Shonda Oakley, Real Estate & Local Living

Shonda Oakley, Real Estate & Local Living Veteran Realtor & Property Manager serving Cumberland, Harnett & Hoke counties. Also a licensed life insurance agent, helping with estate/trust planning.

Message me 'GUIDE' — let's find the right move for your home and your future. 🏡💙 Hi, I’m Shonda Oakley, a Fayetteville & Fort Bragg area Realtor and Property Manager with Olive & Co. I focus on helping landlords and homeowners who are tired of managing rentals on their own or unsure if they should sell, rent, or hold. I work closely with military families, local owners, and small investors who want their homes managed with care, clear communication, and solid numbers behind every decision. With experience in real estate, property management, and as an Army veteran, I understand what it’s like to move often and still want your home taken care of while you’re away. My goal is to protect your property, reduce your stress, and help your rental perform like an investment, not a second job.

💬 Wondering what to do with your property or what it could rent for? Message me “OPTIONS” and we’ll walk through it together.
📍 Serving Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, Hope Mills, Raeford, and surrounding areas in Cumberland, Hoke & Harnett County.

09/23/2026

3 years in. 1st Realtor Rally😉

Longleaf Pine REALTORS

Made a mistake this week. Created a bill in Rentvine for a repair — except the owner had already paid the vendor directl...
09/19/2026

Made a mistake this week. Created a bill in Rentvine for a repair — except the owner had already paid the vendor directly. So the system charged him for something he'd already covered out of pocket.

Not a fun email to open. He was asking for his money back, and for a second I didn't know what to do.

I reached out to my broker-in-charge. While I was waiting to hear back, I also reached out to the handyman who did the work. He understood immediately and said he could send the refund right then. I got him the info he needed, and he sent the money back to the owner.

The owner was relieved and appreciative that it got fixed fast. I was just glad it got fixed at all.

😂😂🤣🤣🥲🥲Accurate or No??
09/18/2026

😂😂🤣🤣🥲🥲Accurate or No??

This week reminded me that property management isn't just answering calls when something breaks. Sometimes it's catching...
09/17/2026

This week reminded me that property management isn't just answering calls when something breaks. Sometimes it's catching the problem before the tenant even knows it's there.

I was out programming garage door remotes — a routine task — when I noticed the opener wasn't working right. Turned out the chain had come off because a gear and sprocket inside had broken.

That led to getting someone out to look at it, getting a second opinion when the first one didn't sit right, and getting it actually fixed.

None of that shows up on a maintenance report as anything dramatic. It's just the work. Checking things nobody asked you to check, because if you don't, it becomes a bigger problem later.

We all know and love our city, but I want to know your hidden gems.What is your absolute favorite spot to visit around t...
09/16/2026

We all know and love our city, but I want to know your hidden gems.

What is your absolute favorite spot to visit around town? Whether it’s a quiet walking trail at the Cape Fear River Trail, a cozy coffee shop, a great local restaurant, or a fun weekend hangout—drop your go-to spot in the comments below!

While I was out programming garage door remotes this week, I found the opener wasn't working right. Turned out the chain...
09/15/2026

While I was out programming garage door remotes this week, I found the opener wasn't working right. Turned out the chain had come off because a gear inside had broken.

A handyman looked at it and said it needed to be replaced.

Called an actual garage door company instead. They repaired it. Saved $400 versus replacing the whole unit.

🔆Lesson: not everyone who looks at a problem gives you the full picture. Sometimes it's worth calling the specialist before you assume the bigger, more expensive fix is the only option.

Thanks First Choice Garage Doors, Inc.

09/14/2026

This is the listing I picked up keys for and put the for lease sign in the yard on this week: 60 Cobblestone Dr in Spring Lake, Stone Cross subdivision, minutes from Fort Bragg.

4 bed, 3 bath, 2,300 sqft, $2,160/month. Main floor has the primary suite plus two more bedrooms, a great room with a fireplace, and a kitchen with granite counters and stainless appliances. Upstairs is a private 4th bedroom, full bath, and a bonus room — good setup for a guest space, in-laws, or a young adult who wants their own floor.

Fenced backyard, big back deck, 2-car garage. Pets welcome (dogs and cats). Available now.

If this fits what you're looking for, or you know someone PCSing into the area, the application link and details are up on our site: https://www.olivecopropertymanagement.com/pinehurst-homes-for-rent/1291/60-cobblestone-drive-spring-lake-nc-28390

09/13/2026

Started the week with a holiday, so Monday was rest. No apologies for that.

Then it turned into one of those weeks where I was out more than in. Checking on properties. Programming garage door remotes — which is how I found out one opener wasn't working right, so now that's getting fixed before it becomes a bigger problem. Picked up keys, put a for lease sign in a yard, drove out to Vass for a meeting at the brokerage, walked two investment properties with a new investor, and checked in on a listing where the owners already left for their new duty station.

Which is probably why yesterday and today felt so good. Actual rest — catching up on shows before all the new seasons hit in October, some light cleaning, switching out the Christmas tree decor for fall.

Full weeks and quiet weekends. Both count.

Early in my career, a client asked me to have their home professionally deep cleaned before move-in. I heard it, but I d...
09/05/2026

Early in my career, a client asked me to have their home professionally deep cleaned before move-in. I heard it, but I didn't really listen — I let it slide until the last minute, tried to find someone to do it, couldn't, and ended up cleaning it myself. Then they showed up earlier than expected, and I hadn't finished. I got a bad review out of it, and I deserved it. 😔

That stuck with me. If I had actually listened the first time, I'd have had plenty of time to get it done right.

Since then, I've learned to listen for what's underneath what people are saying, not just the words. A family that kept describing rooms as needing to feel defined, not open — traditional, separated spaces, not a big open layout. Someone who wanted a home with some age and character to it, not something that felt too new. A client who said she wasn't happy with some repairs — but what she was really telling me was that she didn't feel safe or comfortable in the house.

None of them said it plainly. I had to listen with intent to hear what wasn't being said. 👂

That's the real difference between an agent who checks boxes and one who actually hears you.

🎡The Cumberland County Fair opens today at the Crown Complex, running through September 13. Gates open at 5pm.This year'...
09/04/2026

🎡The Cumberland County Fair opens today at the Crown Complex, running through September 13. Gates open at 5pm.

This year's theme is "The Agricultural Express" — ten days of midway rides, livestock shows, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and all the classic fair food. Regular admission's $11, ride wristbands run $30/person, kids under 3 free. 💵

A few special days worth knowing about:
Sept 4 — Free Admission for Healthcare Workers
Sept 6 — Faith and Family Day
Sept 7 — Sensory Friendly Time, 1-3pm (limited rides, no music or lights)
Sept 8 — A Day of Giving
Sept 9 — BOGO Night
Sept 10 — $3 Thursday / Senior Night
Sept 11 — Military & First Responder Night (free for active & retired military and first responders with ID)

👉🏾Full schedule: cumberlandcountyfair.org

Anyone have a fair tradition — the ride you have to hit, or the food you wait all year for?

Address

109 E Maple Street
Vass, NC
28394

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm
Sunday 9am - 12pm

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