Missouri State University
Shelby Adams

Shelby Adams

  • Major: Finance
  • Hometown: Carthage, Mo.

The homebuyer helper

Equipped with an MSU Online finance degree, Shelby Adams helps make the dream of home ownership come true. 

The key to real estate is well-known. 

Location, location, location. 

But for first-time homebuyers, finding the best location often requires the help of an experienced real estate agent. That's where Shelby Adams excels. 

"My favorite part is definitely getting to help people find their dream home and make the process easy."

Taking the online route for her degree

Adams earned her real estate license in 2016, before graduating with her finance degree in 2017. 

Originally from Carthage, MO, she relocated to Springfield during college. She appreciated being close to home, but far enough away to really make her own home. 

"My degree in finance helps me as an agent because it allows me to answer (homebuyers') questions or to help them better understand terms they hear about their mortgage." 

"My parents were super supportive about me going to college as I am a first-generation college student. I didn't want to live so far away that I couldn't still go home for a weekend to see them but I wanted to be on my own just like most college students want."

She earned her finance degree entirely online.

Taking online classes allowed Adams to work full-time while taking classes. But it also adapted well to her learning style.

Close reading, instead of lecture-based courses, best suited her ability to learn. She was able to work at her pace, and work ahead when time allowed. 

Her entrepreneurial spirit

Finance wasn't precisely her first path. The goal, however, was always clear.

"I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur and start my own business."

For her first two years of college, she tried out several avenues. Eventually she landed on finance. A natural proclivity, plus the fact that finance is vital to almost all aspect of business. Her plans worked out well, and she decided to add a real estate license to her degree. 

"Shortly after I decided to pursue a degree in finance is when I found real estate. It was a career where I could build my own business and one that my finance degree would help tremendously.

"Most people are very nervous about buying a house especially when it's the first one they've bought. So as an agent I can help ease some of the nerves by being knowledgeable not only on the real estate market and transaction but also on mortgages, how they work, and what to expect." 

Financial expertise for homebuyers

Now she's an established agent. She adds value to her real estate services by leaning on her finance background. For first-time homebuyers intimidated by the process, Shelby has extra help to give as she mentors them along the process. 

When she's not helping people find their dream homes, she's probably off circling the globe. 

"My boyfriend and I have made it a goal of ours to take a trip at least once a year to a new place. We did a trip up the entire coast of California this year and next year we plan to take on Iceland with some of our friends." 

Wherever she goes, Adams knows how to make her way back home.