Mary Shelkey, Hometown Realty, Inc.

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Mary Shelkey, Hometown Realty, Inc. Broker/Owner/REALTOR® at Hometown Realty, Inc. | Bismarck | ND | Turning A House Into HOME

Mary Shelkey | Owner & Broker, Hometown Realty

Mary Shelkey has been a licensed real estate professional since 2008 and has dedicated her career to helping buyers, sellers, investors, and businesses achieve their real estate goals. After beginning her career with a large corporation, Mary founded Hometown Realty in 2013 and continues to serve as its owner, broker, and active selling agent. Throughout her career, Mary has worked with first-time homebuyers, move-up buyers, seniors seeking alternative housing, investors building their portfolios, and clients with commercial real estate needs. Her approach is simple: put the client first, provide honest and knowledgeable guidance, and work hard to achieve the best possible outcome. Mary has also been deeply involved in the REALTOR® community and professional leadership. She served on the Bismarck-Mandan Board of REALTORS® from 2012–2019, including as President in 2018. She later served as President of the North Dakota Association of REALTORS® in 2021. She has participated in numerous committees focused on professional development, government affairs, ethics, RPAC, and professional standards. At the national level, Mary has served on National Association of REALTORS® committees, including Professional Standards, and has attended NAR Legislative Meetings and conventions across the country. In 2019, Mary was honored as the Bismarck-Mandan REALTOR® of the Year for her commitment to her profession and clients. Today, Mary remains committed to continuous education and staying current on real estate rules, regulations, and industry trends so she can provide her clients with the knowledgeable, ethical, and personalized service they deserve.

Fresh paint, new flooring, and updated fixtures can make a renovated home feel immediately appealing. But when touring a...
10/16/2026

Fresh paint, new flooring, and updated fixtures can make a renovated home feel immediately appealing. But when touring an updated property, take a little extra time to look beyond the overall presentation.

Notice cabinetry alignment, flooring transitions, doors, trim, plumbing fixtures, outlets, and other finishing details. Ask when larger improvements were completed and whether documentation, warranties, or permits are available when applicable.

A renovation should improve how a home functions as much as how it looks. Understanding the quality and scope of the work can help you form a more complete impression before making a decision.

If an updated home has caught your attention, reach out and let’s talk about the questions worth asking before you move forward.

I love a beautiful kitchen, but I think the best designs do more than look good. They make everyday life easier.When pla...
10/15/2026

I love a beautiful kitchen, but I think the best designs do more than look good. They make everyday life easier.

When planning an update, think about how you actually use the room. Where do groceries land when you walk in? Is everyday cookware easy to reach? Is there enough task lighting for food preparation? Can people move comfortably through the space when someone is cooking?

Thoughtful storage, practical lighting, durable materials, and an efficient layout can make a kitchen more enjoyable without relying solely on appearance.

Whether you are planning a full renovation or a few smaller improvements, start with function and build the design around it.

If you could change one thing about your kitchen, what would it be? Let me know in the comments. And if a new kitchen is part of your next move, let’s connect.

10/14/2026

Found a home you love? Before making an offer, I encourage buyers to turn some of that excitement into information.

Start with four questions. How long has the property been on the market? Are there known issues or disclosures to review? What can comparable properties tell you about the local market? Which offer terms are most important for your particular situation?

The answers will not automatically tell you what to offer, but they can give you valuable context for a more informed conversation about your next move.
Buying a home is a major decision, and thoughtful questions are an important part of the process.

Save this Reel for your home search, and reach out when you are ready to discuss your next step.

A long home repair list can feel overwhelming, so I like to break it down into four categories: urgent, upcoming, routin...
10/13/2026

A long home repair list can feel overwhelming, so I like to break it down into four categories: urgent, upcoming, routine, and cosmetic.

Safety concerns and active problems, such as leaks or electrical issues, generally deserve prompt professional attention. Items showing significant wear may need to move higher on the list. Routine maintenance can be scheduled, while cosmetic preferences often offer more flexibility.

