Carter Abney

My name is Joshua Carter Abney, and I am from West Texas. My journey to Excel took many unexpected turns after graduating high school in 2019. After two years at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas, I took a leap of faith, stepping away from my plan to become a coach and teacher—something I had been certain about throughout my teen years. During a gap year with the World Race, my perspective on life expanded. It was on this journey that I heard about a small liberal arts college in North Carolina. I was drawn to its biblically based, Socratic learning method and close-knit community, which reminded me of what I had come to love about the World Race. At Excel, my desire to understand the Kingdom of God and live in community flourished. The Core Critical-Thinking curriculum immediately challenged me. Learning no longer felt like a burden but a pursuit of truth, leading to deep conversations that extended beyond the classroom. For the first time, I wasn’t just completing tasks—I was learning to better understand God, the world, and my place in it. Education became about flourishing rather than finishing. While I deeply enjoyed the Core, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to pursue as an apprenticeship. That changed when I helped my soon-to-be in-laws search for a home, which led me to real estate. Through Excel’s Practicum program, I gained hands-on experience in the field, learning how to navigate an ever-changing market. Real estate became the perfect outlet to apply my newfound perspective on life, engaging with families in such a crucial decision, and allowing me to further shape the assumptions and viewpoints that I had in life. Through the Core curriculum and my real estate practicum, I now feel incredibly equipped and empowered to embrace life’s challenges, knowing that both successes and lessons will shape my journey ahead.

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EDUCATION

Excel College, Black Mountain, NC

BA in Religious Studies, Integrated Economy, & Critical Thinking

Emphasis: Real Estate Development

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CERTIFICATIONS

NON-PROVISIONAL BROKER LICENSE - North Carolina Real Estate Commission: Date: April 23rd, 2024

• Represent Buyers & Sellers – Legally assist clients in buying, selling, and leasing real estate.
• Property Management – Manage rental properties, collect rent, and handle tenant relations.
• Manage Real Estate Transactions – Handle contracts, negotiations, and closings.
• Completion of the required 75 hour Pre-Licensing course and the 90 hour Post-Licensing course in National and State Real Estate Practice

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WORK EXPERIENCE & APPRENTICESHIPS

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT - Keller Williams Professions / Cottonwood Properties: February 2024 - Current

• Market Analysis
• Property Acquisition
• Buyer/Seller Relations
• Property Management
• Financial Literacy
• Vendor Relationships
• Regulatory Compliance
• Client Relations
• Network & Relationship Building
• CRM Systems
• MLS Input Proficiency
• Negotiation & Contract Law
• Due Diligence & Risk Management

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Excel College

Bachelor Degree in Religious Studies, Integrated Economy, and Critical Thinking

— Description of Excel College’s Degree Program —

By Economy (not Economics), we’re using one of the oldest and original meanings of the term derived from the Greek term oikonomia: stewardship, management of household affairs. Specifically, we are drawing from the theological concept of stewardship, leading to what the Greeks referred to as the Good Life — a virtuous life that fulfills our divinely created human nature. Using this definition of economy, our Bachelor degree has opened a pathway for students to integrate their faith into a customized emphasis.

Not confined to the classroom alone, our students are challenged and encouraged in 5 holistic pursuits (intellectual, spiritual, missional, practical, and professional) to become men and women who excel everywhere — in the classroom, home, church, work, community, and in their lives individually.

During the Practicum phase of Excel College, students continue to develop holistically, while concentrating on an emphasis that interests them personally. With the support and accountability of mentors and coaches, students design a customized learning experience that develops not only one-dimensional skills and experience according to set and relevant outcomes, but virtuous habits that lead them to become honest workers, family members, and citizens. In our model, we let the experts train our students on a basic skills level, while we equip them for a life of holistic flourishing.

