Today we’d like to introduce you to Deleigh Hermes.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Before real estate, I spent 15 years working as a photojournalist and adventure photographer. My passion has always been the land God gave us — being in the middle of nowhere, standing in an open field with nothing but the sound of the wind, is still one of my favorite places to be. As a sixth-generation Texan and cattle rancher, I truly believe land is in my blood. My family’s Bar Heart Ranch has been breeding Brahman cattle since the 1930s, and with my father spending the last 30 years in land and ranch real estate, transitioning into real estate felt like a natural next chapter. After years of traveling, I was ready to put down roots back home in Texas.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. I transitioned into real estate during one of the wildest markets we’ve ever seen in 2021. There were huge highs, difficult lulls, and a lot of uncertainty, but through all of it, I just kept building and learning.
Land and ranch real estate is also a tough space to break into because it’s still very male-dominated. I’ve had situations where I spent over a year helping clients, providing resources, education, and guidance, only to lose the deal at the last minute to someone who simply had more years in the business and a “good ol boy” as they put it. That can be discouraging, but it has also pushed me to work harder and know my craft inside and out.
At the end of the day, I know land, I understand the level of due diligence these properties require, and I know I bring real value to my clients. That confidence has been built through experience, persistence, and genuinely loving what I do.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m an independent agent specializing in land, ranch, and luxury real estate across Central Texas. I’ve jokingly started to call it the “Good Old Gals Network” — my own spin on the “good old boys club.” It actually came from a listing appointment where someone asked how I planned to market to the good old boys if I wasn’t one myself. I laughed and said, “I am the good old gal, and I know how to speak their language.”
What sets me apart is that I didn’t learn land and ranch real estate from a textbook — I grew up in it. As a sixth-generation Texan raised around ranching and cattle, I understand the lifestyle, the business, the people, and the level of due diligence these properties require. Whether it’s water, ag exemptions, access, wildlife, or long-term land value, I genuinely love helping clients understand what they’re buying and how to make smart decisions.
I’m also big on communication, relationships, and creating an experience clients actually enjoy. Looking at land should be exciting, and honestly, there’s nothing I love more than spending the day walking incredible properties with my clients and helping them find something meaningful.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to truly value my knowledge, experience, and time. My value goes far beyond simply opening doors — it’s in my understanding of land, the due diligence, my network of contacts and vendors, and my ability to help transactions move smoothly and efficiently.
Early on, I gave away too much of my time and expertise too freely, and I learned the hard way that not everyone values that unless they’re committed to working with you. Now, I understand that real estate counsel is valuable, especially in land and ranch transactions where there are so many moving parts. I’m always happy to educate and help people, but I’ve learned the importance of protecting my business and working with clients who truly see the value I bring to the table.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://deleighhermes.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deleigh.hermes.austintx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deleighhermes1/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deleighhermes/
- Twitter: https://x.com/HermesATX
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealDealATX
