Rachel is always on the hunt for new items to keep her home fresh. Click here to learn more about Rachel.
With broker Rachel Wavra
Words by Robert McEveety | Photography by Courtney Snyder
Rachel Wavra brings the perfect blend of hospitality, heart, and hustle to Silver Creek Real Estate Group. She developed her unerring eye for detail and total commitment to client satisfaction over a long career in the culinary and hospitality industries. After attending Samford University in Birmingham, AL, and culinary school in Charlotte, NC, Rachel cooked professionally, honing her craft in some of the Southeasts finest restaurants. Perfection was expected of Rachel, every minute of every day, when she went to work under James Beard Award-winning chef Linton Hopkins at his famous Restaurant Eugene. And Rachel never failed to deliver.
In 2012, she moved from the cook line to restaurant operations, bringing her natural knack for negotiation and an uncanny ability to predict trends to the Florida-based chain BurgerFi. During her eight years there, she helped to grow the business from a nine-restaurant operation into the 125-location phenomenon it is today.
But it was moving to the Plateau where this Florida girl and her family had spent so many summers during her youth that provided Rachel with the push she needed to start her own business.
As a real estate agent, Rachel brings all the skills she honed in her earlier career to Silver Creek, along with her entire heart and soul. She genuinely wants the best for her clients: for them to find their forever homes, their perfect match. If Chef Linton Hopkins demanded perfection, Rachel now insists on it. Tireless, engaging, and a natural entertainer, Rachels journey with Silver Creek might just be getting started, but she undoubtedly has a long and profitable road ahead.
Pictured on the right are Rachel's kids, Olivia and Jackson.
Rachel and her husband Tyler with their kids, Olivia and Jackson, at The Village Green.
Tell us a little bit about your background and what led you to work in real estate.
I grew up in Winter Park, Florida, but my family has been coming to the Plateau for several decades. My husband, Tyler, and I met and fell in love here. These mountains have always been a constant for me and theyre my favorite place on Earth.
My background is in hospitality and Ive been doing that most of my life. I started to consider a career in real estate after we moved to Scaly Mountain in 2017. I was working at the Vineyard, tasked with taking it from a hobby to a thriving business and I did just that. I loved the challenge and having the autonomy to make it successful. In 2022, the owners decided to pursue other passions, and the Vineyard changed hands. I knew that my position would be ending and after some soul-searching, decided to leap into real estate.
I always knew I could be successful in the industry. Im a hustler. Ive always hustled for other peoples businesses and I was excited to have the opportunity to hustle for my own business. Ive worked hard since I started in this industry, and I wont ever stop doing that.
Why did you choose to work with Silver Creek Real Estate Group?
As real estate agents, our core job is marketing and storytelling. Without question, the team at Silver Creek is the best at both. Our brokers are friendly, community-driven, highly organized, and detail-oriented. That is me to a T.
When youre not selling real estate, how do you enjoy spending your time?
Tyler and I have two rambunctious children, Jackson (6) and Olivia (3). They keep us very busy! As a family we love to enjoy all that the mountains have to offer fishing, hiking, swimming, and just being outdoors! Thanks to my kids, I can tell you the best place to find salamanders and the location of every playground on the Plateau. When were not out and about, I love tending to our vegetable garden and entertaining family and friends on our front porch.
I am also an active member of the Highlands Rotary Club, the Co-President of the Scaly Mountain Womens Club, the Elementary Rep for the Highlands School PTO, and a participant in the 2024 Leadership Highlands class.
You know what they say, If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it.
Rachel attending one of the many gatherings hosted at Social House by Silver Creek Real Estate Group in Highlands, NC.
What is your favorite season on the Plateau?
I truly love each season for what it brings. After a gray, cold winter, I am always so excited to watch the Plateau come back to life in spring. Summer is sunny and beautiful and oh-so-busy! Fall brings a sense of community with school starting, pumpkin patches opening, and Thanksgiving bringing family to your table. Winter forces you to slow down and hibernate a bit, which is well-deserved after months of constant activity. And then, spring returns, just in time, when you are rested and ready to jump back in.
What is your favorite festival or special event that takes place on the Plateau?
Our area has so many wonderful festivals and events, but one of my favorites is Bear Shadow, a springtime weekend music festival in Scaly Mountain. It brings so many celebrated musicians to The Highlands Plateau, along with food trucks, drinks, and lots of good people. And its family-friendly as well!
Outside of the Plateau, where is your favorite place to travel?
I love to travel internationally, and in October were headed to France for my sister Katys wedding. We also love spending time in the southeast. Our family heads to the beach every summer in Fripp Island, SC. And in March, my husband and I took a trip to New Orleans and had an absolute blast! We ate lots of great food and heard some fabulous live music.
A Highlands must-stop for all wine lovers is Highlands Wine Shoppe.
What goals are you working toward in 2024?
I want 2024 to be a year of growth for my business. In our ever-evolving industry, you have to look for ways to keep ahead of the trends while still staying agile and client-focused. Im working hard to refine the processes that help my clients the most, while constantly re-evaluating my business plan with a steady eye towards the future.
What advice would you give to someone starting their search for a home on the Plateau?
First, find an agent that you really like. The home-buying process can be a long one and if youre going to be spending hours in a car with someone, you want to make sure its someone whos interested in you and your needs.
Second, the Plateau has so much to offer, but to find the best home you need to be very specific with your agent about whats important to you. Club activities? Peace and quiet? Proximity to certain things? Good real estate agents are good matchmakers, but we need to know exactly whats important to you in order to find you the best match.
And finally, be patient, but be ready to act fast.
What is the most valuable thing youve learned while working as a broker?
My job as a broker is to find clients the perfect property based on their needs. At first, it was difficult for me to remove my own opinion from the conversation. As your trusted real estate advisor, my expertise is important, but I am not the one buying the home. This property is for you. It may seem silly, but its something I have to remind myself of. Different people have different priorities. My job is to find out what those priorities are for each person I help. Its like a choose-your-own-adventure novel I can help guide you through the story, but ultimately, you determine the ending.
A stop by Cashiers Farmers Market is a must while it is open for the season.
Can you name a moment in your career that stands out as something youre especially proud of?
Taking the leap into real estate. It was difficult to walk away from a salaried job and go into business for myself. There were moments in that first year when I questioned whether or not Id made the right choice. But I stuck with it. I trusted my instincts, knowing that with hard work and honest dedication to my clients needs, I could build a great business. And I have.
What do you think is the areas greatest resource?
The people! Our community is truly amazing. It is filled with warm and generous people who love where they are and want to take part in all that this wonderful place has to offer. I am always so thankful to be able to call the Plateau my home, and to share it with all those who do the same.