Rachel Broekstra is a passionate real estate professional based in West Michigan, and her enthusiasm for the area and her career is truly contagious. Originally from Rockford, Michigan, Rachel’s roots run deep in the region, and it’s no surprise that she’s chosen to make West Michigan her home.
A Love for West Michigan
Rachel grew up in the charming town of Rockford, where both of her parents also lived. “Rockford is such a cute small town with so much going on,” Rachel shares. “I had the best experience growing up here.” This love for her hometown is matched by her current residence, which is near Riverside Park in Grand Rapids. The convenience of the location and the beauty of Riverside Park make it one of Rachel’s favorite spots in the city.
West Michigan offers so much to love, from its fantastic restaurants and lively festivals to the proximity to Lake Michigan. “Sunset walks on the beach are my absolute favorite,” says Rachel. “And the fact that I’m just two hours from my family’s cottage up north is the best bonus. I grew up spending beautiful summers and winters at the lake, and it’s amazing how a short drive can take you to a whole different world.”
Whether it’s enjoying outdoor concerts, Griffins games at the Van Andel Arena, or exploring the hidden gems up north, Rachel has a deep connection to the area she calls home.
A Journey into Real Estate
Rachel’s love for homes, interior design, and helping people find their perfect space led her to real estate. She remembers being inspired by watching HGTV and knew she wanted to be part of a career that allowed her to assist others in such a significant way. “Becoming a REALTOR® sounded like such a fun and rewarding challenge,” Rachel recalls.
She dove into real estate right after graduating high school, quickly realizing how fulfilling it was to help people find their homes. “I’m passionate about educating my clients and ensuring they feel confident and comfortable with every decision they make,” says Rachel. “Seeing the joy on their faces when they find ‘the one’ is amazing—it never gets old.”
A Strong Start in the Industry
Rachel has been a licensed real estate agent for almost three years, and in that time, she’s already built a strong reputation in the West Michigan market. She started her career at 616 Realty in Grand Rapids before joining the NuAbode Properties team. In her early days, Rachel took on roles as an admin and transaction coordinator, which allowed her to learn the ins and outs of the industry. “It was the perfect way to learn—I was thrown right in,” she says. Thankfully, Rachel’s mentors, Cait and Justin, guided her through the process, helping her grow into a successful REALTOR®.
What Sets Rachel Apart
Rachel’s drive, communication skills, and deep commitment to her clients are what set her apart in the competitive real estate market. “I’m always available for my clients, and I work hard to ensure they have the most positive experience possible,” Rachel shares. As a young, motivated agent, she goes above and beyond to ensure her clients feel heard and supported at every stage of the process.
In addition to her dedication, Rachel has built a strong social media presence that allows her to connect with more buyers and sellers, reaching thousands of potential clients. “Real estate is one of the biggest transactions most people go through, and I want my clients to feel heard, understood, and confident every step of the way.”
Life Outside of Real Estate
When she’s not helping clients buy or sell homes, Rachel enjoys spending her free time working on her own home. “I’ve gutted my kitchen and bathroom, refinished the hardwood floors, and now I’m in the fun decorating phase,” Rachel shares. She also loves exploring new restaurants in Grand Rapids, sharing her recommendations on social media, and spending time with her boyfriend and family at their northern Michigan cottage.
Rachel has recently taken on a new challenge—raising a Samoyed puppy. “We’re soaking up every moment of this fun (and fluffy) stage of life!” she says with a smile.
Looking ahead, Rachel has a goal to get more involved with local charities and start a group for like-minded women in their 20s. She’s passionate about giving back to the community and is excited to make a difference in the years to come.
Maintaining Work-Life Balance
Real estate can be a demanding career, but Rachel embraces the challenge. While she admits that she doesn’t always have the best work-life balance, she finds joy in being there for her clients whenever they need her. “Real estate feels more like a lifestyle than a job,” she says. “I don’t have strict work hours—I just roll with whatever comes my way.” Though this sometimes means working during family events or vacations, Rachel thrives in an environment where she can serve her clients at all hours.
Tips for First-Time Buyers and Sellers
As a seasoned professional, Rachel offers valuable advice for first-time buyers and sellers.
For Buyers:
“Don’t be discouraged! There are great loan programs to make homeownership more affordable. Also, don’t focus too much on decor or cosmetic details—they can be changed. Pay attention to quality, location, and layout instead.”
For Sellers:
“The 3 Ds—Declutter, Deep clean, and Depersonalize—are key when preparing your home for sale. And don’t underestimate the power of social media. My videos have reached hundreds of thousands of people, helping many sellers connect with the right buyers.”
Why She Loves 616 REALTY
Rachel is thrilled to be part of the 616 REALTY family. “The team is so inviting, and the staff is incredible,” she says. “Scot is always there to help, and it’s such a great environment to work in. I’m so thankful to be part of it.”
Let Rachel Help You Make Your Real Estate Goals a Reality
Rachel Broekstra‘s passion for real estate, her commitment to her clients, and her love for West Michigan make her an exceptional REALTOR®. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the Grand Rapids area, Rachel is ready to help you navigate the process.
I’m passionate about what I do, and I’m here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re local or relocating to West Michigan, I’d love to connect and help you make your real estate goals a reality!