Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Kelley.
Rebecca, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve had a passion for residential design for as long as I can remember. Although I studied architecture in college, I quickly realized that becoming a licensed architect was not the career path I wished to pursue. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science of Architecture, but something was pulling me towards another aspect of the design industry. Since joining Keller Williams Realty as an independent real estate agent, I finally feel like my passion has been turned into my reality. Not only am I able to fulfill my dreams of being a residential real estate agent, but my background in design has truly framed my entire approach as a professional.
Since the housing market has been rising over the past few years, and a staggeringly high number of millennials still carry significant student loan debt, many first-time homebuyers can’t afford the type of home that they envision. Instead, they are left paying high rents while the current housing market continues to rise. What I’m able show clients is that they can purchase a starter home and turn it into something that more resembles their dream home, all while staying on budget. For sellers, I lean on my design background and expertise to appropriately prep and stage homes—this attention to detail ensures clients receive the highest price possible.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My road here has been somewhat difficult for me. I’ve always loved design and residential real estate, but for a long time I never knew precisely which direction I wanted to pursue. I finally decided that I needed to try my hand in real estate because by not trying at all, would be failing. I also think I’m quite self-disciplined and determined: two traits that have helped me to overcome my fears of failing and set clear goals of what I want to achieve in my life.
There’s also the constant challenge of working in the world of real estate because it’s a highly saturated industry. With such fierce competition in the marketplace, making myself stand out to potential clients is important.
Rebecca Kelley Realty, Keller Williams – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Working for Keller Williams has been great, because they have a variety of resources that agents can utilize and learn from. I went through an intense training and class schedule upon joining the Keller Williams community, and they continue to offer constant support to agents looking to expand their knowledge in any real estate category. I’m able to say that because of my training in design, I can offer something that some agents can’t; showing how I can differentiate myself from others in this field is important to me.
I am also proud of the demographic in which I specialize: first-time home buyers. For the past decade, the financial troubles of America’s young people have been at the forefront of the public conversation. Add Boston-area real estate prices into the mix, and it seems as though there is an impossible equation; however, that really is not the case. I pride myself on demonstrating to my clients that there is a path to home ownership for most budgets.
Perhaps more than anything, I also take pride in being myself. My interpersonal style tends to be a bit more direct than others; I often communicate my professional opinions as clearly and efficiently as possible. Some people may not like my straightforward approach, and that’s ok. What’s important is that you collaborate with a real estate agent that you trust and with whom you can comfortably talk.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment is always closing day for first time homebuyers, because being part of such a momentous life event for clients is significant for me. One’s home must be comfortable and welcoming; making the entire process a reality for someone who had previously only dreamt of owning a home is among the most satisfying occasions. There are many professions that are very obviously “helping” professions, but real estate is one that is more subtly rewarding. That I am able to assist others in achieving life milestones is the best part of the job.
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
The real estate market can be extremely unpredictable, so it’s important for me to try to stay as knowledgeable and ahead of the trends as possible. I’m interested to see how the future of technology will play into the world of real estate. An exciting development we’ve already encountered in the real estate world is the increasing transparency due to mobile media, which continues to grow. Everyone involved in a real estate transaction has benefited from being able to obtain crucial information at a rapid pace, and I think this will only continue to advance. By having access to more information, transactions will become progressively more streamlined, which has the potential to affect the closing process. In the near future, I hope to start executing e-closings through a quick, secure online process, thereby eliminating the need to meet for a closing at the nearest courthouse and spend an hour signing a stack of papers. I think by doing my part to master related technology and remain as current as possible, I can continue to provide extraordinary customer service to my clients and make the entirety of the process as easy for the consumer as possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rebeccakelleyrealty.com/
- Phone: 2079070797
- Email: rebecca.k@kw.com
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