“The Secret Behind a $4M Rookie Year: Katie Kenny’s Unique Blend of Tradition & Innovation in Real Estate”
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Katie Kenny!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Katie Kenny…
Katie’s journey into real estate began after working at a construction company for three years during college. She was drawn to solving people’s problems and fell in love with the process. Inspired by her construction clients, who were often entrepreneurs, Katie decided to embark on an entrepreneurial path herself.
She anticipated that real estate would be challenging and was ready to put in the hard work. Despite setting high goals initially, Katie had to adjust her expectations after not meeting them in her first year. However, her spirits were lifted when she sold a house quickly after getting her license, exceeding her early expectations.
To build her client base, Katie offered to host open houses for other agents’ listings. She utilized social media, door knocking, and circle dialing to market these open houses. Providing additional value beyond showcasing the property proved key to attracting clients. Circle dialing, which involves contacting neighbors around a listing, became an effective method for Katie. She used specific scripts and tactics to engage neighbors, finding door knocking particularly successful in setting appointments.
Katie then observed that people were more responsive to in-person interactions, especially when door knocking. She noted that these interactions were valuable for building relationships without the pressure of a sales pitch. By showing up as a friend and having genuine conversations, she found she could connect more effectively than through phone calls.
Embracing social media, Katie tapped into platforms like TikTok to generate real estate leads. TikTok’s algorithm, which favors local content, allowed her to attract local viewers by discussing specific neighborhoods and posting home tours. The platform’s less curated nature enabled authentic connections with viewers, potentially leading to client leads.
Initially hesitant to reveal her age in the real estate business, Katie feared it would affect how others perceived her. However, embracing her youthful energy and personal brand led to more authentic and successful client relationships. She realized that her age brought unique advantages, such as energy and relatability, which she leveraged to build connections.
Katie focused on creating innovative and engaging content for social media. She aimed to entertain and educate her audience, sharing news about real estate fraud and other industry topics. Embracing authenticity, Katie found that being herself on social media platforms like TikTok fostered trust and connections with viewers. Her relatable and authentic content attracted a loyal and engaged audience, facilitating meaningful connections.
Reflecting on her lessons in real estate, Katie emphasized the importance of enjoying day-to-day interactions rather than just focusing on the outcome. She shifted her focus from commission checks to building better relationships. Recognizing the need for assistance, Katie realized the importance of delegation and brought on a transaction coordinator and an assistant to support her growing business.
One memorable client experience involved going the extra mile during a house transaction. Katie painted during an inspection to ensure a smooth FHA appraisal, building a close, familial relationship with her clients. Her professional goals include bringing on a licensed agent to her team and being the face of a new brokerage in the Chicagoland area. She also aims to achieve a specific number of transactions and has personal property investment goals.
In terms of real estate goals, Katie plans to buy a property for investment. She deliberates between flipping a property or buying one to live in for a year before renting it out. Katie is hesitant to discuss her goals before achieving them but plans to update on her decision later. Influenced by others documenting their flipping processes, she expresses interest in flipping properties and follows other realtors who share their experiences.
Looking forward to traveling more this year, Katie mentions trips to Jersey, Dallas for the Tom Ferry Summit, and her first trip to Vegas. She expresses excitement about traveling and taking time for herself, balancing her professional ambitions with personal well-being.
Check out Katie Kenny:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katiekenny.realestateagent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekatiekenny/?locale=kk-KZ
Website: https://thekatiekenny.com
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