Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Conkling
Hi Whitney, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Whitney Conkling, and I’m a proud native Houstonian with over a decade of experience as a licensed realtor in Boston, New York City, and now back home in Houston, Texas. My journey into real estate was unexpected. I initially pursued a career in theatre, attending a conservatory in Boston while working in restaurants to make ends meet. A friend suggested I try real estate, assuring me I’d make more money helping people find homes than waiting tables. Taking his advice was one of the best decisions I ever made—I quickly became the go-to realtor for my conservatory, helping students secure apartments year after year.
When I moved to New York City to continue acting and modeling, real estate remained my “survival job.” But over time, what started as a side hustle turned into a thriving full-time career. I had the privilege of working on one of the top two real estate teams in the nation, helping clients navigate the competitive NYC market for six years.
Then, life took another turn. When COVID hit and my husband and I welcomed our first baby, we decided it was time to move back to Houston after 15 years in the Northeast. I teamed up with my rockstar sister-in-law, Rachel Conkling—one of Houston’s top realtors—and together, we built The Conkling Group, a top-producing team specializing in homes inside and just outside the loop. My family settled in The Heights, where we love the walkability, arts, and food scene.
What I love most about real estate is the ability to help families find their place in the city. With my background in acting, I bring a unique perspective—I help my clients not just see a house, but truly envision their life there. That’s the difference between working with an agent who simply shows properties versus one who can make four walls feel like home.
I’ve built my business on relationships, not just transactions. However, with over 500 successful transactions under my belt, I have the experience to guide my clients through every step, no matter their budget, location, or real estate goals.
I’m often asked for advice by young professionals, especially creatives just starting out. I always share my own journey—how for years, I believed my identity was tied solely to being a professional theatre actor. But life happens, kids happen, and bills are due. What I’ve learned is that while you should absolutely chase your dreams, you also need to stay open to new possibilities. Sometimes, what you never expected can turn out to be your greatest passion.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Obstacles come and go—and then come again. That’s especially true in real estate.
One of my biggest challenges was building my business from the ground up—not just once, but two times. In New York, breaking into the industry required relentless hustle. I had to network, prove myself, and earn every client. Then, after establishing a successful career there, moving to Houston meant starting over completely. I had to rebuild my clientele from scratch, in a new market, with new dynamics. It was daunting, but I leaned on the same work ethic that got me started in the first place.
Now, my biggest challenge is balancing real estate—a career that often demands 24/7 availability—with motherhood. Real estate doesn’t stop on weekends, evenings, or holidays, and finding reliable childcare can be tricky. Thankfully, moving back home to be near family has been a game-changer. And when all else fails, my son has become quite the little assistant!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Conkling Group was founded by sister-in-laws Whitney Conkling and Rachel Conkling, combining over 25 years of experience, 1,000+ transactions, and $750M+ in sales. We specialize in Houston’s most sought-after neighborhoods inside and just outside the loop but have helped clients all over the city and surrounding suburbs.
What sets us apart? When you work with The Conkling Group, you don’t just get one agent—you get two. We work together seamlessly to ensure every detail of your transaction is handled with expertise, efficiency, and care. From our first meeting to closing day, we are proactive, thorough, and committed to making the buying and selling process as smooth as possible.
We founded The Conkling Group in 2021 with a shared commitment to delivering exceptional service. We understand that buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions a person can make. Our goal is to guide our clients every step of the way, providing expert advice, market knowledge, and a stress-free experience.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or relocating, The Conkling Group is here to help you find your perfect place in Houston.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I did a lot of theatre in Houston! So I spent a lot of my childhood in theaters whether it was performing at TUTS, The Wortham or my highschool Second Baptist’s theatre, I was very involved! It’s been fun coming back to Houston as an adult and supporting the arts here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theconklinggrouprealtors.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitneyconklingrealtor
Image Credits
Laura Sanz
