Rising Stars: Meet Kelsey Wiley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Wiley. 

Hi Kelsey, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I worked in the flooring/new construction industry for about 10 years prior to getting my real estate license in 2021. Just before the pandemic in 2020, I started feeling extremely burnt out and I knew that I needed to make a change. About 6 months after the world shut down, I came across a job listing one day for apartment locators and the rest is history! I spent about a month going through my coursework while still working full-time as an essential worker in the office. It was a lot of late nights and tired mornings, but the day I passed my real estate exams I knew it was all more than worth it. I took the leap, I left my consistent Monday-Friday job for a 100% commission gig and after 2 years, I can confidentially say I regret NOTHING! I spent the first year focusing on locating only but the residential side was calling my name. I joined an amazing brokerage, The Realm Agency, that allowed me to expand my expertise from locating to residential + commercial sales/leases. Not only did I jump in headfirst and begin working with buyers immediately, I took advantage of every training or class that I could so I could sharpen my skills. To this day, I continue to expand my knowledge with these classes/trainings so I can be the absolute best resource for my clients in this ever-changing market. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t exactly been smooth! As with anything, change is hard. This was a change that I needed more than anything, but it was still difficult. I went from hardly any work/life balance to the most flexibility I’ve ever had in my life, but I knew that my pay was 100% reliant on how hard I worked and how many clients I came into contact with. In the beginning, I think I was scared to fail so I overworked myself for months on end. There’s a balance you have to learn: how to be as accessible as possible to your clients while also honoring your boundaries. It’s an art and if I’m being honest, it’s something I didn’t really land until I was about a year in. Another thing you have to learn is how to roll with the punches as the market ebbs and flows. Low-interest rates were exciting for buyers but also caused such a substantial competition that most people struggled to get under contract. On the flip side, with the interest rates increasing, some buyers got priced out of the market. As a real estate professional, you have to know the pulse of the market and how to navigate through it. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Realtor in the DFW market. I specialize in buying, selling, and leasing residential properties as well as finding my client’s dream apartment! I pride myself on a tailored experience for each and every person I come into contact with. I love to learn about my clients, their family, and their specific needs in their new home. From there, I work tirelessly to match them with the apartment/house of their dreams. 

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I think there are two things! First, my drive to never stop learning so I can be the best at what I do. Any chance I get, I’m taking continuing education classes or attending trainings that will take me to the next level. Second, I do everything possible to connect with people on a level where I can understand their needs and give them an experience that 100% personalized to them. I never want them to feel as if it’s just transactional. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.therealmagency.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwileydtx_/