Prioritizing projects this way can make home maintenance feel much more manageable and help you focus on what needs attention first.

Take a walk through your home and create your own four-part list. If you are unsure about the condition or safety of something, contact an appropriately qualified professional for guidance.

A comfortable home is often shaped by the smaller details you interact with every day. Good lighting, functional storage...
10/12/2026

A comfortable home is often shaped by the smaller details you interact with every day. Good lighting, functional storage, comfortable room flow, and well-maintained finishes can have just as much impact as a major renovation.

As the season changes, it can be a good time to notice which areas of your home could use a little attention. Updating a light fixture, organizing an entryway, refreshing worn hardware, or improving a frequently used space can make everyday routines feel easier.

The goal does not always have to be a dramatic transformation. Thoughtful improvements can help a home feel more functional, cared for, and enjoyable throughout the year.

What’s one small update that would make your home work better for you? Let me know in the comments.

When preparing a property for sale, I encourage sellers to think about what a buyer experiences when they first walk thr...
10/11/2026

When preparing a property for sale, I encourage sellers to think about what a buyer experiences when they first walk through the door.

Reducing clutter, organizing visible storage, and giving each room a clear purpose can make it easier to appreciate the home itself. Let natural light in where possible and consider simplifying surfaces that feel crowded. These small adjustments can help highlight the space, layout, and features instead of distracting from them.

The goal is to give buyers enough visual breathing room to imagine their own routines and belongings in the space.

Preparing to list your home? Send me a message and let’s talk about which areas may deserve attention before it hits the market.

A change in season is a useful reminder to check the parts of your home that quietly work in the background.Consider ins...
10/10/2026

A change in season is a useful reminder to check the parts of your home that quietly work in the background.

Consider inspecting your HVAC filter, gutters, exterior drainage, windows, doors, and weather seals. Look at the roof from a safe vantage point for visible concerns, and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. It is also a good time to make note of minor maintenance issues that may have been easy to overlook.

Not every item will require a repair. A seasonal checkup is simply an opportunity to understand your home’s condition and identify anything that may need professional attention.

Add a home checkup to your weekend plans and create a simple list of items to monitor, maintain, or repair.

When someone asks me where to begin with a renovation, I like to start with one question: What would make this home work...
10/09/2026

When someone asks me where to begin with a renovation, I like to start with one question: What would make this home work better for everyday life?

Maybe the kitchen needs more functional storage. Perhaps the entryway needs a better place for shoes and bags. An underused room could become an office, guest room, or flexible family space. Improvements that solve everyday problems can often feel more meaningful than changes made purely for appearance.

Trends can provide plenty of inspiration, but your daily routine should help guide the final decisions.

Before starting your next project, identify the problem you want the renovation to solve. What’s one area of your home you’d love to make more functional? Let me know in the comments.

Your home’s exterior introduces the property before anyone steps through the front door. The good news is that improving...
10/08/2026

Your home’s exterior introduces the property before anyone steps through the front door. The good news is that improving curb appeal does not always require a major project.

Start with maintenance. Trim overgrown landscaping, clean walkways, remove debris, wash exterior surfaces where appropriate, and check that exterior lighting is working. Then consider simple visual updates such as refreshing the front door, updating house numbers, adding healthy plants, or replacing a worn welcome mat.

For sellers, these details can help create a cared-for first impression. For homeowners staying put, they can simply make coming home feel better.

Take a look at your home from the street. What’s the first thing you’d update? Let me know in the comments.

10/07/2026

Touring a home? I always recommend looking beyond the staging.

As you move through each room, focus on four things: natural light, storage, condition, and flow. Open closets and cabinets to understand the available storage. Notice how sunlight enters different rooms. Look for visible signs of wear or areas that may deserve a closer inspection. Finally, imagine yourself moving through the home during an ordinary day.

A showing is an opportunity to experience the property, not simply admire it. Take your time, observe, and ask questions.

Save this Reel before your next home tour, and if you are ready to start exploring properties, let’s connect.

Address

Bismarck, ND
58501

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17012581213

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