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Becoming a Broker

Starting my real estate journey in April 2024, I knew I had a lot to learn. While pre-licensing coursework gave me the foundation in contracts, property law, and market principles. I quickly realized that knowledge alone wouldn’t make me successful. The real challenge was proving to myself and others that, despite being young and new to the industry, I could be someone homeowners trusted with one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. Real estate isn’t just about knowing the rules—it’s about guiding people through one of the most important and emotional transactions they will ever make. Early on, I often felt out of place. I was working alongside agents with years of experience, and I worried that clients would see me as unproven. In an industry built on relationships and trust, it felt intimidating to step into conversations with seasoned professionals and expect to be able to hold my own. I had to learn how to present myself with confidence, not by pretending to have all the answers but by demonstrating my commitment to serving my clients well. I made it a priority to study the market consistently, ask questions, and lean on mentors for guidance. Slowly, I realized that expertise isn’t just about time in the industry—it’s about preparation, effort, and how well you listen to your clients’ needs. Not sure what I would be able to accomplish in my first year, I was thrilled when I helped buyers purchase a house for the first time in August, just four months after getting my license. It was a huge confidence booster, but it also revealed how much I still had to learn. While negotiating my buyer’s offer was exciting, every step forward seemed to be followed by a new and unexpected twist. Inspections, financing delays, and last-minute negotiations tested my patience and problem-solving skills. I had to ensure every detail was accurate and quickly learned how critical it was to communicate effectively with lenders, attorneys, and other agents. Each challenge reinforced that real estate is about more than just closing deals—it’s about guiding people through uncertainty and helping them make informed decisions. Not long after, I secured my first listing for sellers, which felt like a major breakthrough. Pricing a home correctly, marketing it effectively, and negotiating on behalf of a seller’s best interests forced me to think strategically. I spent hours analyzing market data, preparing listing materials, and coordinating showings. While the process was nerve-wracking at times, seeing the transaction come together was incredibly rewarding. It showed me that even as a newer agent, I could provide value by being thorough, prepared, and committed to my clients’ success. Looking back, my first year wasn’t just about learning contracts or market trends—it was about growing into someone clients could trust. Overcoming self-doubt, building relationships, and proving that my dedication could outweigh my lack of experience shaped me into the agent I am today. I’ve come to see that trust isn’t given based on years in the business—it’s earned through integrity, hard work, and always putting the client first.

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Cultivating Relationships

In my journey as a real estate professional, I’ve realized that success isn’t just about transactions—it’s about relationships. The ability to grow a business is deeply connected to listening, resolving conflicts, and fostering meaningful connections. Over time, I’ve developed skills in business development, conflict resolution, active listening, and networking, each of which has shaped my professional life and my approach to serving others with integrity and purpose.

Growing a business requires more than just strategy; it requires trust. In real estate, clients aren’t just looking for a property—they’re making life-changing decisions. I’ve learned that desiring genuine interactions with people leads to lasting relationships and, ultimately, long-term success. I view this not as an equation, but as the natural overflow of reality in the Kingdom. Business development, at its core, is about stewardship—managing resources and relationships well. When we focus on serving others with honesty and excellence, growth naturally follows. Often in the most surprising ways.

Conflict is inevitable in any industry that deals with people. Whether it’s negotiations, contract misunderstandings, or client concerns, I’ve learned that handling conflict wisely strengthens trust. Active listening is the most important thing—not just hearing words but truly understanding concerns. When people feel heard, they are more open to solutions. Approaching challenges with patience and wisdom has turned difficult situations into opportunities for stronger relationships.

Success isn’t built alone. Real estate depends on these strong relationships—with clients, lenders, inspectors, and other professionals. Networking isn’t just about making connections; it’s about forming partnerships based on trust and shared values. When done sincerely, networking becomes more than a business tool, but a way of life that fosters flourishing in yourself and everywhere you go. When people are friends instead of numbers, blessing will always follow.

In all of this, I’ve found that the most rewarding moments come from serving others well. A business built on integrity and care will always outlast one focused on short-term success. Every interaction is an opportunity to be a good steward, bring peace, and build lasting relationships. In the end, true success is about living in and through our God-given identity, and choosing to see this same beautiful reality in everyone we meet.