From surviving market volatility to leading the digital revolution in real estate, Nancy Prince’s legacy is defined by adaptability and groundbreaking leadership.
When Nancy Prince began her real estate career in 1979, the U.S. economy was in turmoil, soaring inflation and high-interest rates made it seem like an impossible time to enter the market. But for Nancy, this period of uncertainty was a golden opportunity to innovate and lead. Today, with 45 years of experience, Nancy stands as one of the most transformative leaders in the real estate industry. From mastering creative financing in a recession to driving digital transformation in the modern era, Nancy’s career exemplifies the power of adaptability, perseverance, and visionary leadership in times of change.
Navigating Economic Turmoil: The 1979 Pivot Point
The year 1979 marked more than just the start of Nancy Prince’s real estate career, it was a pivotal moment in U.S. economic history. As inflation reached record levels and mortgage rates soared, the housing market seemed nearly impossible to navigate. However, Nancy viewed these challenges not as roadblocks but as stepping stones toward creating innovative solutions.
Entering the industry at a time when financing was scarce, she quickly became known for her creative financing solutions. Techniques like All-Inclusive Trust Deeds (AITDs) and seller carry-back mortgages allowed her to close deals when most others could not. Rather than following the beaten path, Nancy became an architect of new ways to structure real estate transactions, gaining invaluable skills that would serve as the foundation of her future success.
The Franchise Revolution: Leadership During a Time of Transformation (1979–1986)
By the early 1980s, the real estate industry was undergoing a significant shift from fragmented, independent brokerages to the more structured world of franchising. Nancy recognized that this was the future of real estate and seized the opportunity to build her career around this new model.
From 1979 to 1986, Nancy thrived in the demanding role of a franchise owner, overseeing operations in Southern California during one of the most economically challenging periods. While high interest rates drove many agents out of the market, Nancy’s ability to recruit and retain talent became her strongest asset. She instilled in her agents the value of mentorship, skill-building, and adaptability, which allowed her franchise to weather the storm while many competitors faltered. Her leadership during this time not only ensured her franchise’s survival but also set the stage for her future corporate roles.
Corporate Leadership and Crisis Management at Coldwell Banker (1986–1995)
In 1986, Nancy transitioned from franchise ownership to corporate leadership at Coldwell Banker, a company newly acquired by Sears. This was a high-stakes move that would redefine her career. At Coldwell Banker, Nancy was charged with overseeing multiple branches across Ventura and the San Fernando Valley, where she combined her franchise experience with corporate strategy to drive growth.
However, her most significant test came in 1994 when the Northridge Earthquake struck, devastating much of the region. Nancy’s leadership during the crisis became a defining moment in her career. Not only did she manage to keep her offices operational in the midst of destruction, but she also provided crucial support to her agents, many of whom had lost their homes. Her ability to maintain focus, support her team, and turn a tragedy into an opportunity for growth exemplified her exceptional leadership skills.
The Mergers and Acquisitions Era: Leading Prudential Through Change (1995–2009)
By 1995, Nancy had cemented her reputation as a top-tier leader in real estate, moving to Prudential California Realty during a period of rapid mergers and acquisitions. This transition marked another chapter in Nancy’s career, as she took on the responsibility of managing a vast region stretching from Ventura County to the Central Coast.
When Prudential was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway’s HomeServices of America, Nancy played a pivotal role in guiding her region through the rebranding and cultural shift. She balanced the high-relationship, personalized culture of the region with Berkshire Hathaway’s strict financial discipline. This delicate balancing act was further tested during the Great Financial Crisis, which hit in 2008. As the subprime mortgage crisis led to a wave of foreclosures, Nancy’s leadership in managing distressed assets and maintaining agent morale was crucial in steering the company through the most challenging economic period in recent history.
Rebuilding from the Ground Up: Keller Williams West Ventura County (2009–2024)
In 2009, with the real estate market still recovering from the crisis, Nancy once again reinvented herself. This time, she founded Keller Williams West Ventura County, entering a market still recovering from the crash. Nancy applied everything she had learned over the previous decades, talent recruitment, operational efficiency, and crisis management, to build a successful franchise from scratch.
What set Keller Williams West Ventura County apart under Nancy’s leadership was not only her expertise in managing real estate operations but also her strategic focus on creating ancillary businesses. She launched West Ventura County Escrow, a move that helped stabilize the franchise’s revenue during a time when commission splits were becoming increasingly competitive. Under her guidance, the franchise grew into a dominant force in the region.
By 2023, Nancy’s leadership was once again needed as she returned as Legacy CEO to stabilize and guide the business through the challenges posed by rising interest rates and an unpredictable market.
The Digital Frontier: Embracing the Future with Real Brokerage Technologies (2025–Present)
In 2025, Nancy made yet another bold move by embracing the future of real estate with Real Brokerage Technologies. This cutting-edge platform represents the next stage of her career, a transition from traditional real estate to a mobile-first, tech-enabled brokerage model that promises to revolutionize the industry.
Real Brokerage Technologies is transforming how agents and clients interact, offering an integrated platform that combines technology, mortgage, and title services into a seamless experience. For Nancy, this move is about more than just adapting to technology, it’s about using her years of expertise to mentor a new generation of real estate professionals and build a high-efficiency team within this digital ecosystem.
Nancy Prince’s career is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation. From the highs and lows of market volatility to pioneering new business models and embracing digital transformation, Nancy has proven that leadership in real estate requires not just expertise but the ability to adapt, innovate, and lead through change. Ready to learn from a true real estate visionary? Connect with Nancy on LinkedIn or discover the future of real estate with Real Brokerage Technologies today.
External Links:
- LinkedIn: Nancy Prince LinkedIn
- Instagram: @nareal
- Referral Page: Nancy Prince Referral
- Website: WVCrealestate.com
- YouTube: Nancy Prince YouTube Channel
- Facebook: Nancy Prince Facebook
- License: 00808278