Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Porto.
Hi Stacy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My path to real estate wasn’t exactly a straight line. I started my career as an attorney, which gave me a strong foundation in negotiation, problem-solving, and advocating for my clients. After 4 years in Washington DC in a job that ended up with me traveling the world with the Obama Administration, I couldn’t just go back to an office My mom was in the process of moving, and her experience made me think…I can do that. That led me to real estate, and it turned out to be the perfect combination of my legal background, my entrepreneurial side, and my love of people and homes.
Today, I’m a residential real estate professional in Kansas City, but more than anything, I’m a wife and mom of three. My family has shaped the way I think about success. I want to build a business I’m proud of while also being present for the people who matter most.
What I love about real estate is that no two stories are the same. I get to help people through exciting moments, stressful moments, major life changes, and sometimes completely new beginnings. I’ve learned that the houses are important, but the people and relationships are what stay with you.
I’m still building, still learning, and still figuring out what the next chapter looks like. But I think that’s part of the fun. My story has never really been about following a perfectly planned path. It’s been about recognizing opportunities, taking the leap, and building a life and career that feel authentically mine.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I went to law school to become a poverty lawyer, and that is so far from what I am today. I went from practicing poverty law, to working as a law clerk, when in 2008, my father tragically unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. I had just started volunteering for the Obama campaign.
One of the experiences that had a lasting impact on me was meeting Barack Obama, who out of the blue heard about what happened to my dad and sat and met with me. There was something about that encounter that stayed with me and made me think differently about what I wanted to do with my career and my ability to make a difference.
Meeting him inspired me to step outside of what felt familiar and pursue the opportunity to work for him. It was an important moment in my life because it reminded me that careers don’t always follow a perfectly planned path. Sometimes, one experience or one person can open your eyes to a completely different possibility.
That experience ultimately became part of the journey that shaped who I am today. It taught me to take chances, say yes to opportunities that challenge me, and believe that the things I do professionally can have a purpose beyond simply building a career. After his campaign, he appointed me to working as a Civil Rights Attorney for the Obama Administration from 2008-2012. I learned during those 4 years that I could be whatever I wanted.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a residential real estate professional in Kansas City, helping clients navigate everything from buying and selling a family home to more complex real estate investments and transactions. My background as an attorney gives me a perspective that is different from many real estate professionals. I’m comfortable with contracts, negotiations, problem-solving, and the details that can make a significant difference in a transaction. I have a small team where I work with my husband, LD Bernabe, and long time friend, Tommy Johnson.
But I think what truly sets me apart is how personal I make the process. Real estate is ultimately about people, and I take the time to understand what my clients actually need, what matters to their families, and what they’re trying to accomplish. I’m very hands-on and relationship-driven, and much of my business has grown through repeat clients and referrals.
I also think being a mom and business owner has shaped the way I approach my work. I understand that buying or selling a home isn’t just another transaction on a spreadsheet. It can mean a new school, a growing family, a major life transition, or the beginning of an entirely new chapter. I bring the legal expertise, negotiation skills, and business experience, but I never lose sight of the person on the other side of the transaction.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are so many ways people can work with me or support what I’m building. The most obvious is through real estate, whether you’re buying or selling a home, looking at commercial opportunities, or simply have a question about the Kansas City market. I’m always happy to be a resource, even if someone isn’t ready to make a move yet.
I also love collaborating with other professionals and local businesses. I’m always looking for opportunities to create meaningful client experiences, support local businesses, collaborate on events, and build relationships within the Kansas City community.
And honestly, one of the best ways people can support me is simply by connecting me with someone who could use my help. So much of my business has been built through relationships and referrals, and I never take that trust for granted. Because I have lived a bunch of places and am a natural born talker, I meet other professionals all over the country. So whether you are moving in California, Florida, or anywhere in between, I can find a local realtor to help you.
Whether it’s working together on a real estate transaction, collaborating on something in the community, or simply making an introduction, I’m always open to meeting good people and seeing where the connection leads.
I also currently practice as an attorney and am an expert witness for lawyers throughout the area as well as accept special master appointments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sellingkc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellingkc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StacyPortoKChomes/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-porto-404980b/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Selling-KC
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stacy-porto-realtor-and-attorney-kansas-city-2
