Sarah Peters, team leader at eXp Luxury Realty, has leveraged her background as a teacher to build a $50 million real estate team in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Her transition from education to real estate began in 2018, driven by a desire for a more flexible schedule for her family. What started as a practical career move quickly became an extension of her longstanding commitment to service, shaping a business model that emphasizes community involvement and client support.
A Service-Oriented Foundation
Peters began her real estate career while still working as an American history teacher, motivated by the need for a job that better suited her family’s needs. “I wanted something better for my family, like a more flexible schedule,” she says. However, she soon realized that the skills and mindset she developed as a teacher directly informed her approach to real estate.
“So much of teaching is very service-oriented,” Peters explains. “It was about helping kids and helping families. That’s been ingrained in me since I was a kid.” Her mother instilled a sense of responsibility for community service early on, and Peters carried that forward into her real estate work. “Instead of helping kids in school build their skills, it really was helping families achieve these massive goals they had set out.”
The impact, she notes, has been significant. Many of her clients’ home purchases or sales represent major turning points for their families, and Peters takes pride in guiding them through these transitions.
Building Beyond Solo Success
Peters’ business quickly outgrew what she could manage alone. By 2019 or 2020, she brought on her first agent to help meet demand. “We were gaining such traction that I was no longer able to do everything by myself,” she recalls.
The expansion paid off. In 2018, Peters helped six families buy or sell homes. By 2025, her five-agent team, supported by administrative staff, assisted 76 families—reflecting both rapid growth and a scalable, team-based approach. “It’s nice going to bed at night feeling peace and contentment that we were able to do something really great,” she says.
Community Involvement as Core Strategy
Community engagement remains central to the team’s identity. Peters serves on the Board of Trustees for the Bucks County Historical Society, helping preserve local landmarks, including several historic castles. The team also supports Kin Wellness and Support Center, which offers holistic services to cancer patients and caregivers, funded entirely by the community. “It’s all volunteer practitioners, and it’s all funded 100% by the community for these members of our community at a time that they need it the most,” Peters says.
Their annual Women in Business Summit combines professional development for local entrepreneurs with fundraising for cancer patients. The winter gift card drive for the Bucks County Coalition to Shelter and Support the Homeless provides more than just coffee—these gift cards let recipients spend time in local cafés, giving them a warm place to stay during cold days. “It gives them an experience to actually be a patron indoors at a place where they’re allowed to come in and warm up for around two hours in the middle of a freezing day,” Peters notes.
Market Dynamics in Bucks County
Bucks County’s real estate market stands out for its limited inventory and sustained demand. With only 1.6 months of inventory, the area faces a persistent shortage of homes for sale. Peters attributes this to several factors: proximity to New York and Philadelphia, strong local schools, and a rich cultural environment.
“Bucks County is a little bit insulated from national trends,” she says. “It’s beautiful for people who commute to the office a couple of times a week or more. We also have really great schools and a rich culture.” The area’s historic character adds another layer of appeal, with annual Revolutionary War reenactments at Washington Crossing and vibrant boroughs featuring museums, restaurants, and boutique shopping.
While the regional median home price approaches $500,000, Peters’ team typically works in the $800,000 range, focusing on the higher end of the market. This niche requires specialized strategies and a deep understanding of luxury buyer expectations.
Luxury Market Performance
The luxury segment in Bucks County remains active but demands a tailored approach. Homes at higher price points often stay on the market longer, but well-prepared and correctly priced listings continue to attract buyers.
Peters advises sellers to price near the appraised value unless the property is fully turnkey. “The luxury sellers are seeing success at some of the higher price points; it tends to be that the home sits on the market a little bit longer,” she observes. For move-in-ready homes, demand is strong, and sales are faster.
Her team guides clients through preparation, recommending targeted investments in improvements. “Most people probably budget one to 2% of the purchase price into putting those renovations in,” Peters says, citing standard upgrades like refinishing hardwood floors or replacing outdated siding. These efforts can make the difference between a property lingering on the market and selling quickly.
Evolving Buyer Behavior
Buyer behavior in Bucks County has changed in response to interest rate fluctuations and broader economic conditions. Peters notes a surge in buyer activity in December 2025 as clients anticipated rate cuts in 2026. “We saw a really nice blitz of buyer activity in December,” she says.
Before this uptick, buyers had become more selective, waiting longer to find the right property rather than jumping into bidding wars. “Buyers were becoming more discerning,” Peters explains. “It was still a seller’s market, but buyers were waiting a little bit longer to get exactly what it was they wanted.” This reflects a more cautious approach in a higher-interest-rate environment, with buyers prioritizing value and fit over speed.
Demographic Trends and Hot Spots
Demand from baby boomers has an evident influence on the local market. Homes with first-floor primary suites or single-level layouts are especially appealing to this group. “Any home that is either a ranch or has a first-floor primary suite—a bedroom, bathroom, and closet space on the first floor—is very, very appealing,” Peters notes.
Walkability is another key factor. “The communities that I think are performing the best are those with great walkability that many people like to avoid getting in the car, but just go for a walk and experience something,” she says. Buyers increasingly seek neighborhoods where daily activities are within walking distance, reflecting broader lifestyle shifts toward convenience and walkability.
Looking Toward 2026
Peters is optimistic about the coming year, expecting lower interest rates to unlock both buyer and seller activity. Many homeowners who refinanced at rates in the high twos or low threes have been reluctant to sell, but Peters anticipates this will change as borrowing becomes more affordable. “More people are going to be prioritizing their lifestyle over just that dollar amount, because money will be more affordable again,” she predicts.
This could help ease inventory constraints, as more homeowners feel comfortable listing their properties and moving despite giving up favorable rates.
The Strategic Advantage of Local Expertise
The team’s success relies on combining high transaction volume with detailed local knowledge. “We’re in the top 1%, so almost every weekend, we’re seeing in real time, based on what it is we’re putting on the market, how buyers are responding,” Peters explains. This constant feedback allows them to advise clients accurately, distinguishing between national headlines and local trends that directly affect property values and demand.
“We’re able to educate our sellers by saying, here’s the national trends that don’t really apply to us. Here’s the hyperlocal trends that apply within three miles of your property or even within your neighborhood,” she says.
For real estate professionals seeking sustainable growth, Peters’ approach demonstrates that combining deep community engagement with professional expertise leads to both business success and lasting impact. Her team’s model shows how local involvement and a service mindset can drive results even in a competitive, fast-changing market.
