same year, I earned my real estate license. Once again, I had to start from scratch—learning not only the ins and outs of real estate but continuing to grow in a new language.
My passion for real estate truly began back in that apartment community, where I helped countless families. Seeing the joy on their faces when they received their keys was unforgettable. It inspired me to help families achieve the dream of homeownership.
Real estate has been such a blessing in my life. I truly believe God placed me in this profession for a reason. It’s amazing to look back and see how He has guided every step of my journey.
I love helping people find their place — a place where they can create memories, build their future, and feel at home. I also feel deeply honored to help families through the selling process. Saying goodbye to a home filled with memories is never easy, so I do everything I can to make that transition smooth and meaningful.
I take my work personally — I get involved, I care deeply, and I’ve laughed and cried alongside my clients. Every story, every key handoff, every closing makes it all worth it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been easy. Learning something new — whether it’s a profession, skill, or hobby — always takes time and effort. But learning it in a language that isn’t your first one makes it even more challenging.
I cried many times while studying for my real estate exam, and I cried again in the early days of my career when I struggled to find the right words — both to write and to say. But every challenge has made me stronger.
Since starting my real estate journey in 2019, I’ve learned that no two transactions are ever the same. Every deal, every client, and every home brings unique lessons and experiences. I’m constantly learning, growing, and evolving — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Through it all, I’ve had God, my incredible husband, my family, broker, and coworkers by my side. They’ve cheered me on, lifted me up, and reminded me to focus on the blessings even when things get tough.
I have truly been blessed beyond measure by every single client — their trust, referrals, and continued support mean the world to me. Thanks to them, I’ve been part of the Million Dollar Club since the very beginning of my career.
Every milestone, every closing, every new friendship reminds me why I do what I do — to help people achieve their dreams and to honor the opportunities God has placed in my life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in first-time homebuyers, but I also love helping clients purchase their second home, investment properties, or sell their family or parents’ home. The main counties I serve include Morgan, Oconee, Clarke, Putnam, Greene, Baldwin, Jasper, and Barrow. I’ve also closed transactions in Gwinnett County, though now, as a proud full-time mom of two little ones, I’m more selective with the areas I cover.
My family is one of the biggest reasons I do what I do. Many of my clients have been with me through my pregnancies, postpartum, and now as I navigate the beautiful chaos of motherhood. This career has given me the priceless opportunity to be present — to enjoy every milestone and be there for my children while continuing to serve my clients with dedication and care.
It hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve made it work — and who knows, you might even meet my little helpers during a showing one day!
I’m also deeply passionate about helping the Hispanic community achieve their real estate dreams — to find a place they can truly call their own. Being able to guide families through this process, often in their own language, is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job.
What were you like growing up?
It’s funny you ask that, because what I do today has nothing to do with what I once imagined for myself.
I grew up in Colombia, South America, and from a young age, I was always driven and entrepreneurial. In school, I used to sell candies to my classmates, and in college, I created and sold personalized medicine kits made with gummies inside — I loved coming up with creative ways to make my own money!
I attended a private college in my hometown on a scholarship, studying Microbiology. My dream was to work with children battling cancer — to bring comfort and joy to families going through incredibly hard times. Unfortunately, my family had to leave our country, and I was only able to complete two years of my studies.
Looking back now, I can clearly see that God’s plans were always better than mine. Even though my path changed, I still get to do what I love — helping families — just in a completely different way. Real estate has become my passion.
I’ve always been loud, funny, and full of energy, and I truly care about people. Outside of work, I enjoy painting — even though I’m not very good at it (yet!). It’s something that brings me peace and reminds me that we’re all works in progress.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://madisonrealtyinc.com/idx/listings/val-connelly/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valconnellyrealtor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValfromMadisonRealty
