Kelly McBride Wood with Stable Properties
Kelly McBride Wood has become one of the most respected names in Central Coast real estate. She feels that being a Realtor is about helping people find their place in the world. A fourth-generation San Luis Obispo County native, Kelly’s connection to home runs as deep as her roots. “I’ve always loved making things beautiful,” she recalls with a smile. “Even as a kid, I wanted to create spaces that made people feel something.” That instinct surfaced early, at just ten years old, she entered the cake-decorating contest at the Mid-State Fair. It was a small act of creativity that ignited a lifelong passion for design and craftsmanship. Years later, that passion evolved into a career, not just in design, but in helping others navigate one of life’s biggest and most emotional investments: buying and selling a home. “Real estate, for me, was the perfect intersection of creativity and connection,” she explains. “I love helping people see potential, not just in a property, but in the life they can build there.” That blend of artistry and strategy became Kelly’s signature. Over two decades, she has built a reputation for her ability to reimagine spaces, stage homes to perfection, and guide clients with calm confidence. Her results speak for themselves: more than $500 million in career sales, and recognition by RealTrends among the top one percent of real estate professionals both locally and nationally.
Perhaps Kelly's proudest achievement came in 2022, when she brought her family into the business she loves. Alongside her daughter, Jane Karney, and son-in-law, Lane Karney, she founded Stable Properties, a Paso Robles–based firm grounded in trust, creativity, and care, and supported by the #1 Brokerage in California, Side, Inc. “We wanted to create something that felt like home,” says Jane. “Our name, Stable, represents that idea of strength, balance, and family. It’s not just about properties; it’s about people.” The partnership has flourished. In just a few years, Stable Properties has become the #1 RealTrends-ranked small real estate team in Paso Robles, known for its boutique approach and refined eye for detail. Clients praise the team’s warmth and professionalism, as well as their seamless integration of design and real estate expertise. That design sensibility comes to life through Stable Home, the family’s in-house staging and design company, which ultimately creates homes that sell fast and for a higher amount. "Our last two listings broke neighborhood records for price," Kelly proudly mentions. Every property they represent is given a custom touch, from layout and lighting to texture and tone, ensuring that each home tells its story beautifully. “Design is how we connect emotionally to a space,” Kelly says. “It’s not just about décor, it’s about creating a feeling of belonging. When buyers walk in and instantly imagine themselves there, that’s the magic.” As Stable Properties continues to grow, Kelly remains rooted in the same values that sparked her career all those years ago...creativity, community, and care. Her story is one of legacy and love: of family, of home, and of the Central Coast itself. “I’ve spent my life helping people fall in love with where they live,” she says. “And that’s really what Stable is about, creating something lasting, something beautiful, and something that feels like home.”