The motto “work hard, play hard” isn't just a cliché for Renee Amey of RE /MAX Elite; it is a life directive. As the mom to four kids, the wife of an airline and military pilot, and one of the top real estate agents in the KC area, Renee is no stranger to hard work. In fact, she seems to thrive on it. She has built a successful real estate team in Lee’s Summit that specializes in lake properties and is dedicated to helping home buyers and sellers reach their goals. When it is time for fun, Renee applies the same passion she has for real estate to travel and enjoying experiences with her family. The Amey family has traveled all over the world. From hiking the Swiss Alps to boating through the Caribbean to surfing the waves in Hawaii, adventure seems to be a common denominator in most of their trips. Renee says, “we are not a family that sleeps in. We are up and going, and need a plan of activities to help keep the kids engaged. Hiking, horseback riding, rafting, biking--we want a list of options.” When the kids were younger, Renee and her husband, Paul, used this tactic to wear out the kids and ensure early bedtimes. Now that they are all young adults, the kids love the adventures and may even up the ante!
Renee and Paul are parents to two boys and two girls. Both boys, Nick and Jake are training to be pilots like their dad who began his career in the Navy as a fighter pilot. Their oldest daughter, Alex, lives in Maui as a labor and delivery nurse. Sam, the baby of the group, is in her first year at the University of Southern California. Renee attributes much of her children’s success to the benefits of travel while growing up. “They have a much broader perspective, an openness to other cultures and people, and a lack of fear to experience new places and things,” she says.
It is no coincidence that their daughter Alex has chosen to live in Maui, as Renee says Hawaii is one of their very favorite destinations. They have made the trip at least 20 times. For a more authentic Hawaiian experience, they love the area of Hana: remote, lush landscape filled with beautiful beaches, waterfalls, bamboo forests and even the occasional free running horses in open fields. Renee also got to dip her toes in the local real estate scene, as she helped Alex buy a home in Maui. “Whether you are in Hawaii or Missouri, having a real estate agent who really knows the area is a one of the best things they can offer you. In Maui, a deeper look at location in regards to rainy vs sunny areas of the island, wind impacts and elevation of a property, and proximity to desired towns on the island. For our business in Lee’s Summit, we strive to be the experts on all the different lake communities,” says Renee.
One of Renee’s favorite parts of visiting a new location is listening to the stories that locals are usually eager to share. “People want to tell you who they are. We have learned so much about the true lifestyles of people by simply engaging and listening.” Renee believes this also applies in her business. By listening to her clients’ priorities, she can successfully help them find the right fit in a home.
While traveling is often a time of great adventure for the Amey family, Renee is a big advocate of living in a place where it can feel like vacation year-round. She cites the natural beauty of lake living, plus the entertainment available out your back door. And while she has seen an increase in the second home market in Lee’s Summit, she observes most of her buyers want to take advantage of living on a lake, with all the amenities that accompany, full time. “When you live at the lake, it does not feel like a sacrifice to come home,” she says.
To get more information on the different lake communities in the area, check out the Renee Amey Realty Group at leessummitlakehomes.com.
