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“A lot of people think being a REALTOR® is easy and you can make your own schedule. Being a good REALTOR® actually requires a lot of discipline and a hard working mentality.” Kelly Colley is a perfect example of how discipline and hard work pay off in the real estate industry. In Montgomery, Alabama, Kelly co-founded Alabama Homefinders, Inc. with her husband Robb, after being a licensed REALTOR® for only one year.
“I started in the real estate industry three and a half years ago. Back then I was a real estate secretary for an attorney. I also spent a few years as a mortgage broker. My husband encouraged me to go ahead and get licensed, and I finally did. My husband and I started Alabama Homefinders, Inc. three and a half years ago. We’ve been very fortunate and now have 13 agents/brokers in our office. It’s been a both challenging and rewarding to own Alabama Homefinders, Inc. Both me and my husband are young REALTORS®, so at times managing older agents can be a challenge.”
“As we were searching for website providers, we found iHOUSE®. It worked in conjunction with our MLS provider and we found both IDXPro® and iHOUSE to be easy to use and they didn’t require too much time to manage. Our site also comes up on top in online searches like Google.“ While they are currently advertising in two print publications, they plan on discontinuing those advertisements in favor of devoting more resources to online marketing, feeling that Internet sales are the wave of the future.
“As a young REALTOR®, Kelly enjoys being involved in the industry. She is an active member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® in Alabama, serving as Treasurer, and soon to be Vice President of Membership next year. For her dedication, she has been awarded the WCR REALTOR® of the year award. “Being a woman in the industry helps because we are sensitive to the needs of our clients. Women can also relate well with other women. I feel this industry allows no set backs for women, in fact, I feel men may have a harder time in this industry.”
Despite the national media’s focus on a grim housing market, Kelly disagrees. “Don’t listen to the media and get discouraged. They base much of their forecasts on national averages. In Montgomery, we have experienced a 5% growth rate.” By ignoring the media’s negativity, and continuing to push towards their goals, Kelly’s team has been able to consistently produce results – with over $22 million in sales last year.
Kelly’s iHOUSE real estate website has made it easy to create a hub of information for those interested in buying property in the Montgomery area. She credits her website with easy upkeep, making it easier for her to focus on helping her clients and developing leads. Throughout the holiday season, Alabama Homefinders are offering free weekend seminars on topics ranging from “How to Buy a Home” to “Real Estate Investing.” On average Kelly’s listings are on the market no more than 65 days. With her seller clients she has a special plan that helps her properties get sold in a timely manner. She calls it her secret weapon. By setting seller expectations and mapping out a clear plan with the home seller, she is able to consistently meet both seller expectations and her bottom line.
Kelly finds time to balance the demands of an active career with raising her three sons, Dalton, Pierce, and John Walker. Because her and her husband spend both work and home time together, they keep a healthy relationship by making sure to spend quality time together – taking drives and going on weekend getaways. She finds her passion in writing literature and poetry in which she expresses life experiences and emotions, and has been published in several local publications. She is also an avid follower of Robert Kioysaki and Donald Trump's books and “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”. She feels these books are inspiring and motivational for people trying to run their own successful business.
