There’s a certain magic in South Tempe—a blend of long-time residents, lush green neighborhoods, and a community spirit that feels both timeless and familiar. For Carol Royce, that magic has been home since 1972. Over the decades, she has become more than a real estate professional; she is a steward of community, connection, and giving back.
“I’ve always had a servant’s heart,” Carol says with a smile that reveals both grit and grace. “Helping people find a home isn’t just business—it’s a calling.”
That calling began from an unexpected place. In 1985, after losing her husband and facing the realities of raising a family without life insurance, Carol leaned on her faith and community to rebuild her life. A friend suggested real estate—a career she had never considered. “It sounded interesting,” she recalls. “So I dove in, and I never looked back.”
Building a Legacy of Family and Service
From those early days of open houses and handshakes, Carol’s business grew into one of the most respected teams in Arizona—The Carol Royce Team. But her story isn’t just about success in sales; it’s about family, heart, and an enduring commitment to serve.
Her daughter Vikki graduated from Corona del Sol High School and attended ASU before joining her mother in real estate at just 18. “I loved working with my mom,” Vikki says. “She taught me that what we do is deeply personal—it’s about people’s dreams.”
Soon after, Vikki’s husband, Eric, joined the team, followed by Carol’s son, Tim, and later her grandchildren—Derrick, Katie, and Josh—as well as Carol’s husband, Tom. Today, eight family members and a total of 25 professionals make up the powerhouse Carol Royce Team.
Vikki now leads the luxury division, specializing in Tempe’s premier neighborhoods from Wingfoot to Warner Estates, while Carol serves as the matriarch and mentor. “We’re three generations helping three generations of Tempe families,” Vikki explains. “Many of our clients’ kids are now buying homes with us. That’s what community looks like—it comes full circle.”
The Business of Heart
It’s not unusual to find Carol or Vikki at an open house that feels more like a neighborhood gathering. “We do things differently,” Carol says. “We don’t just put a sign in the yard and wait. We bring energy, systems, and service. Every step of the process is intentional.”
Their strategy is as much about people as it is about property. “If we can’t find the right home, we find the right lender,” Vikki adds. “We pour everything we can into helping families reach their goals.”
That philosophy has fueled their success—selling hundreds of homes each year—but it’s also built something more lasting: trust. “When you live and work in a community as long as we have,” Carol says, “people know us, and we know them. That’s what makes Tempe so special.”
Rooted in Tempe
Carol laughs remembering a client once asking if she’d sold any homes in a gated Tempe neighborhood. “I told them I’ve sold 18—and a few more than once,” she says. “That’s the beauty of being invested in a place. When you live in the community, you’re not just selling homes—you’re helping shape it.”
That connection keeps people coming back. “South Tempe is special,” she says. “People move away, but they always find their way home.”
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As the holiday lights twinkle across Tempe, Carol reflects on nearly four decades of service to her clients, her city, and her family. “We love what we do,” she says simply. “If we didn’t, we wouldn’t have done it this long.”
Her story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of giving—a reminder that service can begin in loss and grow into legacy.
For Carol Royce, the higher calling isn’t just in selling homes; it’s in helping others find theirs.
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Giving Back, Season After Season
Carol’s impact reaches far beyond real estate. Her community leadership helped shape Tempe itself—from being instrumental in merging the Tempe Boys & Girls Club, the first in the nation to integrate girls, to serving countless civic and nonprofit organizations. Each year, The Carol Royce Team donates between $35,000 and $50,000 to Save the Family, supporting homeless families. They also provide full Thanksgiving meals for 25 families, participate in back-to-school drives, and adopt families during the holidays. “Giving isn’t seasonal for us,” Carol says. “It’s woven into everything we do.” The team extends discounts to veterans and first responders—a reflection of their gratitude for those who serve—and through their network of trusted trades and service providers, they continue supporting clients long after closing day.
“Helping people find a home isn’t just business—it’s a calling.”