Keely is a classic example of a non-native Texan who got here as fast as she could. She was born and raised in a small town in Louisiana, then attended Louisiana State University and promptly moved to Fredericksburg to start her family. Her work experience is varied — from owning and managing a postal center to selling luxury timeshares for Wyndham before landing in real estate, first at duPerier Texas Land Man, then joining Fredericksburg Realty in 2015. Real estate is in her family’s blood, with parents who are real estate investors, her sister who flips houses and her brother, Justin, who owns Fredericksburg Realty.
Read more about Keely here, and check out her Q&A below as well!
Q&A
What is your favorite thing about the Hill Country and Fredericksburg?I love that we are right in the middle of so much to do! We love to get in the car and just drive. We might end up heading somewhere to hike or trying a new BBQ restaurant. Just driving without a plan and seeing where these Hill Country highways take us is always a family favorite!
What's the best advice you've ever been given?
That there is really only one thing in your life that you can control-your attitude. No matter what life throws at you, no matter how good or bad it is, the only thing you can control is your attitude and how you choose to handle those things.
What's your favorite room in your home?
My kitchen! That one is easy. Cooking and baking for my family are two of my favorite things to do. It's one way for me to show my love for them. Both of these things really calm and ground me. I have recently started decorating cookies and I'm now hooked! It's really special when my 5 year old decorates with me.
I would say the Lakes! We love to go to the lakes during the summer with friends and family. My kids love tubing and it’s fun to watch.
What’s your favorite place in Texas?
I really love west Texas. As you drive out west everything opens up and you really start to feel like you can breathe a little easier. So much to explore out west!
What’s your favorite fun element to add to a home? (whether it's a great appliance, a paint color you love, an item of decor, family furniture, etc)
I love to add a little color to my home. When we purchased our current home we had a huge white island. The marble is white and so is the base. We painted the base of the island a beautiful blue and I really love the way it brought it a little pop of fun color. Every time I see it, I smile.
What are your favorite local Fredericksburg shops?
I love Circle E Candles, Orange Spice & Tobacco and Blackchalk Home & Laundry. They have great furniture, gifts and jewelry. And a new favorite is Lock, Stock & Barrel, a kitchen/specialty food shop!
What is the best gift you've ever received?
I love gifts that mean something. I have a keychain my daughter made me and I adore that! I am very sentimental and anything that creates a memory or is a reminder from the past is always my favorite. My Aunt gave me some of my grandmothers jewelry this Christmas and I loved it so much it brought me immediately to tears. I always loved playing with her jewelry growing up and I miss her all the time so to have those things around to remind me of her means a lot.
What is your biggest influence when decorating your home?
Comfort and warmth. I want to have a comfortable home that you can play in and not worry about putting your feet up on the furniture. I want people to feel happy and welcome at our home. We run around, act silly and play inside as well as out, so our home has to be up for anything!
Name any special skills you have (surprising ones included!)
Baking is my special skill. I've been doing it since I was little with my mom and I am always wanting to learn something new. I make a pretty good pecan pie and have perfected my peanut butter, chocolate chip, and pecan cookies!
What are 5 of your favorite things?
My family is number one for sure. Not just my immediate family but my extended family. I've been very lucky in that aspect of my life, very lucky! Hot baths, good movies, trivia games and good books are all great too!
Favorite thing to do in your free time?
I come from a family of movie lovers so watching movies for sure. I also love going to plays/musicals.
What's the song you listen to when you want to pump yourself up?
Bohemian Rhapsody! You should see my whole family in the car when that song comes on! We all sing super loud and dance around like crazy. Actually, maybe you shouldn't see us!
What's your most loved item in your house?
My collection of Christopher Radko ornaments. I started collecting them when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter. Each one is chosen because it has meaning for something that has happened that year. The first one I bought was a little baby asleep on a crescent moon. I love them all so much!
What's a book, movie or show that none of us should miss?
I come from a family of movie lovers, and this is always a hot topic for us. What is the best movie ever... I can't answer that with just one because there are too many! Best love story, best scary movie, best drama, etc. Two always jump to mind for me though. Love Actually and The Usual Suspects. But ask me again in an hour and I may answer differently!