8- Kelly Karls
In the latest episode of the "Small Business Bestie" podcast, Host Michelle catches up with Kelly Karls, an experienced real estate agent and broker. Kelly's journey into real estate started in the hustle and bustle of Chicago, inspired by the lucrative opportunities she saw in her early twenties. With her mother as a guiding force, she returned to Kentucky and made significant strides in local and neighboring real estate markets, including Florida.
Navigating the real estate market can feel like a tightrope walk. Kelly recalls the crazy demand surge during the COVID-19 pandemic, where resale properties saw competitive bidding wars, while new construction slowed down. Despite all this chaos, Kelly has an optimistic outlook. She says the market is stabilizing, which is great news for potential homebuyers. She's even predicting a couple more interest rate drops before the year ends, making things easier for first-time buyers.
But it's not just about buying and selling properties; real estate is a total emotional rollercoaster. Kelly shares how draining it can be, showing house after house and making multiple offers before finally landing a property. That's where the importance of a supportive, understanding realtor kicks in—someone who can help clients navigate the ups and downs of buying or selling a home.
Then there's the financial side of things. Kelly stresses how crucial it is to understand financial implications and tax obligations from the get-go. She recommends chatting with an accountant or CPA early on to dodge any tax troubles down the line. Plus, there are plenty of free resources from the Small Business Administration that can help during the initial setup. Trust her on this—being proactive about finances is way less stressful than fixing mistakes later.
For anyone considering a career in real estate, Kelly has some golden advice: find a mentor with lots of real-life experience and a solid track record. While formal qualifications matter, real-world knowledge can be more valuable. The profession demands you like people, enjoy a dynamic work environment, and stay self-motivated. Oh, and be ready for continuous learning—there's always something new to tackle in real estate.
Kelly’s entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop at real estate. She and her spouse own a CrossFit gym in Lexington, which they opened just as the pandemic hit. Smart timing, right? They took advantage of available commercial space and negotiated a sweet lease deal, making the best out of a tough situation.
Kelly’s entrepreneurial vibe even extends to her family. She proudly shares the story of her teenage daughter, who taught herself how to add fairy hair and turned it into a small business. She now offers this unique service at local gym events. It's proof that fostering entrepreneurial skills and creativity can start young.
As the chat winds down, Michelle and Kelly reflect on the importance of adaptability and optimism in the ever-changing real estate market. Michelle gives a big thanks to Kelly for spilling all her wisdom and hints at having her back on the podcast for future updates.
Before signing off, Michelle reminds listeners about her business and the "Small Business Bestie" podcast. She encourages everyone to stay connected, tune in to new episodes, and join her on this exciting journey of learning and growth.
All in all, being a successful realtor isn't just about sealing deals—it's about managing relationships, emotions, and finances skillfully. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned pro, Kelly Carls’ insights offer invaluable tips for navigating this challenging yet rewarding field.
Connect with Kelly IG: https://www.instagram.com/kbkarls?igsh=MXNyZW5ueXpoMTViZw==
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https://www.facebook.com/share/6LYzP2WJwjjRt5EW/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Check out CrossFit Conductor on Facebook:
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Online:
https://www.crossfitconductor.com/
Connect with Michelle on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/smallbusinessbesties
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