Carol Oliver founded Picket Fences Realty in 1993. She wanted to help families achieve the dream of a “white picket fence,” and spent more than 25 years “making the dream a reality.” Today, Carol is spending her retirement working on her other lifelong passion – writing her beloved Cabin Series about life in Appalachia.
Carol Oliver's journey in the real estate industry began in 1973 when she was licensed and worked for Petrollo & Williams. She made history as the first female hired by Equitable Gas, where she played a pivotal role in locating and purchasing land for rights-of-way. Her dedication to Equitable Gas continued for over nine years.
In 1987, Carol moved to Glendale, California, and embarked on a new chapter as a sales agent for Century 21. During this time, she encountered a unique opportunity to work for Sean Douglas, the owner of a prominent independent real estate company in the area. Despite a significant sign-on fee requirement, Carol's determination led her to save the necessary funds through waitressing and hard work.
However, life took a different turn when her high school sweetheart, Jack Oliver, convinced her to return to West Virginia, where they married in 1990. Upon her return, Carol faced the challenge of renewing her expired WV Real Estate license and GRI Certification. Despite the obstacles, she remained resolute and took the necessary steps to restart her real estate career.
Carol's resilience was evident when she enrolled in the pre-licensing course. Her instructor recognized her exceptional knowledge and allowed her to take the final exam directly, which she passed effortlessly. Her journey continued as a salesperson for Gerald Warren at Coldwell Banker. In 1993, with Jack's encouragement, she took the broker's exam and established Picket Fences Realty, a company that would become a cornerstone of the local real estate industry.
During her 17 years working at the Picket Fences School of Real Estate, Carol played an integral role as an instructor. She received the Realtor of the Year award in 1996 and served as Board President. Under her leadership, Picket Fences Realty earned numerous listings from the Harrison County Court. Her commitment to ethics and integrity was unwavering, and she instilled these qualities in her agents, setting high standards for business ethics.
Beyond her professional achievements, Carol has been a dedicated community member. She has been actively involved in her church, teaching the youngest members, and has always extended a helping hand to relatives in need. Additionally, she found time to write and publish six novels.
The name "Picket Fences" was chosen by Carol because it represents the quintessential American dream of owning a lovely home with a picket fence. Since its establishment in 1993, Carol Oliver and Picket Fences Realty have been turning that dream into a reality for countless individuals.
While Carol may have taken a step back from her day-to-day responsibilities, her involvement in promoting Picket Fences Realty serves as an inspiration to current and future real estate professionals. Her enduring commitment to the company is a testament to her belief in the values it represents.
In summary, Carol Oliver's impact on the real estate industry and her community is a lasting one. Her promotion of Picket Fences Realty, even in her retirement, reflects her dedication to maintaining the company's reputation and her continued contributions to the field.