Hannah Greening founded Fancy Real Estate with a clear purpose: to make commercial real estate more accessible and representative of diverse communities, starting in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Greening, a millennial woman in an industry dominated by men, recognized the gap and set out to do things boldly and differently. For her, real estate isn't just about property; it's about building relationships and creating opportunities for people who've been traditionally left out of the commercial real estate market.
Bringing Diversity to the Table
In Grand Rapids, the commercial real estate sector is a far cry from reflecting the community's diversity. A full 84% of professionals in the field are white males, while the makeup of the City of Grand Rapids reflects only 22% of that same demographic. That stark contrast was motivating to Greening, who saw an opportunity to create positive change. She wanted to build a company that was grounded in equity, bringing fresh perspectives and giving everyone a fair shot at real estate success.
"There's a clear gap in the market," Greening shares. "We've built a business that connects with the community, and that's why we're different. We're not just here to do deals, we're here to break down the walls and open doors."
What also sets Fancy Real Estate apart from other brokerages is its approach. Unlike traditional commercial brokers who tend to stick to specific property types, Fancy's team works across the board with nonprofits, innovative urban development projects, small businesses, and even alternative energy ventures. "We don't just broker properties," notes Greening. "We listen to the real pain points of the people we work with, and we find solutions that help them reach their goals in a super safe and transparent way." It's this model of 'safety' and 'transparency' that has helped Greening and her team forge strong relationships with key community players.
What Fancy Does: Tailored Services for Every Need
At the heart of Fancy Real Estate are three core services: acquisition and disposition, leasing, and investment services. Each one is designed to meet the specific needs of clients, whether they're buying, selling, leasing, or looking for investment opportunities.
By helping their clients and community navigate the ins and outs of the real estate market, Fancy ensures that each deal works in their client's favor. "It's not just about closing a transaction," explains Greening, "it's about making sure everyone feels comfortable throughout the entire process and is able to get the best possible terms."
"We are helping to create a win-win situation for all parties involved," adds Greening.
When it comes to investment properties, Fancy offers investors market analysis and property sourcing and helps with financing options. They are experts at matching the right opportunities and with the right investors.
Growing and Innovating for the Long Haul
Looking ahead, Greening isn't slowing down. With plans to scale, Fancy Real Estate expects to bring in $1.2 million in revenue in 2025, with projections reaching $8.51 million by 2029 as it continues to expand its team and service offerings. But growth isn't just about the numbers. "This company is all about creating something that has a lasting impact on communities and helping the people in them to thrive. We are growing," Greening explains, "and the more we scale, the more we can support our community. The bigger we get, the more we can help others grow."
As part of its expansion plans, Fancy is launching a 501(c)(3) organization to support aspiring real estate professionals from underrepresented backgrounds. This initiative will offer training and education, creating pathways for more people to enter the field. It's a perfect fit for the company's focus on diversity and inclusion.
Greening adds, "We're also planning on adding a property management division. With a growing number of developers in our pipeline from both inside and outside of our region, we see this addition as a massive opportunity to add value to our clients."
Fancy is also developing a technology piece, led by AI, that will help improve client engagement and transparency. The app will feature tools like virtual tours and drone footage along with simple steps for guiding clients through a process that might otherwise be daunting, making it easier for clients to explore properties remotely. Greening shares, "It's part of their effort to keep up with the times and make the whole process as smooth as possible for clients."
Building Trust, Not Just Deals
One of Fancy's standout qualities is its dedication to building client trust. They understand that commercial real estate can be complicated and work to ensure clients never feel out of the loop. Instead of treating every project like just another transaction, Greening and her team focus on being transparent and communicative throughout the process. "We believe that transparency means safety," Hannah says. "We don't want our clients to feel like they're in the dark. We're always available to answer questions, explain things, and guide them through each step."
This approach has earned Fancy strong relationships with local leaders, resulting in a steady stream of referrals. "Our clients know that when they work with Fancy, they're getting more than sound real estate advice, they're getting an innovative partner who genuinely cares about their success," asserts Greening.
With a proven business model, solid client relationships, and plans for long-term growth, the company is on track to see a strong return on investment and growth. The focus on community, transparency, and inclusivity makes Fancy a standout in the commercial real estate sector that has traditionally been elusive for women and people of color.
"We're not into making a quick buck," Hannah reflects. "We want to build something that lasts, and that's what we're doing. It's about creating lasting change, both in the market and in the lives of the people we work with."
Fancy Real Estate represents a passion for 'changing the game' in commercial real estate by keeping its focus on people, and it is looking for partners who have the same passion and drive. With strong financial projections and a commitment to social impact, Fancy's growth isn't just about the bottom line; it's about creating real, sustainable change.
Learn more about Fancy Real Estate.
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