With a rich background in property refurbishment and an unwavering passion for New Mexico, my expertise goes beyond mere transactions. It's all about crafting personalized experiences that foster trusting relationships with my clients as they accomplish their vision.
TLDR: Rene Kessel’s real estate career spans more than 20 years, from being named Rookie of the Year at Paseo in 2014 to earning top sales and Readers’ Choice recognition in Albuquerque. Along the way, she has continued to grow her expertise, serve her community, and help clients navigate buying, selling, and more complex real estate situations.
Being a REALTOR® in New Mexico has given me a career full of people, places, and experiences I never could have planned for. I’ve walked through countless homes, helped people through major life changes, worked through changing markets, and been fortunate to receive recognition and celebrate achievements along the way.
Real estate has become a big part of my life here in New Mexico. And when I think about how it all began, my connection to homes actually started long before I ever became a REALTOR®.
How My Journey in Real Estate Started
Growing up, I spent weekends working alongside my dad, a general contractor who bought and refurbished properties. I got hands-on experience with everything from painting and tiling to plumbing, replacing water heaters, and even re-roofing homes.
Those early experiences taught me a lot about how homes are built and maintained. I still draw on that knowledge today, especially when walking through properties with clients or navigating inspections.
From Montessori Teacher to Rookie of the Year
Before becoming a REALTOR®, I was a Montessori teacher while my children were young. As they grew, so did my passion for real estate. The challenge and enjoyment I once found in teaching eventually evolved into a love for buying and selling homes.
In 2014, I received Rookie of the Year at Paseo, a recognition that became one of many memorable milestones in my career.
Since then, each year has brought new experiences and opportunities to grow. The Albuquerque market has changed, my business has grown, and I’ve worked with clients at many different stages of homeownership. But the heart of the job has stayed remarkably consistent: understanding what each client needs and helping them make informed decisions about what comes next.
A Track Record of Consistent Real Estate Performance
Over the years, that work has been accompanied by continued recognition in Albuquerque real estate.
I was named among the Top 25 Brokers for Individual Sales in 2019 and again in 2021 before moving into the Top 10 in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, I was named the #2 Broker for Individual Sales, followed by #1 Broker for Individual Sales in 2025.
Other milestones have included the Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society in 2020, Top 2% of GAAR in 2025, and Coldwell Banker International President’s Elite recognition in 2025, representing the top 3% worldwide.
It’s rewarding to look back and see that progression. But behind every ranking are clients I’ve had the opportunity to help, along with homes prepared for the market, offers negotiated, inspections navigated, problems solved, and plenty of conversations along the way.
Those experiences will always mean more to me than a number on a list.
Four Years of Albuquerque Journal Readers’ Choice Recognition
Some milestones feel particularly close to home.
Over the past four years, I’ve received continued recognition in the Albuquerque Journal Readers’ Choice Awards:
- #1 Realtor – 2023
- #2 Realtor – 2024
- #1 Realtor – 2025
- #1 Realtor – 2026
Being recognized by Albuquerque readers year after year means a great deal because New Mexico isn’t simply where I work. It has been my home for more than 25 years.
I’ve built my life here and spent my career helping people navigate real estate in New Mexico, whether they’re buying a home, preparing to sell, relocating, or moving into a completely new chapter of life. Knowing that people in this community continue to put their trust in me is something I never take for granted.
Continuing My Education as a REALTOR® in Albuquerque
Working in real estate for years has taught me a lot. It has also shown me that experience and continued learning go hand in hand.
Continuing education remains an important part of how I approach my work, particularly as I’ve expanded into more specialized real estate situations. As a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE®), I continue learning about the financial, legal, and communication issues that can intersect with real estate during divorce.
In 2026, my continuing education included courses covering BIFF, retirement accounts in divorce, mortgages, buyouts and alternatives, and grey divorce.
Through my work, I’ve seen how real estate decisions connected to divorce can look very different from a typical home sale. There may be financial questions, competing priorities, legal considerations, and other professionals involved in the process.
Staying current in these areas helps me bring both real estate experience and specialized knowledge to clients who may be navigating a complicated transition.
Staying Connected to the Albuquerque Community
Knowing the local market is important when you’re a REALTOR® in Albuquerque, but being part of a community goes well beyond knowing neighborhoods and home values.
Giving back has been part of my life for many years. I spent eight years with the Assistance League of Carlsbad and eight years with the Child League of Carlsbad. Since 2024, I’ve continued that involvement with the Assistance League of Albuquerque.
Those experiences have given me another way to stay connected to the people and places that make New Mexico home.
After all, real estate has never been only about properties. It’s about the people who live in them and the communities that surround them.
A Few Questions I Often Receive
How Does Your Experience Help When Buying or Selling a Home?
Experience helps me know what to pay attention to and when to ask more questions. Every transaction is different, but having handled many situations over the years helps me guide clients through decisions, anticipate potential issues, and keep the process moving when something unexpected comes up.
What Do You Look for When Walking Through a Home With a Buyer?
I look at the home as a whole, not just what stands out at first glance. I pay attention to its condition, features, potential concerns, and anything that may be worth asking about or looking into further so my buyers can make a more informed decision.
How Has the Albuquerque Real Estate Market Changed During Your Career?
The market is always changing, from inventory and home prices to interest rates and buyer demand. What matters is understanding the market you’re in now and what those conditions mean for your particular goals as a buyer or seller.
What Do You Value Most About Your Relationships With Clients?
Trust and open communication are incredibly important to me. I want my clients to feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and knowing they’ll get straightforward guidance throughout the process.
More Than 20 Years of Helping People Find Their Next Chapter
After more than 20 years in real estate, I’ve had the opportunity to help people through many different chapters of life. Some were buying their first home; others were preparing to sell a home filled with memories, relocating, or simply ready for something new.
The awards and recognition along the way are meaningful, but they’re only one part of the story.
It’s the clients who trusted me, the relationships that continued long after closing, and the people who still reach out years later that have made this career what it is.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home and looking for a REALTOR® in Albuquerque who will take the time to understand what matters to you, reach out.
I’d love to get to know you and help with whatever comes next.
Key Takeaways
- Rene Kessel brings more than 20 years of real estate experience to buyers and sellers in New Mexico.
- Her career includes consistent sales recognition, from Rookie of the Year at Paseo in 2014 to #1 Broker for Individual Sales in 2025.
- She has been recognized in the Albuquerque Journal Readers’ Choice Awards for four consecutive years, including #1 Realtor in 2023, 2025, and 2026.
- As a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE®), Rene continues her education in areas that can affect real estate decisions during divorce.
- Beyond real estate, she has remained involved in her local community through years of service with Assistance League and Child League organizations.
