How The Marines Prepared Me For Mortgages and Real Estate – Kim Pfeiffer
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Kim Pfeiffer!
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 Kim Pfeiffer…
The conversation began with a fill-in-the-blank icebreaker on the key to success as a real estate agent and where the majority of her clients obtain. Kimberly introduces herself beyond her real estate career. She’s an adventurer and an explorer at heart, living life from one vacation to the next. Embracing change and seeking out new experiences are her trademarks, standing in stark contrast to those who avoid the unknown. Kimberly thrives on exploring novel places, meeting new people, and immersing herself in unfamiliar environments.
If she had the financial means, her life’s dream would be to see the entire world. For Kimberly, travel isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s a means to understand people, diverse cultures, and the reasons behind their actions. Her diverse community has taught her that comprehending the “why” behind people’s choices is vital. This understanding helps her make sense of things, offer comfort, and educate others about their decisions.
In her current market, Kimberly primarily operates in Genesee County, although it’s worth noting that Fenton, a city within the county, spans three different counties: Genesee, Oakland, and Livingston. Kimberly’s roots run deep in Genesee County, particularly in the city of Flint, where she was born and raised. Flint and Fenton are worlds apart, with Fenton boasting a slightly higher average home value due to its many lakes and rural character, while Flint offers more expressways and abundant shopping options.
Flint, in Kimberly’s assessment, has made significant progress in recent years and is currently experiencing a degree of prosperity it hasn’t seen in a long time, although challenges still lie ahead. Beyond Genesee County, there’s Oakland County, known for its higher property values, and Livingston County, characterized by its rural landscapes. Property values tend to rise as you move further south in Livingston County. In terms of affordability, Genesee County stands out, making it the preferred choice for first-time homebuyers and those working with budget constraints.
Kimberly’s path to becoming a realtor was paved with diverse sales experiences. However, upon returning to Michigan after her military service, she ventured into property management, a decision that would play a pivotal role in her career journey. She had always harbored a desire to work in real estate, regardless of her location. Yet, she was well aware of the importance of establishing herself and achieving financial stability before entering a field where success doesn’t happen overnight and financial security isn’t guaranteed.
Real estate is a profession that places all the responsibilities squarely on one’s shoulders, in contrast to many other careers. It’s not a field where one can simply jump in and expect immediate success, especially without financial preparation. Recognizing this, Kimberly embarked on her journey in property management, a strategic step that allowed her to lay the foundation required for her eventual career in real estate.
Kimberly’s passion for education and career development is undeniably intertwined with her role as a real estate broker and licensed mortgage originator. She firmly believes that continuous learning is the cornerstone of her success in these roles. Education not only makes her a more competent agent, loan officer, and broker but also reinforces the importance of practicing what she preaches.
In her experience, Kimberly observed that the state of Michigan sets a relatively low bar for obtaining a real estate license. The curriculum and requirements for licensure often do not align with the practical demands of the profession. Consequently, Kimberly has taken it upon herself to seek out the education and knowledge she needs to excel in her day-to-day work. She firmly rejects the notion of doing the bare minimum, a practice she believes undermines an agent’s ability to serve clients effectively.
When it comes to conflicts with opposing clients or agents, Kimberly emphasizes professionalism as her guiding principle. She shares an example from her experience as a broker, where an agent from another party engaged in a heated disagreement. The agent resorted to verbal abuse, bombarding Kimberly’s office with emails, texts, and calls.
In such challenging situations, Kimberly remains resolute in maintaining a professional demeanor. She ensures that all communication is thoroughly documented in writing, leaving no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation. In the real estate industry, meticulous attention to detail is an invaluable asset. Kimberly’s approach to conflicts is centered on professionalism and adherence to established procedures. By keeping interactions respectful and well-documented, she believes that even the most contentious disagreements can eventually lead to successful outcomes.
Kimberly’s unique combination of being both a licensed real estate broker and a licensed mortgage originator enables her to provide a holistic and comprehensive service to her clients. This dual expertise eliminates communication breakdowns, ensuring that clients receive consistent and accurate information throughout the complex process of buying or selling a home.
Regardless of the nature of a client’s question or needs that arise during a transaction, Kimberly serves as the ultimate resource. Her ability to seamlessly navigate both real estate and mortgage intricacies simplifies the process for her clients and enhances their experience. Kimberly also encourages other agents to consider obtaining a mortgage originator license, as it equips them with a broader skill set and ultimately makes them more effective agents.
Following that, Kimberly believes that the most challenging aspect of the real estate industry is navigating the constant ebb and flow of highs and lows. The industry has undergone substantial changes over the past decade, and she emphasizes the need for real estate professionals to evolve continually and improve themselves. Kimberly stresses that failing to adapt to these changes can leave you behind and hinder your ability to effectively serve clients. Real estate is inherently unpredictable, and the key is to handle these fluctuations effectively.
She recalls a specific incident that underscores this challenge. Over the years, Kimberly has witnessed significant shifts in the real estate market, including changes in pricing and buyer expectations. For instance, around 2019, it was common to buy a house at the asking price without many concessions. However, in 2020, everything changed dramatically, and the market has not returned to normal since. The current market features low inventory and high-interest rates, presenting a new set of challenges for both agents and clients.
The conversation wraps up with Kimberly drawing inspiration from an adage she learned during her time in the Marine Corps: “adapt and overcome.” This saying has had a profound impact on both her personal and professional perspectives. It underscores the idea that, while we cannot always control our circumstances or surroundings, we can control our response to them. This philosophy has shaped Kimberly’s approach to life and her career in real estate, instilling in her the resilience and adaptability needed to thrive in a constantly changing industry.
Check out Kim Pfeiffer:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnastasiaBeaverhausenUSMC
Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/MittenLifeRealty
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