“Humans over houses”: Charis Moreno on why industry noise shouldn’t distract agents from what matters

As part of HousingWire’s Editor’s Choice awards spotlight series, we’re spotlighting past Women of Influence honorees whose careers, leadership and insights continue to influence the industry. This series offers a closer look at the experiences and decisions that have shaped their paths.

HousingWire spoke with Charis Moreno, Chief Revenue Officer at NextHome, about leadership, industry change and staying focused on people during uncertain times.

Moreno was recognized as a 2024 Women of Influence honoree for her leadership at NextHome, her expertise across real estate business models and franchising and her role in driving the company’s national growth while fostering a culture centered on collaboration, support and long-term success.

Women of Influence recognizes the leaders like Moreno making a meaningful impact across mortgage, real estate and homebuilding. Nominations for the 2026 Women of Influence awards are open now through May 31.

---

HousingWire: What’s one decision that changed the trajectory of your career?

Charis Moreno: Accepting a sales position on the REALTOR.com inside sales team. This position paid a salary of $60K, less than what I was making running a regionally based shoe company, but had variable compensation of triple what I was making. Sometimes in life, you have to take a step back to go forward. Bet on yourself and use fear as fuel.

My grandfather told me to never take a job for money. If it gets you excited, it’s something you believe in, and it’s not illegal, then go for it.

HW: Looking back, what experiences most prepared you for the leadership role you’re in today?

Charis Moreno: My childhood and growing up in a small town. From a young age, I always sought stability, discipline, and calm in the storm. No matter how hard it was or how impossible it seemed, there was always a better way through.

Real estate is full of dysfunction, change, chaos, and somehow, that’s exactly why the ones who win are the ones who stay disciplined, think clearly, and execute when everyone else is distracted.

In every role, I have always started from the bottom and left in a leadership position, leaving a place better than I found it. I love taking care of people, mostly the underdogs. The ones who do not believe in themself and inspire them.

HW: What are you most focused on right now within your organization?

Charis Moreno: I am most intent on keeping everyone focused on what they can control. We cannot control rates, inventory, prices, geopolitical drama, or what may happen next in the industry.

Life is hard, and life in real estate is harder, but if you know why you are doing it, then it should make all the outside noise irrelevant.

I remind our members that one of the greatest ways you can serve this country is by creating homeownership. What a gift it is to create generational wealth and provide the opportunity for someone to own a place of their own.

I believe if we remind ourselves of this and we keep humans over houses, then noise is just that, noise.

HW: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned that more people in this industry should understand?

Charis Moreno: Humility.

Our industry could use much more of this trait instead of leading with ego. This business was never intended to be about the REALTOR. It’s about the client.

The role of a REALTOR should be to educate, support, and provide clarity and confidence when situations get emotional and uncertain.

HW: What advice would you give to the next generation of women working toward senior leadership roles in housing?

Charis Moreno: Having balance is a lie and anyone who says otherwise is a liar. You cannot do it all, but you can still do it.

Determine what you are willing to sacrifice and what you are not willing to sacrifice.

You have to give yourself grace. Have grit and a lot of faith. Make sacrifices. Give support when you can, and take support when it is given. Create your village.

Make the effort to find and prioritize these things, and you can achieve everything you want and maybe, just maybe, create something special in the process.

Click here to nominate a 2026 Woman of Influence.