An Interview with Virginia Todd, Realtor, Housing Families Board Member

Tell us a little about yourself! 

I’m a local realtor, mother to Vanessa and Victoria, dog mom to Max, and married 21 years to my husband Lyston. I love to travel, just missing the budget. I have lived all over the place but have been in Chelsea over 20 years.  

Tell us about how you originally got involved with Housing Families. What drove you
to partner with us?

I work for Leading Edge Real Estate and they decided a few years ago to pick just one organization to support. I was introduced to Housing Families at a company event. Housing families showed a video and one of the families that Housing families helped turned out to be a classmate of my daughter’s. I had no idea and it really moved me. You just never know what the person next to you may be going through.

What is a goal you have for Board service in 2025?

To be able to serve even more families and collaborate with other like minded organizations to bring the services they need.

As a real estate agent, what do you think is the most important thing to know about the housing needs in Massachusetts?

Housing is so unaffordable and inventory is so low, and the housing market is so competitive. It’s impossible for the average person to compete against cash buyers and investors; not all buyers are in the position to waive all contingencies. Luckily the state of MA voted to allow accessory dwelling units, which will help with zoning issues that previously bared building of more inventory in some markets.

What is a favorite Housing Families memory?

I always love the annual Legislative Breakfast. I love to hear real life experiences from the people we [the Board] serve. I also enjoy when we tour our shelters and the programs we serve. I feel we all should visit a shelter at least once.

How has the organization grown over the years you have been volunteering with us and serving on the Board?

The need has more then doubled, which is sad, but our organization has also grown to meet the demand and we have a wonderful, dedicated, and loving staff.

You are an exemplar for getting your employer and colleagues involved. Why do you think Leading Edge Real Estate team members continue to get excited about giving back to Housing Families?

I think Leading Edge and my fellow agents love being involved with something that is related to our industry. A lot of us became realtors to help serve people and help people realize their dreams of finding a home. As the saying goes, “home is where the heart is.” They see how it affects people’s lives to be able to have a home of their own. There is nothing like having housing security and we see the joy everyday with our clients when they close on a home. Everyone should be able to feel that joy of having a place they call home.

In your life outside of work and Board service, what brings you joy?

I love spending time with my family and my dog. I love going up to our place in Maine, just enjoying nature, relaxing, watching my dog being able to be free and run around, taking nice long walks, reading lots of books, and visiting with friends. I also love to travel.


What is one thing you want people to know about you?

I love collecting Starbucks mugs from all over the country and the world. I’m a little obsessed but it does bring me joy since I basically have everything I need: a roof over my head, a loving family, and a job that I love.