Starting 2026 with Vision, Intention, and a Little Fun
Every year, our team kicks off the new year with one of our favorite traditions: creating vision boards.
It’s more than cutting out magazine photos and gluing them to a poster board. It’s a chance to slow down, reflect, and think intentionally about what we want the year ahead to look like, in business, in our personal lives, and in the goals we quietly hope to achieve.
We believe clarity fuels performance. When we take time to define our goals, we show up more focused, energized, and aligned. And that ultimately helps us serve our clients at the highest level.
When we know where we’re headed, we can guide others with confidence.
Why We Do It Together
Creating vision boards as a team is one of the most meaningful parts of the process. It gives us the opportunity to support one another, celebrate shared ambitions, and even discover a few unexpected similarities.
This year, for example, “more yoga” made multiple appearances, so don’t be surprised if you see the HREG team stretching it out together in 2026.
It also opens the door for new team traditions and group experiences. Because the stronger we are together, the stronger we are for our clients.
A Few Highlights from This Year
Our teammate Jonathan once again found himself happily crafting alongside a very enthusiastic group of women, and to his credit, he leans in every single year. We have to say, his boards keep getting more thoughtful and detailed. He’s always a good sport, and we appreciate how fully he shows up for the tradition.
And then there was Renee’s now-infamous typo. Her board originally said 2006 instead of 2026, which sent us all down memory lane.
Back in 2006, Renee had been selling real estate for just six years. She was in the middle of remodeling her Cary home and hiring her very first real assistant. Fast forward to 2026, and she’s celebrating 26 years in the industry, leading Hillman Real Estate Group at eXp Realty, and continuing to raise the bar.
With well more than 2,200 transactions under her belt and millions upon millions in real estate managed, Renee firmly believes experience makes a difference. She has built a small but formidable team packed with talent and dedication, and as a hands-on leader, she remains deeply involved in every transaction to ensure no detail goes unnoticed.
This year also kicked off with a major milestone: Renée and Hillman Real Estate Group at eXp Realty have earned a place in the Triangle Real Producers Top 500 and achieved an even bigger milestone: a Top 100 ranking. A recognition that reflects not just production, but consistency, professionalism, and trust built over decades. We couldn’t be prouder.
(And yes, 2006 was a good year. But 2026 looks even better.)
Looking Ahead
Vision boards aren’t magic. They don’t replace hard work. But they remind us why we do what we do.
They help us dream bigger. Stay accountable. Support one another. And continue evolving, both personally and professionally.
We can’t wait to see how this year unfolds.
If you’re thinking about making a move in 2026—or know someone who is—we would love to help. Reach out to Hillman Real Estate Group at eXp Realty and let’s make your next chapter a reality: 919-877-6708.
Here’s to a year of intention, growth, and a whole lot of wins.