Published September 9, 2025
This September, Moreland Properties marks a major milestone: 40 years serving the Austin real estate community.
Back in 1986, after building a solid career in real estate and fueled by a genuine love for Austin, founder Emily Moreland set out to create something lasting. Her vision was a brokerage built on professionalism, ethics, integrity, dependability, commitment, and hard work—principles she carried into every part of her life. Emily wasn't interested in simply closing deals; she wanted a company that formed real relationships and gave back to the community that meant so much to her.
The firm began modestly, as a small independent operation—a bold move at a time when few women owned real estate brokerages, let alone ran them. With just a small team of committed agents and staff, Emily built a company defined by a different philosophy: prioritizing people over scale, and service over speed.
Four years in, the company adopted the name Moreland Properties, officially launching a brand that would go on to become one of Central Texas's most well-regarded boutique brokerages. From those early days of two agents working out of one office, the firm has since grown to more than 100 agents serving Austin and the surrounding Hill Country.
Four decades later, that early leap of faith has proven itself through every kind of market—up and down. That staying power speaks to Moreland's adaptability, know-how, and unwavering dedication to the people it serves, both clients and agents. Yet the true measure of that growth was never in the numbers alone; it showed up in the relationships built with clients, agents, and the broader community.
Emily Moreland remains closely involved with the company today, serving as Chairman of the Board and attending weekly meetings at both offices. President Sarah Railey now oversees daily operations, continuing the same hands-on, excellence-focused leadership style Emily established from day one.
That leadership has preserved a company culture centered on genuine teamwork among agents, strong local market expertise, individualized client service, and a real commitment to the Austin community.
Community involvement remains central to who Moreland is—from backing local nonprofits to partnering with civic groups and cultural institutions. Emily has personally served on boards spanning the performing arts to economic development, reflecting a company-wide belief in helping Austin thrive.
As Moreland Properties marks 40 years in Austin real estate this September, the focus isn't only on the past—it's on how far that original vision has carried the company. The goal remains the same: to be more than a brokerage, but a trusted advisor, neighbor, and steward of the communities served.
From guiding first-time buyers through their first purchase, to helping experienced sellers navigate the market, to supporting agents as they build their own careers, Moreland Properties continues to shape Austin's neighborhoods with heart and integrity.
Happy 40th anniversary to Moreland Properties. Here's to the next 40 years of service, growth, and community.
As Emily Moreland would say—onward.
