University & Main Real Estate Group

Meet the Team

Real Estate Expertise Rooted in the New River Valley

We're Grant and Kelsey Irby, co-owners of University & Main Real Estate Group, brokered by Keller Williams New River Valley.

We help buyers, sellers, investors, and relocating professionals navigate the Blacksburg and New River Valley real estate market with clarity and confidence.

Before real estate, our careers took us through several major university communities across the country, including Oklahoma State, Purdue, UCF, the University of Texas, and Virginia Tech. That experience gave us a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by university employees, relocating families, and those building a life in a new community.

Today, we combine that perspective with a fiduciary approach, data-driven strategy, and deep local market expertise to help our clients make informed decisions and achieve exceptional results.

Grant Irby, CEO & Co-Owner
Kelsey Irby, COO & Co-Owner

Our Story

Built on Strategy, Service, and Community

Our path to real estate was shaped by years of experience in higher education, leadership, operations, and community engagement.

After living and working in multiple university communities across the country, we recognized something unique about Blacksburg and the New River Valley: it is a place where people build meaningful careers, raise families, and create lasting roots.

That perspective continues to shape how we serve clients today. Whether assisting a first-time buyer, advising a growing family, helping a Virginia Tech employee relocate, or representing the sale of a significant property, our focus remains the same: thoughtful guidance, strong advocacy, and exceptional execution.

Higher Education Foundation

Years spent working within major university communities across the country provided a deep understanding of relocation, recruitment, community integration, and the unique needs of faculty, staff, and university families.

Real Estate Excellence

University & Main has become one of the New River Valley's leading real estate groups, helping clients buy and sell across a wide range of property types while earning recognition for production, client service, and market expertise.

University & Main

The name reflects what makes this region unique: the intersection of Virginia Tech and the surrounding community. Our mission is to serve both with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to long-term relationships.

The Team

Two Professionals, One Mission

Every great client experience requires both strategy and execution. Grant and Kelsey bring complementary strengths that allow University & Main Real Estate Group to deliver both at a high level.

Grant Irby

Grant Irby

REALTOR®, M.S. — CEO & Co-Owner

Grant serves as the lead advisor and strategist for University & Main Real Estate Group. Known for his analytical approach and strong negotiation skills, he helps clients navigate complex decisions with confidence.

His experience spans residential homes, investment properties, land, new construction, and 1031 exchanges. Clients appreciate his ability to combine market data, strategic planning, and practical advice to create clear paths forward in even the most challenging situations.

B.S. & M.S. in Economics, Oklahoma State University

Ranked #1 in Keller Williams Southwest Virginia Region — Listings Sold Volume & Contracts Closed

Kelsey Irby

Kelsey Irby

REALTOR®, M.Ed. — COO & Co-Owner

Kelsey serves as Chief Operating Officer and oversees the systems, communication, and operational excellence that support every client experience.

Her background in higher education administration, marketing, and project coordination allows her to bring structure, consistency, and attention to detail to every transaction. From listing preparation and marketing execution to client communication and transaction oversight, Kelsey ensures every moving piece is handled with professionalism and care.

M.Ed., Higher Education Administration

Operations • Marketing • Client Experience

Our Values

What Sets Us Apart

True Fiduciaries

Your interests always come first. Every recommendation we make is designed to protect your goals, maximize your opportunities, and help you make informed decisions with confidence.

University Specialists

Our experience working within major university systems gives us uncommon insight into the needs of faculty, staff, administrators, graduate students, and relocating professionals. Few real estate groups are better positioned to serve those connected to Virginia Tech.

Data-Driven Strategy

We believe decisions should be informed by facts, not assumptions. Market data, trends, and local expertise guide every recommendation we make.

Professional & Approachable

We combine high-level expertise with a low-pressure approach. Clients receive honest advice, clear communication, and an experience that feels collaborative rather than transactional.

Proven Results

Our business has experienced significant growth because clients continue to trust us with one of life's most important financial decisions. Results matter, and so does how those results are achieved.

Relocation Expertise

From first introductions to long-term community integration, we help individuals and families confidently navigate relocation to Blacksburg and the New River Valley.

Local Content Creator

Educating the Community

We believe informed clients make better decisions. Through our YouTube channel, blog, and local market resources, we provide practical insights about housing, neighborhoods, development trends, relocation, and life throughout the New River Valley.

  • Neighborhood rankings and analysis
  • Market trends and housing landscape changes
  • New construction developments and reviews
  • Relocation guides for newcomers
  • Virginia Tech housing strategies for parents
YouTube Facebook Instagram

Latest on YouTube

  • Ranking The BEST & WORST Areas Near Blacksburg, VA
  • The Biggest Lies About Buying New Construction in Blacksburg
  • These Blacksburg Neighborhoods Will Explode in 2026
  • Best Places To Live Near Virginia Tech
  • I've Lived in Blacksburg, VA For 6 Years… My Honest Thoughts

Beyond the Transaction

Building Long-Term Relationships

Real estate is ultimately about people, not properties.

Many of our clients first come to us because they need help buying or selling a home. They stay connected because of the relationship that develops along the way.

Our goal is not simply to help with a single transaction. It's to become a trusted resource for our clients and their families as their housing needs evolve over time. Whether that means helping a first-time buyer purchase a home, assisting a growing family years later, or supporting a relocation to the New River Valley, we're committed to providing value long after closing day.

Let's Work Together

Ready to buy or sell in the New River Valley? Let's start with a no-pressure conversation about your goals.

Schedule a ConsultationCall (540) 391-0207