From the Car Business to Real Estate: Kayla McCormick's Journey
Welcome back to another insightful episode of The Lofty Lender! I’m Kyle Guldenpfennig, also known as the #TallMoneyMan, with Midwest Family Lending Mortgage Lender. This week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kayla McCormick from Weichert Realty 515 Group. Kayla's journey from the car business to becoming a top real estate agent is nothing short of inspiring. Let's dive into the highlights of our conversation.
A Small Town Start and a Collegiate Golfer
Kayla hails from Odebolt, a small town in northwest Iowa. She attended Simpson College in Indianola, majoring in Exercise Science while playing collegiate golf. Despite her initial career path, Kayla found herself gravitating towards the car business, driven by her love for Wranglers.
Transitioning from Cars to Real Estate
After spending nearly 12 years in the auto industry, primarily as the Director of Finance, Kayla and her husband decided it was time for a change. They moved back to Iowa and embarked on a new journey in real estate. Within her first year, Kayla achieved the Top Agent of the Year Award at her brokerage, a testament to her dedication and hard work.
The Challenges and Rewards of Real Estate
Kayla candidly shared that while real estate involves long hours, the work is incredibly fulfilling. Unlike her time in the auto industry, real estate never feels like a chore. She enjoys helping families find their dream homes and is constantly motivated by the dynamic nature of the industry.
Influence of Family and Personal Interests
Kayla's entrepreneurial spirit is influenced by her parents, who are hardworking business owners. Her father runs a welding shop, and her mother manages the books for the company. This background instilled in Kayla a strong work ethic and a passion for business.
Outside of work, Kayla loves animals, comedies, the hot summer sun, and exploring new eateries and breweries with her husband. Golf remains a beloved hobby, though she now prefers to relax by the pool when the temperature rises above 80 degrees.
Future Goals and Aspirations
Kayla aims to help 52 families a year and plans to obtain her broker's license. Her long-term goal is to run a small brokerage with 5-7 team members. Her dedication to her clients and her drive to excel make her a standout in the real estate industry.
The Importance of Exclusive Buyer Agreements
During our conversation, we discussed the importance of signing an exclusive buyer agreement in today’s competitive real estate market. Kayla emphasized that these agreements provide transparency and clarify the obligations of both the realtor and the buyer. This ensures that both parties are committed and that buyers receive the best possible service.
Key Benefits of Exclusive Buyer Agreements:
Transparency: Clear terms and conditions upfront.
Obligations: Defined roles and responsibilities for both realtor and buyer.
Commission: Understanding how the realtor is compensated.
For anyone considering buying a home, understanding these benefits is crucial. If you have any questions or need more information, Kayla is always available to help.
Connect with Kayla McCormick
Feel free to reach out to Kayla for any of your real estate needs. You can call or text her at 515-717-7680. Follow her on Facebook at McCormick Team 515 Realtors and on Instagram at @mccormickteam515.
Listen to The Lofty Lender Podcast
Don't miss out on more engaging conversations and insights from industry experts. Search for The Lofty Lender with #TallMoneyMan wherever fine podcasts are downloaded. Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends to help us bring you more exciting guests.
Thank you for tuning in, and stay curious. See you next week on The Lofty Lender!