Sarah Foley
Written by Kevin Green | Photos by Kenneth Baucum Photography
Sarah Foley’s journey into real estate was anything but conventional.
With a background that began in city planning, Foley worked for the City of Jenks for six years, gaining valuable experience in land use and construction by collaborating with developers and builders. Among them was Curt Roberts, who would later play a pivotal role in her transition into real estate.
Although Foley attended real estate school early in her career, she delayed getting her license, opting instead to join Shaw Homes in November 2018, where she spent two years honing her skills in new construction and sales.
In June 2020, Foley decided it was time to make the leap.
Reconnecting with Roberts, she joined McGraw Realtors®, bringing with her a unique skill set that bridged the gap between land use, construction, and home sales. Her comprehensive understanding of the building process and zoning regulations gave her a distinctive edge in the real estate market.
“I have a background in land use and construction,” Foley said. “Learning new construction and its sales side gave me a broader scope, so now I have this full-circle knowledge—I can do new construction, I can sell land, and I'm currently on the board of adjustments in Jenks. I do sell existing houses, too. I have a different wheelhouse, where I understand new construction and the build process better than some of the others.”
TRANSITION TO McGRAW
Foley’s move to McGraw Realtors® was smooth, thanks to an established support system that included Roberts, her first broker, Lindsey Schlomann, and McGraw’s President Bill McCollough.
This network provided Foley with the connections and mentorship needed to thrive in her new career. McGraw’s collaborative culture also offered opportunities for networking and community engagement, which Foley credits as key to her success.
“Between Curt, Bill, and Lindsey, I knew that was my place,” Foley said. “When I was at Shaw and I decided to get my real estate license, I already knew where I was going. I had a great support staff already willing to help me, and I went over to McGraw and took it from there.”
At McGraw, Foley hit the ground running.
She began by co-listing properties and hosting open houses every weekend. Her previous experience with land use and new construction allowed her to offer clients a comprehensive perspective on the buying and building process.
This approach not only helped Foley excel but also solidified her reputation as a client-focused agent who prioritizes finding the right fit for her buyers.
A PHILOSOPHY ROOTED IN SERVICE
Foley doesn’t consider herself a traditional salesperson.
Instead, she approaches real estate with a customer service mindset, focusing on building long-term relationships rather than chasing commissions. For her, the most rewarding aspect of the job is helping first-time homebuyers navigate the complexities of purchasing their first home.
Foley said she believes that genuine client satisfaction leads to repeat business and referrals, which she considers the backbone of her growing success.
“It’s customer service and helping people find what’s right for them,” Foley said. “You have to put yourself in other people’s shoes. I want to help them find the right house and what makes them happy. I don’t want to find whatever is going to make me the biggest paycheck. If someone is happy and pleased with you, they’re going to use you again, they’re going to refer you and they're going to want to spend time with you, and you're going to make a friend.”
In terms of metrics, Foley has consistently performed at a high level, selling $7 million in 2022 and $5 million in 2023. She is on track to match her 2023 performance this year, a testament to her dedication and the strong foundation she built at McGraw.
A LIFE FUELED BY FITNESS
Outside of real estate, Foley is deeply passionate about health and fitness.
Her mornings start with strength training sessions at the gym six days a week, a routine she adopted after a cycling accident in 2022 left her with a fractured collarbone. Pivoting from cardio-focused activities like running and cycling, Foley has embraced weightlifting as both a physical and mental outlet.
“It is kind of like therapy; it clears your head,” Foley said. “I’m a super-healthy person. Diet, exercise, strength training—anything to live longer and live stronger and have a high quality of life is where I'm at.”
Foley’s commitment to fitness extends beyond the gym. She maintains a disciplined diet, ensuring she consumes enough protein and calories to support her active lifestyle. She is proud of the physical transformation she’s achieved through strength training and is dedicated to continually improving her health.
“The strength training is rewarding because my body has changed,” Foley said. I've got the definition now and the angles, and I'm stronger now. Strength training prolongs your life, and it gives you that serotonin and dopamine that makes you feel better. I think the physical results are so much greater, and I actually burn more calories in strength training than I did running.”
This focus on fitness is also a family affair. Foley’s daughter, a college golfer at Northeastern State University, shares her commitment to staying active and pursuing excellence in sports.
A BALANCED FUTURE
As Foley reflects on her career and personal life, she credits much of her success to the mentors and community that have supported her along the way.
From her days at Jenks to her flourishing career at McGraw, Foley’s journey underscores the importance of hard work, adaptability, and a commitment to helping others. Looking ahead, Foley plans to continue balancing her thriving real estate business with her passion for health and fitness.
Whether she’s guiding first-time buyers to their dream home or perfecting her strength training routine, Foley’s dedication to being the best version of herself — both professionally and personally — is unwavering. With a proven track record, a strong support system, and an unrelenting drive, Foley continues to make her mark in the Tulsa-area real estate market.
“I’m just trying to be better every year—there’s no stopping,” Foley said. “What can I do to be better next year? I’ve got friends, family, word of mouth and referrals and a pretty diverse background.”
