Elishia Carrillo

Buying a home can be exciting—but it can also feel confusing at times. The market has slowed compared to the last few years, which gives buyers more time to think strategically instead of rushing decisions. Still, emotions can run high, and that’s where having a **Buyer Sherpa** truly helps. A Sherpa is a trusted guide who leads climbers through unfamiliar terrain—steady, knowledgeable, and focused on the summit. That’s how I approach real estate. I help my clients navigate each step with clarity and confidence—from financing and inspections to negotiation and closing—so you feel supported, not stressed. As someone who loves to travel and explore new places, I understand that every journey requires preparation, perspective, and a good guide. Whether you’re searching in St. Joseph, Parkville, Platte City, Weatherby Lake, or North Kansas City, I’ll help you find the right home and enjoy the process along the way.

In today’s market, the first showing happens online — and first impressions are everything. I understand how important that initial walkthrough is to a potential buyer, so I make sure your home stands out from the start. Every listing I represent is professionally photographed and showcased with high-quality video tours to capture attention and inspire in-person showings. Before we list, I’ll walk through your home with you to highlight its best features, suggest simple updates that add value, and design a marketing strategy tailored to your neighborhood. From St. Joseph to North Kansas City, my goal is to make buyers fall in love with your home before they ever step through the door — and help you achieve the strongest results at closing.

Over the years, I’ve guided a diverse range of clients through their real estate journeys — from first-time homebuyers learning the process, to experienced sellers ready to move on to their next chapter. I’ve also worked with investors seeking income-producing properties and seniors planning transitions or protecting wealth with care and confidence. Many of my clients come from St. Joseph, Parkville, Platte City, Weatherby Lake, and North Kansas City, and appreciate my ability to adapt to their goals — whether that means negotiating top dollar for a sale, identifying a strong investment opportunity, or finding the perfect home for their lifestyle. My role as their Real Estate Sherpa is to make each step simple, informed, and successful.

One of my favorite recent transactions involved helping a young couple using a VA loan purchase a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) home they had fallen in love with. As their Real Estate Sherpa, my role was to guide them through each step of a process that can easily become complicated — especially when there’s no listing agent on the other side. VA loans come with specific requirements for inspections, appraisals, and property condition, and FSBOs often mean the sellers aren’t familiar with those nuances. I helped coordinate communication between the buyers, the lender, the appraiser, and the sellers to make sure everyone stayed on track and protected. It was incredibly rewarding to see this couple — first-time homeowners and military-connected — close on a home they loved, knowing I’d helped them navigate a path that could have easily derailed without the right guidance. That’s what being a Sherpa means to me: helping people reach the summit confidently, even when the trail gets rough.

After more than 30 years in the corporate world, I wanted a career that was more personal — one that let me serve people directly and make a difference in my own community. My husband, Steve, and I had been investing, flipping homes, and managing rental properties for over 30 years, so real estate already felt like home to us. We’d seen firsthand how buying or selling a property can change lives, and I knew I wanted to help others experience that same success — with less stress and more support. Transitioning from corporate leadership into real estate allowed me to combine my business expertise, negotiation skills, and lifelong passion for helping people. Today, I get to be a Real Estate Sherpa, guiding clients through one of life’s biggest decisions with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Yes — I’m a certified Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), trained to guide clients aged 55+ through downsizing, estate transitions, and relocations with care and confidence. My background includes 30+ years in international business and sales, which sharpened my negotiation, communication, and marketing expertise — skills I use daily to protect and advocate for my clients. I also speak Spanish, which allows me to serve bilingual and multicultural families across St. Joseph, Parkville, Platte City, Weatherby Lake, and North Kansas City with clarity and respect. I stay current through ongoing training in real estate strategy, compliance, and investment — ensuring every client receives knowledgeable, personalized guidance from start to finish.