Hidden Gems: Meet Sade Harper of Sold By Sade

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sade Harper

Hi sade, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2007, I made an unconventional decision that would change my life—I used a student loan to purchase my first investment property in Detroit’s historic Russell Woods neighborhood. At the time, it seemed risky, but I believed real estate was a powerful path to financial freedom. The moment I closed on that first property, it felt like a light bulb went off. I saw the potential of real estate to build wealth and create opportunities, even with limited resources.

Determined to expand on this vision, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Corporate Finance at Wayne State University while continuing to grow my portfolio. It was a challenging time for Detroit. The early 2000s brought declining home values, and the city ultimately filed for bankruptcy. While many viewed Detroit as one of the worst places to invest, I saw an opportunity where others saw fear.

With properties available for as little as $500, I leveraged my student loans and financial knowledge to acquire more real estate. The ability to use other people’s money—through loans and financing—was a game changer. It allowed me to take advantage of the market downturn and build a foundation for my real estate career.

Looking back, those years taught me the value of resilience, strategy, and taking calculated risks. I learned how to see potential where others saw despair and how to turn challenges into stepping stones. Today, I use that experience to help others achieve financial freedom through real estate, whether they’re first-time homebuyers, investors, or new agents.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has been anything but smooth, but those challenges have shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today. Starting out in 2007, I had no roadmap—just determination and a vision for what I wanted to achieve. Using a student loan to buy my first property was a bold move, but it came with risks. I had to quickly learn about managing tenants, handling renovations, and navigating the ups and downs of the market, often while balancing school and work.

One of the toughest periods was during Detroit’s economic decline in the early 2000s. Home values were plummeting, and the city filed for bankruptcy. Many questioned my decision to keep investing, but I saw an opportunity where others saw despair. Even then, managing distressed properties, maintaining cash flow, and building credibility as a young investor weren’t easy.

As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I’ve faced additional challenges. Real estate investing is often seen as a “man’s game,” and breaking through those perceptions while asserting myself as a knowledgeable and capable investor hasn’t always been easy. From being underestimated to having to work twice as hard to earn respect, I’ve had to prove myself repeatedly. But instead of letting those obstacles deter me, I used them as fuel to work harder and build a thriving real estate portfolio.

Another struggle came as I transitioned into becoming a full-time realtor and mentor. Building a business from the ground up required long hours, countless sacrifices, and learning how to lead and inspire others. Whether it was dealing with market shifts, balancing my personal life with work, or finding the right team, each challenge taught me resilience and adaptability.

Despite the struggles, I wouldn’t change a thing. Those tough moments gave me the experience, grit, and perspective I needed to build my real estate portfolio, succeed as a realtor, and now build my own team at eXp Realty. Every challenge has been an opportunity to grow, and that’s what keeps me motivated to push forward and help others achieve their goals.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sold By Sade ?
My business is all about empowering individuals and families through real estate. As a seasoned realtor, investor, and team leader at eXp Realty, I specialize in helping people achieve their real estate goals—whether it’s buying their first home, selling their property, or building a portfolio of investment properties.

I’m known for my expertise in guiding first-time homebuyers through the process, helping investors find properties with strong returns, and assisting homeowners in successfully selling their homes. Selling a home can be an emotional and complex process, and I take pride in helping clients navigate it with confidence and ease, ensuring they get top value for their property.

What sets me apart is my personal journey. I started investing in real estate in 2007, using a student loan to purchase my first property in Detroit’s Russell Woods neighborhood. That experience taught me how to identify opportunities, take calculated risks, and build wealth through real estate—skills I now use to benefit my clients.

My brand, “Ms. Fire Your Landlord,” is rooted in my mission to help people transition from renting to owning, creating financial independence. But my services go far beyond that. I’m also dedicated to helping sellers market their properties effectively, negotiate the best deals, and achieve their desired outcomes.

I’m most proud of the trust and community I’ve built around my business. Real estate is not just about transactions—it’s about helping people through some of the biggest decisions of their lives. I offer personalized guidance, education, and unwavering support to ensure my clients succeed.

What I want readers to know is that my brand is about possibility and empowerment. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, my team and I are here to help you take that next step with confidence.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The real estate industry is constantly evolving, and I expect the next 5–10 years to bring significant shifts and trends that will redefine how we buy, sell, and invest in properties.

One of the biggest changes I foresee is the continued integration of technology. Tools like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and blockchain will become even more prominent, making the buying and selling process faster and more transparent. Virtual tours, digital contracts, and AI-powered property searches are just the beginning—we’re moving toward an era where technology will play a central role in streamlining transactions and improving the client experience.

Another key trend will be the rise of sustainable and energy-efficient homes. As more buyers prioritize eco-friendly living, properties with solar panels, smart home systems, and energy-saving features will become increasingly desirable. Builders and investors will need to adapt to this demand to stay competitive.

The housing market itself may also shift, especially as remote work continues to influence where people live. Many buyers are moving out of urban centers to suburban or rural areas in search of more space and affordability. This trend will likely impact housing demand and pricing in different regions, creating new opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors.

For real estate professionals, I see a growing need for personalized service and education. With so much information available online, clients will value agents who can provide expert guidance, tailored solutions, and a human touch. Those of us who focus on building relationships and offering value beyond the transaction will stand out in an increasingly competitive industry.

Lastly, the rental market will continue to grow as affordability challenges persist. This creates a huge opportunity for real estate investors who understand the importance of providing quality housing while generating strong returns.

The industry is changing, but I see these shifts as opportunities. By staying informed, adapting to new trends, and focusing on delivering exceptional service, I believe we can thrive in this evolving landscape.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soldbysade.com
• Instagram: sold_by_sade
• Facebook: Sade Harper