Sherry Chris isn’t just a real estate legend – she’s a force who has reshaped what leadership looks like in an industry that often resists change. From pioneering brands like Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, to leading Anywhere’s Expansion Brands, to advising the CEO of the National Association of REALTORS®, Sherry’s four-decade career has been about spotting opportunity where others see roadblocks.
But her story isn’t only about boardrooms and brands. It’s also about balance, accountability, and finding joy in what she calls “living lighter.”
In this episode of Wisdom from the Helm, hosts Danielle Wilkie and Heather Frick sit down with Sherry to talk legacy, reinvention, and what it really takes to thrive in today’s ever-changing market.
From Banking to Real Estate: An Unexpected Pivot
Sherry’s career began not in real estate, but in banking. Buying her first home sparked a realization: she could do the job better than the agent who represented her. That entrepreneurial spirit set her on a path that would eventually lead her to the C-suite.
Early lessons weren’t always easy. As a young agent, she struggled with discipline and accountability—but those challenges became the foundation of her leadership philosophy. “No matter who you are,” she reflects, “we all need accountability.”
Launching Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in a Crisis
In 2008, with the Great Recession looming, Sherry was tapped to launch a brand-new brokerage under the Anywhere (then Realogy) umbrella. With no agents, no listings, and just nine months to bring it to life, she relied on relationships, creativity, and sheer persistence.
Her boldest move? Partnering with Zillow before most had even heard of it. That decision—and her relentless optimism—helped BHGRE not only survive, but grow through one of the toughest markets in history.
Her advice for today’s frozen-feeling market? Build pipeline, stay consistent, and focus on the long game.
Mentorship, Coaching, and the Power of Giving Back
Sherry has worn many titles—CEO, advisor, mentor—but she’s quick to remind us that no one is “self-made.” Coaching and mentoring have been central to her own growth, and she urges leaders at every stage to seek guidance and accountability.
Her biggest breakthrough came when a coach encouraged her to expand her impact through philanthropy. That insight led her to spearhead projects like building a 91-home community in El Salvador with New Story Charity.
“The more you give without expecting anything in return,” she says, “the more comes back to you.”
Living Lighter: A Second Act
Today, Sherry splits her time between Palm Beach and Toronto, leaning into travel, wellness, and joy. Her focus on whole health—clean eating, meditation, meaningful connection—isn’t a departure from leadership. It’s an evolution.
“Living lighter,” she explains, “is about making the most of the years ahead for yourself, your family, and your community.”
The Future of Real Estate
As an advisor to NAR’s CEO, Sherry has a unique perspective on where the industry is heading. Despite lawsuits, consolidation, and disruption, she believes the U.S. real estate model is still the envy of the world.
Her prediction for the next 3–5 years? A more professional, more relationship-driven industry—because at the end of the day, technology can’t replace trust.
Resources
About Sherry Chris
Sherry Chris has spent more than four decades shaping the residential real estate industry across North America. She began her career in banking before moving into real estate in 1982 in Ontario, Canada. Over the next two decades, she held leadership roles with Royal LePage, advancing from branch manager to Executive Vice President of Network Services, where she helped guide one of Canada’s most recognized brands through rapid growth and modernization.
In 2003, Sherry became President of Real Living Network Services, and later served as Chief Operating Officer for Prudential California Realty. She joined Realogy Corporation (now Anywhere Real Estate Inc.) in 2006 as Chief Operating Officer for Coldwell Banker Real Estate, overseeing operations, education, mortgage, and field services across a network of nearly 4,000 offices.
When Realogy licensed the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate brand in 2007, Sherry was tapped to lead the launch of the new franchise network as its President and CEO. Under her leadership, the brand grew from concept to one of the top five residential real estate networks in North America, known for its innovation, culture, and consumer lifestyle focus.
In 2019, she was named President and CEO of the Anywhere Expansion Brands portfolio, overseeing both Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate and ERA Real Estate.
Today, Sherry serves as Special Advisor to the CEO of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), where she brings her deep industry experience, passion for leadership, and commitment to advancing professionalism and innovation in real estate.
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