Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Turk.
Hi Kelly, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I got started in real estate in 2020. In a time when so many people were making life changes; it was interesting that I found myself in this position at this time in my life. I had a very classical approach to the workforce. I went to college earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice in 2010. I proceeded to enter graduate school immediately after finishing my BA and graduated with a Masters of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2012 from the University of Northern Colorado.
I began my professional career in 2010 working with an organization called Rite of Passage. I’ve… never ever left. I remain employed with Rite of Passage as a Regional Compliance Director, overseeing several facilities for at-risk youth in three states. Helping at-risk youth is something I am truly passionate about; however, something always felt like it was missing. In 2020, I got divorced. I was quickly faced with the reality of being a single parent with a one-income household when I had been living for years on two incomes. If I’m being honest, I was also at a point of redefining myself and trying to find something I enjoyed outside of being a mother.
Something for me. I had talked with friends for YEARS about getting my license to practice real estate. There always seemed to be a reason why now “wasn’t the time.” Then I found myself at the precipice; needing to make life-altering decisions… so I jumped. I decided to pursue my license. In my first year, I have executed several successful deals and I have found a way to utilize my unique skill set to help friends, family, and community members achieve the dream of homeownership.
I love it and I never feel like I’m working. Reflecting back on it now; I’m thankful that I was forced into change. I may have never pursued this career path otherwise. Now having done so, I’m grateful for the challenges and the opportunities I have to serve others in this industry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think the road is ever smooth when you are starting your own business. Fortunately, I had several protective factors in my situation. I landed at a brokerage that nurtures their new agents. I had an excellent mentor and my best friend was also working at the same brokerage as me. Building my own business was not a strength of mine.
I have tons of skills, but convincing someone that I was the “right agent for them” was something that made me somewhat uncomfortable. To some degree it still does… in my career, I’ve always let my resume and my body of work speak for themselves. For the first time, I didn’t have that and I was having to make my own way again. Fortunately (again), I had several colleagues and friends who knew who I was, my work ethic, and how excellent I was in my current position, and they took a chance on me. Several of my first deals were done with my colleagues from my “full-time” job. For these opportunities, I have been endlessly grateful.
They helped me to practice, to build, and to hone my skills when I was “green.” There continue to be struggling now; but I have a huge support team that cheers me on along the way, including me. Something that I have learned is that you have to clap for yourself and celebrate your own successes because not everyone will understand the work it took to get to where you end up.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a real estate agent in the Denver metro area. I specialize in negotiations, I am very detail-oriented, organized, and extremely responsive. I focus on providing excellent customer service to my clients. I am accustomed to dealing with “youth in crisis” on a daily basis, so working with people through stressful situations is a skill I feel I possess and I am very strong in.
Responsivity and communication are also strengths of mine. People want to be updated and they want to know what is happening through every step of the experience. I can say that is part of my job that I enjoy. I am proud of all of my transactions. I think people I have worked with have felt extremely satisfied with the outcomes and I am helping them get closer to achieving their goals, whatever that looks like for them.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe in calculated and informed risks. Risks can yield great rewards at times, but can also produce significant consequences if entered into frivolously and uninformed. Sometimes, risks are necessary.
It was a risk to pursue my license, for example: Building your business is an investment. Financial and otherwise. Everyone worries about failure or if they can be successful. For me, if I am betting on myself to get something done, it’s a safe bet and I know I’ll produce every time.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.westandmainhomes.com/agent/kellyturk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.evans.9212
- Other: MyBaseGuide.com/installation/.Buckley-afb/business/kelly-turk-realtor/
Image Credits
Jackie Gragert Virtuance Photography
