Harley McGirk Discusses Country Living, Donut Shops & Real Estate
ALTOONA, PA -- Harley McGirk is an American realtor from Altoona, Pennsylvania. She's currently a realtor at Rail City Realty, LLC, while serving as one of the first to work at Parlor Doughnuts inside the Altoona location. McGirk made history in 2024 as the youngest realtor in Altoona and Blair County at 19 years old.
How did you get your start in the real estate industry?
"The biggest reason I wanted to get into the real estate market was because of my ability to help others. For me, the most rewarding part of the job is helping people achieve their dreams, whether it's a family buying their first home, or an investor finding the perfect property. It can be a very meaningful experience. Compared to other professions that require extensive degrees or training becoming a licensed real estate agent can be relatively quick and affordable. I wanted to go to college to play basketball, but didn’t want to waste any time, or money on going to college to learn a profession I wasn’t going to walk away with."
How have you been able to navigate the market?
"I’ve loved creating relationships with new people. A home is often a person's largest financial and emotional investment. Buyers form an opinion within the first few seconds of entering a property. The 'science' of selling involves creating an environment where a potential buyer can envision themselves living there. I've also developed my communication skills majorly, which was something I used to struggle with. A professional realtor maintains a polished image both in person and online. This includes dressing appropriately, having a clean car, and maintaining a professional social media presence. Every interaction from a showing to a text message is an opportunity to reinforce their credibility. The biggest pro about being a real estate agent is being rewarded for how hard you work."
We went through this one when you were a student-athlete. I already know how the "Midwest" gets down across the state. How’s life in Blair County?
"Growing up I had to work for everything. That was a crucial part of my life. I was constantly outside, exploring new places, and just overall exploring. I always loved watching shows like 'Fixer Upper', and others on HGTV with my family. Seeing the endless possibilities that came with working with properties in the area just ignited a spark in me. It's like it was meant to be. Altoona has lots of very different areas. I got lucky to be able to grow up in a rural area not surrounded by much. Just on the outskirts of town. I loved it and still do."
Your life has changed so much in the past two years. Growing into a young adult, talking on the real estate industry and now investing into other avenues. You also didn’t choose to pursue the college route, which is seen against the modern norm. Why did you choose to jump right into a career and forego college?
"This is a question that means a lot to me. Over the years, I think college has changed into a different type of environment. Kids my age feel the need to go to college to party, have fun, live their best life as they start to grow up. I just so happened to already have a background with attending the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center in Interior Design and Architecture. With having that knowledge from three years of attending there, I didn’t feel the need to learn more in college, or have any other distractions that held me back from achieving my dreams sooner. I felt prepared enough to start my journey and so I did. I also think that I am 'living my best life' without being in college. Instead, working a job that makes me the happiest I've ever been."
Parlor Doughnuts has made its way to the A. Fairly new joint as they were created in 2019. Talk about your experience at the Parlor?
"This is such a fun question. Yes, I am working full time at Parlor Doughnuts here in Altoona as well as being a realtor with Rail City Realty. I previously had met with the owner of Parlor prior to the grand opening. He also flips houses around the area, and I just seemed very interested in what he does since eventually I’d want to get into that later on in life. A few months had passed and I had officially started working with Rail City, which is in the same building as Parlor. My Broker, Rachel Wagner, who is absolutely fantastic by the way, got me and the owner (Brenden Goldizen) talking again. I decided that I would love working for him. It was the perfect time in my life for a change. I've now been working here for almost two months, and I haven't been happier. I love the teamwork that takes place here, as well as how in-touch with the community this place has been. It's been amazing being able to be recognized at local events for things that we do within the community."
Talk about nature and why it’s important for people to use the outdoors to shape their worldview:
"It's always good to get outside and navigate the real world. From meeting people face to face to being in tune with the world without having to have a phone in your hand. I think it's great for your mind and your health to step away from the negativity social media can bring to our world. To realize what we have in the 'now’. I think its harder living in the city having to be cooped up in a house, and not able to explore unless you travel somewhere by car. I was fortunate enough to grow up next to the woods, where my cousins and I were always outside. Finding something new to do all in our backyard. I think it’s shaped us into the people we are now. I’m very grateful for being able to live the way I have."
What has been the driving force in leading you to become the person you always dreamed of becoming?
"It's been a long road to get to the point even if I'm only 20. I honestly think I have been my biggest supporter. I haven’t let myself give up, I kept striving for what I wanted, and I got it. There are still so many more things I wish to achieve, but I am very happy with how much I have already achieved. I have met so many people who find it absolutely fascinating that I became a realtor at only 19 years old. It makes my heart happy realizing that I am at such a great point in my life, at such a young age, and people notice my hard work as well as support it."
Close to wrapping this up, but let’s think through this question. What do you see yourself accomplishing in the next five years? How do you visualize yourself?
"I think five years is a huge time span, so I think I'm going to put my limit to two. In two years, I will be living in my own house in the perfect area for me. I'm hoping of a lot of clients, sales, and to be fully transitioned into a full-time realtor. I don’t think this will be my future. I know it will be because when I want something, I work my butt off for it. I will always live by my hard work paying off."
Thank you Harley for taking the time to talk to me once again. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?
“Thank you for this Tyreese. You're doing so much with the rebrand and I love it. I'm proud, and have an answer for you. ‘We are not entitled to anything. We must earn what we want in life.’ From the late Charlie Kirk. I feel as though so many people in today’s world feel entitled to the, 'American dream'. The only issue is that it doesn’t get handed to you. You have to work hard for it and earn it. So keep working hard. It may not show off now, but it will when the time is right. Trust the process and keep striving."
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