Rachel Close
Written by Zachary Cohen | Photos by Lily Chris Photography
For Tulsa real estate agent Rachel Close, success isn't just about closing deals or achieving high sales numbers—it's about purpose, perseverance, and making a meaningful impact on her community and family. Her journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, has led her to a career centered on helping others.
Rachel's life began with adversity. Born with a rare skin disorder, she spent the first few weeks of her life in the ICU, fighting for her health. "I started off life with a challenge, and overcoming challenges is a big part of my story," Rachel shares.
This early experience shaped her outlook on life, teaching her the value of perseverance and strength. It also laid the foundation for how she approaches her life—seeing challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to grow and succeed.
A Shift to Real Estate
Rachel grew up in Midtown Tulsa and Claremore before settling in South Tulsa as an adult. After graduating from Oologah-Talala High School, she earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing and finance from Oklahoma State University while working full-time.
Graduating during the 2008 economic crash meant job opportunities were scarce. While bartending and working as a professional photographer on the weekends, Rachel worked at the front desk of a well-established orthodontic practice. Over the next 13 years, she worked her way up to managing the entire practice, overseeing five locations, dozens of employees, and a high volume of patients.
"I learned so much during that time—communication, time management, contracts, sales, marketing, and managing people. That experience, along with the brilliant business mindset, mentorship, and now great friendship of the orthodontist, Dr. Robert Herman, set me up for success in real estate," Rachel explains.
Her transition into real estate began in 2018 when she sold one of the homes her husband had flipped. "That was my 'a-ha' moment," she says. "I loved the challenge, the negotiations, and the joy of connecting a family to their new home. I realized this was what I wanted to do as a new career."
Building a Thriving Real Estate Business
Rachel initially juggled her real estate career with her role at the orthodontic practice. From 2018 to 2020, she was hustling and grinding in both jobs. “But eventually, something had to give," she says.
In March 2020, just days before the world shut down due to the pandemic, Rachel found out she was pregnant. She gave her three months' notice at the orthodontic office and transitioned to real estate full-time. Since then, Rachel has built a thriving business as a solo agent with McGraw Realtors, a local brokerage she deeply admires.
Despite being a solo agent, Rachel's production is comparable to that of many teams. "Clients feel comfortable with me because I educate them on the process, and they can trust me as I guide them to closing, keeping their best interests at top of mind—always," she says. "I’m also a high-touch communicator—I keep things fun and professional while very accessible."
In 2023, Rachel earned her broker’s license, marking a significant milestone in her career. "I feel like I’m just getting started," she says. "The future looks challenging, exciting, and bright. I’ve also started leading real estate classes and agent collaborations within McGraw Realtors, which is something I’m passionate about."
Family First
Family is at the heart of everything Rachel does. She and her husband, Aaron, are proud parents of five children: Jackson (17), Reid (16), Joey (11), Reagan (8), and Mabry (4). Their family story is unique and inspiring.
In October 2012, when Rachel was five months pregnant with their first child, Aaron's brother passed away, leaving behind two young sons. Without hesitation, Rachel and Aaron stepped in to care for their nephews, who were just three and five years old at the time.
"They came from a difficult situation—a home affected by addiction. We knew they needed stability and love," Rachel recalls. "We adopted them and quickly realized we needed them just as much as they needed us. With lots of care and support, we got them healthy, and now they are thriving."
Rachel is passionate about advocating for children who need stable, loving homes and raising awareness about the impact of addiction on families. "Addiction is rampant, and a lot of people don't talk about it. I like to be an advocate for the children who need love, care, and stability," she says.
Outside of work, Rachel's life revolves around her family and community. Her husband, Aaron, is a contractor, coppersmith, and house flipper, and together, they manage an art deco-themed Airbnb in Tulsa.
"We live at the football stadium and the soccer fields," Rachel jokes, reflecting on her children’s active schedules. The family is also deeply involved in their church, First Baptist in Downtown Tulsa, and they make it a priority to take an annual trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico, to unplug and reconnect.
Rachel’s commitment to community extends beyond her family, friends, and clients. She believes in leaving a legacy—a lesson she learned from her grandparents. "They instilled in me the importance of treating everyone with kindness and grace. I hope I leave that impression on others," she says.
