Who is Peggy Albers? 'Lakefront Empire' realtor rise to prominence full of challenges
LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MISSOURI: Peggy Albers, a Lake of the Ozarks native, sold $8 million worth of real estate in her first year of business.
However, the 'Lakefront Empire' agent's rise to prominence was not without setbacks, including a spell in state and federal jail for drug trafficking.
She started trafficking drugs when she was 19 years old. She was apprehended, jailed, and spent her 30s in prison.
In reality, she was 45 years old when she was released from prison. Peggy was not released from prison until her son Hunter was nearly 16 years old.
“My parents raised him during that time,” reveals Peggy. “I have two brothers, Jimmy and Kenny, and a sister Mary, who is also a real estate agent and my role model.”
Fast-forward to 2024, and she is the top real estate agent in the Lake of the Ozarks, making more money than ever before, giving back to her community, and "pay[s] a lot of taxes."
When Peggy was freed after more than 15 years in jail, she was determined not to return. "I was done," she told a Senate panel in 2020.
However, the journey from prison to a productive member of society was fraught with challenges, hurdles, and twists. It was difficult work, and she was only given a chance because of the individuals who supported her, Peggy claimed.
When she asked her father what she should do to get back on her feet, he suggested she seek a real estate license.
However, the licensure board denied her application since she had a criminal record. "Everybody knows the recidivism rate is extremely high," she remarked.
"You come out; you don’t have your clothes; you are dependent on other people for your phone, your car, everything. So your first instinct is to do the wrong thing", the 'Lakefront Empire' agent said.
However, with the help of her family, Peggy won a lawsuit against the realtor board and was granted a probationary license to sell real estate.
"They say if you can sell three to five things in a year, it might be the job for you. I sold 35 things, and I made $102,000 my first year out of prison," she stated.
Peggy helps out women, many of whom have recently been released from prison. "Whether it be their rent, cell phone, or transportation, I try to contribute financially to get them back on their feet," she said.
The real estate agent has already contributed $372K of her own money and is currently working on a business called WOO (Women Overcoming Obstacles) to assist women who have been incarcerated.
Peggy Albers joins her father, Jim, in an association with Four Seasons Realty
Peggy, the third member of the Albers real estate family, has joined Four Seasons Realty, building on a family legacy of real estate expertise.
Peggy, a realtor, joins her father, Jim Albers, in a relationship with Four Seasons that dates back to the 1970s.
"I was 30 years old and had a 2-month-old son," says Peggy, who is grateful to be back home.
"Living on the lake and running my business is an honor and a pleasure, but to help people find their dream home is the best reward of all," she said.
Peggy brings experience in outdoor advertising and condominium sales to her new job. She has been asked to speak at Qatar's international career development event.
She attended Missouri State University for two years, majoring in business management, although she frequently claims she went into the wrong business.
'Lakefront Empire's Peggy Albers made $8 million in sales in first year as realtor
Peggy Albers, a rising star on HGTV's 'Lakefront Empire', which premieres in March, has overcome difficulties to become a real estate powerhouse and community leader in Lake of the Ozarks.
Despite a hard history, Peggy's persistence helped her sell over $8 million in property in her first year (over $4 million in the first quarter of 2017).
Albers Real Estate Advisors, which she co-founded with her sister Mary, is a powerful team in the Lake of the Ozarks that has combined sold over $100 million in the last three years.
Peggy's dedication goes beyond real estate; she revitalizes monuments and advocates for second opportunities.
With ambitions to develop her businesses and inspire others through speaking engagements, her story is a light of hope and resilience for all.
Whether you're buying or selling, Peggy is the definitive resource for getting the greatest bargain on the market. Even if you're just looking for choices, her website has a plethora of useful information. Your house-hunting quest will be a success with her advice.
'Lakefront Empire' realtor Peggy Albers is Missouri’s Top Agent
Peggy Albers was named Four Seasons Realty's Top Rookie of ALL TIME for closing more than $4 million in real estate her first year! She was featured in Top Agent Magazine's October 2017 issue, including on the cover.
"Less than 20 months since her first sale, Peggy Albers is on track to close over $20 million in sales for her second full year!" the publication read. Peggy was thrilled to be listed in Top Agent Magazine among other important real estate experts.
To be selected for a Top Agent Magazine feature, she had to go through a nomination and interview process, after which she was assessed on production, professionalism, industry, and community participation.
Being nominated is considered an honor since it represents a degree of achievement that all real estate agents aim for. Top Agent has established itself as a credible source of real estate knowledge and inspiration!
Communities must join together to assist each realtor in being the best they can be. Peggy likes it when they collaborate to achieve wonderful results for individuals and their communities!
Who is 'Lakefront Empire' realtor Peggy Albers married to?
Peggy met Kevin while they were young, and he worked as a bellman at a resort. She had to ask him to marry her around 50 times before he said yes!
'Lakefront Empire' begins on Monday, March 11 at 10|9c on HGTV.