Meet the Agent: Carlee Hjelm

Meet Carlee Hjelm: Continuing a Family Legacy of Excellence at Olympic Sotheby’s International Realty

Carlee Hjelm brings a unique blend of experience, passion, and a family legacy to her career as a real estate agent at Olympic Sotheby’s International Realty. From her journey into real estate to her deep love for the South Sound community, Carlee is dedicated to providing premium service and lasting connections.

A Career Rooted in Family and Passion

Carlee’s path to real estate began with an exploration of her diverse interests. With a degree in exercise science and a love for travel, she pursued careers in title and escrow, as well as being a flight attendant. However, motherhood inspired her to find a career with stability, flexibility, and a personal touch—qualities she found in real estate.

“I realized I wanted to separate my passion of flying from how I earned my income,” Carlee shares. “Real estate allowed me to find balance—being my own boss while still having the time and freedom to travel and be with my son.”

Her passion for real estate was sparked early on by her father, a seasoned real estate agent. It’s a true family business for the Hjelm family—her brother, Justin, and father, Eric, are both agents at Olympic SIR. “Growing up with my dad as a real estate agent really exposed me to this career path,” she says.

Favorite Neighborhoods in Olympia

Carlee’s appreciation for Olympia’s charm shines through in her favorite neighborhoods. She loves the stunning view of boats along East Bay Drive near San Francisco Hill, describing it as an escape to a coastal destination within the city. “Driving down that road and seeing the water and the boats is so picturesque,” Carlee explains. “It’s such a unique and beautiful part of Olympia—it feels like you’re on vacation.”

Cooper Point is another favorite, with its diversity of home styles and its unique blend of privacy, rural ambiance, and beachy vibes. “The homes at the very end of the point are just immaculate. It’s like a private little nook where you can escape but still be close to town,” Carlee says.

Life Beyond Real Estate

When she’s not helping clients find their dream homes, Carlee leads an active and balanced lifestyle. From playing recreational softball and hiking in the stunning Cascades and Rainier National Park to enjoying beach volleyball with her son on vacation, Carlee embraces her adventurous spirit.

“I really crave balance,” she shares. “Reading a physical book, meditating, or just spending time in nature—it all helps me stay grounded. My faith is also very important to me, and it’s a guiding force in my life.”

Hidden Gems of Olympia

For Carlee, a good taco is serious business, and she’s passionate about her favorite local spots. She raves about the authentic Mexican flavors at Quality Burrito, a hidden gem downtown, and Valentina’s Lounge for upscale Mexican dining. “Quality Burrito is the best! It’s a little hole-in-the-wall spot, but they have the most amazing tacos. And Valentina’s is perfect for a special occasion,” she says.

For a healthy pick-me-up, she frequents Zoe Juice Bar. “It’s the only bona fide smoothie place here in Olympia, and I love that we have that as an option,” Carlee adds.

Building Relationships and Empowering Clients

Carlee thrives on the relational aspect of real estate. She deeply values the connections she forms with clients, vendors, and contractors, building a supportive network for everyone she works with.

“There’s a level of depth you can tap into in this business if you operate from your heart,” she explains. “I always try to lead with empathy and understanding. I don’t have past clients—they are my clients for life.”

Her solution-oriented approach ensures her clients feel empowered, informed, and cared for throughout their real estate journey. “I want my clients to feel like they’re my only ones,” Carlee says.

Community Involvement

Carlee is passionate about giving back to the community. She actively participates in Greene Giving, supporting various local organizations each year. She has also sponsored a child in Rwanda through Africa New Life Ministries for eight years, exchanging letters and helping provide for his education and basic needs. Additionally, Carlee has been a part of the local recovery community for nearly 15 years.

A Philosophy of Premium Service

Carlee’s dedication to her clients is evident in every interaction. She works tirelessly to create tailored solutions, ensuring her clients feel confident and supported in making life-changing decisions.

“I want to empower my clients with knowledge,” Carlee says. “When they have all the tools and information, they can make the best decisions for themselves and their families. That’s what I’m here for—to guide them with empathy, care, and expertise.”

Whether you’re buying or selling, Carlee Hjelm is ready to guide you with her family legacy, passion for community, and commitment to excellence. Connect with Carlee today and experience a real estate journey like no other.