Renée Hillman, Team Leader
Hillman Real Estate Group
919-877-6708
REALTOR®
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
Certified Guild Recognition Awardee
eXp ICON Agent
My Story
As the team leader of Hillman Real Estate Group at eXp Realty, I am a consistent Top Producer (in the top 1% locally and top brokerage teams in North Carolina). My unwavering commitment to excellence and success is deeply rooted in my upbringing, where growing up with four sisters instilled in me a tenacious spirit—a drive to fight for what I believe in and ensure my voice is heard. With a passion for negotiation honed through personal experience, I thrive in securing the best outcomes for my clients. Working alongside an exceptional group of clientele is not just a profession, but a privilege that I cherish daily. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have found a career that aligns seamlessly with my skills and values. Over the span of 24 years, I’ve meticulously crafted a robust network and garnered a stellar reputation within the industry. My dedication to fostering meaningful connections and delivering unparalleled service sets me apart, ensuring that each client receives nothing but the best.
At Hillman Real Estate Group at eXp Realty, our motto is simple: Tailored Service. Exceptional Results. This ethos isn’t just a slogan; it’s a testament to our success, reflected in the fact that 85% of our clients are repeat or referrals. I have loved real estate since I was a kid. Instead of cartoons, it was “This Old House”… Yes, sadly enough, that is true! At 15, I seized the opportunity to immerse myself in the field, working alongside an agent selling new homes and absorbing every detail. By the time I reached my senior year at North Carolina State University (Go Pack!), I had already earned my broker’s license.
Embarking on my professional career, I joined a start-up brokerage at 22 and dedicated 11 years to its growth. In 2011, I made the transition to RE/MAX as a solo agent, where I spent four years before venturing into team-building—no small feat, especially while eight months pregnant! In January 2020, recognizing the need for a new horizon, I led my team to eXp Realty.
Despite our success at RE/MAX, I yearned for more opportunities to support our team’s growth. The move to eXp proved transformative; within the first year, we achieved a remarkable 40% increase in sales. At eXp Realty, we’re not just agents; we’re perpetual learners. With access to over 40 hours of live training each week, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of our industry. Our vast network of over 78,000 agents across the U.S. and Canada ensures that we’re constantly learning from the best in the business.
Curious about why I chose to make the leap to eXp? Dive deeper into our story on our blog and discover how our partnership with eXp Realty continues to propel us toward excellence.
Obstacles/Challenges
At Hillman Real Estate Group at eXp Realty, we say there are “no excuses” (because there aren’t), we go the extra mile for every client, we give back significantly to our community in both time and monetary donations, and we don’t shy away from hard work. Behind the scenes, it’s a symphony of effort, resources, and coordination to ensure that each client receives nothing short of exceptional service. Selling a home may not have an “easy” button, but I strive to make the process as seamless as possible for our clients, because they deserve nothing less. While it may sound cliché, our clients truly become like family. I prioritize building long-term relationships over a one-and-done mentality, because to us, real estate is about more than just transactions—it’s about trust, integrity, and lasting connections.
In addition to our client-focused approach, I’ve been an active member of the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®’s Top Producers Council for many years. In 2023, I had the honor of serving as co-chair alongside real estate veteran Sandy Edwards. Together, we spearheaded initiatives, curated engaging content, invited inspiring speakers, and coordinated charitable contributions, all aimed at elevating the real estate profession and giving back to our community.
Giving Back
Sharing our success with the community has always been a cornerstone of our values at Hillman Real Estate Group at eXp Realty. Each quarter, my team and I roll up our sleeves and dedicate our time to volunteer projects, supporting esteemed nonprofits such as Note in the Pocket, Interfaith Food Shuttle, and Families Moving Forward. However, our commitment doesn’t end there; we also make significant financial contributions, driven by transactional giving within the communities we serve.
In addition to our hands-on involvement, I’ve proudly served as a three-year board member of the REALTORS® Foundation of Wake County, the philanthropic arm of the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®. Our dedication to making a tangible difference is evident through initiatives like our annual Undies Drive, which we’ve been hosting since 2017 to benefit Note in the Pocket. During this drive, we collect donations of underwear in all sizes and match contributions up to $5,000. To date, our collective efforts have resulted in the donation of over 30,000 pairs of socks and undies, making a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need right here in our community.
Furthermore, since 2017, we’ve partnered with the REALTOR® Giving Network to sponsor a yearly apartment furnishing event. As a former board member of the network, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of this initiative, supported by Prime Lending, in providing essential furnishings for individuals and families transitioning into new homes.
Future Plans
With a career spanning well over 1,800 transactions and the management of millions upon millions of dollars in real estate, I firmly believe that experience truly makes a difference in this industry. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a small yet formidable team, each member packed with talent and dedication. As a hands-on leader, I’m deeply involved in every aspect of our transactions, ensuring that no detail goes unnoticed.
While I have no intention of slowing down anytime soon—recently achieving a milestone by cracking the Triangle Business Journal’s top 25 list of highest-producing residential real estate teams—we’re actively expanding our team by bringing on new supporting members and promoting our own agents to higher roles within the organization. This growth strategy is not just about achieving success for ourselves but also about empowering others to reach their full potential.
I’m excited about the journey ahead and look forward to leading my team to even greater heights in the years to come.
Inspiring Local Gems
I love getting out and about and exploring all that North Carolina has to offer! Last year, I did a round-up of some of my favorite local spots and the list is always growing. Above all, family time holds the most value in my life. Blessed with an incredible daughter and a supportive husband, we relish every moment spent together. We love being outside, hiking, traveling, and enjoying nature—especially in National Parks. Locally, my favorite park is Lake Gaston, where we spend time boating and skiing.
Reflecting on my journey, I feel profoundly grateful for the path I’ve chosen. Starting this career at a young age, I never could have envisioned the level of success and fulfillment it would bring. Sometimes, it feels like a surreal pinch-me moment, a testament to the remarkable experiences and opportunities that have unfolded along the way. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.