Photos/Words by Logan Hall

Kelly Wiggins wears many hats in the Ojai Valley. Realtor, mother, philanthropist, community leader — one way or another she’s always on the go, making things happen and getting things done. 

Her combined family of six kids with her husband, Nordhoff High School varsity football head coach Lance Wiggins, would keep any parent on their toes. For Kelly, family responsibilities are just the beginning.

“I’m secretary of the board for the NHS Gridiron Club,” she said. “We help plan the football season and the events and activities that support the team and the school. During games you’ll find me either in the stands or the Gridiron booth.”

Along with her other ventures, football definitely keeps Kelly busy. The Wiggins have had four kids in the school’s football program over the years, and between Lance’s coaching and her extensive involvement with the team, there’s hardly a day off for the family during this time of year. 

“It’s hard during football season,” she said with a laugh. “We’re pretty much going at it seven days a week. There’s a lot going on considering that real estate is also a seven-day-a-week job!”

Her career as a Realtor complements her philanthropic roles in the community, which is clear in the way she describes working with her clients. 

“I love helping people,” she said. “When it comes to buying or selling a home, I really want to make them feel comfortable with the process and less stressed. It’s hard enough buying or selling your house, and most of the time this is the biggest investment of their life. I want them to know I’m there for them during the whole process. I want happy clients!”

Kelly sees her job as less of a salesperson and more of a real estate cupid of sorts: bringing people together with their ideal home or, in the case of sellers, their ideal buyer.

“I’m almost like a matchmaker,” she said. “For the buyers, I get busy to find the perfect fit with who they are and what they need and want in a home. For sellers, I target buyers who would best suit the home. Often times I’ll help someone sell their existing home and find their new home. It’s an amazing process when it all comes together.”

“With the market being more stable now,” she said, “it takes more than just putting a property into MLS and plopping the sign down in the yard. You really need to find the right buyer, and that’s what I specialize in.”

When not on the football field or helping people sell their properties, Kelly can be found working to beautify the valley at the Oak View Park and Resource Center, where she and a team of volunteers are concocting an ambitious community project. 

“I’m also the president of the nonprofit group Friends of the OVPARC,” she said. “We’ve got a huge project going to create a walking trail and outdoor exercise equipment area for everyone in the community to enjoy. In an effort to cut water expenses, we received a grant from the Casitas Municipal Water District and Waterwise to replace a large portion of the grass around the border of the playing fields. We will also put in some drought tolerant plants and a drip system. Now we get to save water and create a cool walking trail for the community.”   

In helping make a better place for all of us to live, Kelly is staying true to her roots in the area. Born and raised in Ventura County, she says the Ojai Valley has always held a special place with her.

“I grew up in east Ventura,” she said. “I always loved going up to Ojai though. When the opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the chance to move here!”

And the rest, as they say, is history. 

Check out Kelly’s website at askkel.com for more info on her work with Joe Kapp Real Estate.