Miranda Alt never planned on becoming a REALTOR®. Her husband was investing in properties during the recession and suggested one of them should get their real estate license. She wasn’t particularly interested in houses at the time—she loved her career with Pampered Chef—but she took the plunge. What she discovered changed everything.

“I realized that selling real estate is more about relationships than it is about the houses,” Miranda says. “That’s what I love about it: I love people, not houses.”

Growing up, Miranda saw firsthand the impact of putting people first. Her father, an entrepreneur and radio station owner, prioritized his employees and customers above all else, believing that success came from solving clients’ problems rather than just selling a product. Her mother, who climbed the corporate ladder at Motorola, faced the challenges of breaking through the glass ceiling in 1990s corporate America. Their resilience and values shaped Miranda’s approach to business: one rooted in service, integrity, and relationships.

Miranda’s path to real estate wasn’t a straight one. After earning her bachelor’s degree in history with minors in women’s studies and French from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, she spent time in radio and television broadcasting before stepping away to seek sobriety. She later obtained a master's degree in elementary education from National Louis University, teaching preschool and fourth grade before ultimately finding her calling in sales. Through every phase of Miranda’s professional life, one thing has remained constant: her ability to connect with people.

“My struggles with addiction and my journey to sobriety taught me that ego is the deadliest drug of all,” she says. “I used to think everyone else was better than me, and I self-medicated to escape the constant feeling of self-consciousness. But I’ve learned that we’re all equal here. Everyone has a story and a reason [for] why they are the way they are. That perspective helps me be compassionate and understanding with my clients.”

This thoughtful mindset has shaped how she approaches real estate. Moving is one of the most stressful experiences in life, and Miranda’s honesty and directness allow her clients to feel comfortable with her and trust her guidance. “My job is to advocate for them, and to help them feel heard and supported,” she says.

Over the years, Miranda’s business has grown in ways she never expected. She started her career in 2016 with a partner, and when they parted ways, she faced the challenge of balancing a successful business with her family life. Since joining Keller Williams in 2022, she has learned how to build a strong team with people who share her drive to serve clients with excellence.

Today, the Miranda Alt Team includes four additional team members who bring dedication, professionalism, and a shared commitment to outstanding service. “We’re extremely detail-oriented about every transaction, but we’re also incredibly understanding and compassionate with our clients,” she explains. “That balance is what makes us different.”

Her team includes Jacolyn Eggert, the director of operations, who is highly organized and shares Miranda’s caring nature; Andrew Smart, a young but hardworking and coachable buyer’s agent and showing assistant; Colleen Remblake, a seasoned transaction coordinator with extensive industry knowledge; and Arlene Saripada, their virtual assistant, who is known for her strong work ethic and willingness to support the team however she can.

“At this time last year, I was still working alone, and now I have four teammates!” Miranda says with disbelief. 

Long-term, Miranda’s goal is to build a strong enough team to allow her to travel during the winters once her youngest son graduates high school. She’s also working on expanding her team, but plans to do so with great caution, ensuring every new hire aligns with the culture of empathy, compassion, and professionalism that she has built. 

“We’ve built a culture that I’m incredibly proud of, and as we continue to grow, we’ll be very intentional about who we bring in. We want to protect and enhance what we’ve created.”

Beyond real estate, Miranda is also deeply invested in giving back to her community. She supports New Directions Addiction Recovery Services, a cause that is personal to her, as well as the Service League of Crystal Lake, which provides aid to those in need.

For Miranda, success isn’t about sales volume; it’s about doing what she loves while supporting her family and community. It’s about fostering real relationships and making a difference in the lives of those around her—something she has always had a passion for.

“I love talking to people,” she says, then adds with a laugh, “Every report card I ever got said, ‘Mandy is a good student but talks too much.’ I guess I turned that trait into a career.”