Meet Kelso Homes
Dedication. Expertise. Care.
Our passion is helping clients thrive where they live.
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Whether you need more space for a growing family or feel ready to say goodbye to a home filled with years of memories, our team is here to walk with you through every step of the journey. We meet you wherever you are, explain your options clearly, and assist with every part of your move.
We understand how complex and stressful moving can feel. Our work is not finished until you are comfortably settled in your new home.
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Broker & Owner
LAURA KELSO
Laura brings more than a decade of experience in real estate, combining business expertise with a passion for serving clients in meaningful ways. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Business from Michigan State University in 1992, she became Michigan’s first Certified Senior Housing Professional and later earned her broker’s license in 2019. In 2024, she launched her own brokerage specializing in helping mature clients navigate the challenges of later-life moves, and in 2025 she added the designation of Certified Senior Downsizing Coach.
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Laura created Kelso Homes with a clear purpose: to serve older clients through a personalized,
all-inclusive approach that goes far beyond selling homes. She believes every move represents a major life transition, and she is passionate about walking alongside her clients to make that process smoother and more hopeful.
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A respected voice in her field, Laura created the GR Savvy Senior Learning Series, has been a multi-year speaker at the GVSU Art and Science of Aging Conference, and has been featured on Wood TV’s eightWest and AARP’s Real Possibilities TV show. She also serves her community as a member of the Senior Advisory Council and the Professional Standards Committee for the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors, and recently completed six years on the board of Home Repair Services.
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Outside of real estate, Laura enjoys reading, hiking, kayaking, and spending time outdoor, especially near the water. She and her husband Mark have been married for 30 years and love traveling, catching live music, and cheering on Michigan State football. Their family of five proudly shares Spartan roots, with their youngest currently studying engineering at MSU.
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Realtor
CHERIE CHESNER
Cherie earned her BA in Community Development and Retail Management from Central Michigan University and holds both SRES and MAP Masters of Agent Principles certifications. With eight years of experience in real estate, she loves serving as an advocate and guide for her clients at Kelso Homes, drawn to the team’s mission and focus on seniors. She is also a member of Women of Habitat with Habitat for Humanity West Michigan.
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Realtor
NANCI LUBINSKI
Nanci brings years of experience in real estate, beginning in 1992 when she worked for a custom home builder before transitioning to help clients as a realtor. She joined Kelso Homes after working alongside Laura Kelso at another real estate company and was excited to be part of a team focused on serving the Lakeshore community. Nanci is motivated by helping people achieve their goals in buying or selling, exploring beautiful homes and their architecture, and building lasting relationships with her clients.
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Operations Manager
STEPHANIE ALLAIRE
Stephanie comes to the team with a background in hospice care and a passion for serving seniors in a meaningful and uplifting way. She is motivated by making a positive difference in people’s lives, whether by offering guidance, answering questions, or sharing a smile. Guided by her family’s motto, “Saved to Serve,” she looks for ways to help anyone she meets. Stephanie has her Real Estate Certification to further support the clients she serves.