Summary of "Real Talk Realtor with Kelly Scovel | Episode 60" on The David Greene Show
Introduction
In Episode 60 of Real Talk Real Estate with David Greene, host David Greene welcomes Kelly Scovel, a multifaceted real estate agent and investor based in rural New York. Kelly brings a wealth of experience in both real estate sales and investment, all while maintaining a balanced life as a full-time mom and wife. This episode delves into Kelly’s strategies for building a successful real estate business without sacrificing personal life, her approach to client relationships, and her insights into real estate investing.
Kelly Scovel’s Background
Kelly Scovel has carved out a niche in the New York real estate market by combining her roles as an agent, investor, and dedicated mother. With nine years in the industry, Kelly has not only excelled in real estate sales but also effectively manages her investment properties. Her broad experience is further complemented by her role as a guest host on the Real Estate Rock Stars podcast, showcasing her expertise and versatility in the field.
Notable Quote:
David Greene [00:56]: "Kelly has also guest hosted the Real Estate Rock Stars podcast… she is not the person that’s completely sold out, obsessed with doing nothing but work."
Balancing Family, Fitness, and Real Estate
Kelly emphasizes the importance of maintaining a harmonious balance between her professional and personal life. She intentionally structured her career to accommodate family time, allowing her to attend every field trip, baseball game, and football match. Additionally, Kelly integrates fitness into her routine, alternating between CrossFit and home gym workouts to stay physically and mentally fit.
Notable Quote:
Kelly Scovel [02:10]: "It’s been a conscious decision since before I even had kids… I want to have this balance where I get a lot of fulfillment for my career but also, I’m super focused on my family."
Building Business Through Sphere of Influence
Kelly attributes her impressive business growth—already wrapping up her 25th transaction in less than four months—to leveraging her sphere of influence rather than relying on traditional lead generation methods. By engaging in everyday activities such as attending school events, sponsoring local sports teams, and socializing at her local CrossFit gym, Kelly organically builds and nurtures relationships that lead to referrals.
Notable Quote:
Kelly Scovel [10:23]: "It’s 100% how I built my business. It’s been through my sphere from the get-go… being friendly and outgoing, it just kind of comes out."
Emphasizing Trust and Authenticity
A cornerstone of Kelly’s approach is building trust through authenticity. She avoids aggressive sales tactics and instead focuses on being genuinely helpful and present in her community. This authentic demeanor fosters trust, making clients feel comfortable and confident in her abilities.
Notable Quote:
Kelly Scovel [16:43]: "You have to be yourself. I would never, never… you cannot fake that because people can see right through it."
Operational Strategies and Systems
To manage her high volume of transactions, Kelly employs effective systems and leverages technology. She uses tools like Trello for task management and maintains consistent communication with her clients. Additionally, Kelly has outsourced certain tasks to a trusted assistant who helps manage both her sales and investment property operations, ensuring smooth and efficient workflows.
Notable Quote:
Kelly Scovel [39:41]: "We started using Trello for our team. That’s been a game changer with checklists that everybody has access to."
Managing a High Volume of Transactions
Kelly’s ability to handle numerous transactions simultaneously stems from her disciplined approach to organization and delegation. By personally managing client showings and relying on her assistant for transaction coordination and property management, Kelly ensures that each client receives personalized attention without overwhelming herself.
Notable Quote:
Kelly Scovel [19:44]: "I do have an assistant who helps me on both sides… prepping paperwork and stuff like that."
Handling Mistakes and Client Relationships
Acknowledging and owning mistakes is pivotal in Kelly’s client relationships. She believes in transparent communication, promptly informing clients of any issues and outlining steps to rectify them. This approach not only mitigates client anxiety but also reinforces trust and reliability.
Notable Quote:
Kelly Scovel [34:14]: "I own it. And they're like, oh, it’s no big deal… I just own it."
Real Estate Investing: Starting and Strategies
Kelly shares her journey into real estate investing, starting at age 22 with house hacking—living in one part of a property while renting out another. She advocates for starting small with multifamily properties, such as duplexes, to generate passive income and build wealth over time. Her investments have been strategically chosen to align with her real estate sales, allowing her to leverage both sides of the market effectively.
Notable Quote:
Kelly Scovel [41:16]: "We found a split level and could create a basement apartment… by the end of the first year, the rent was paying our entire mortgage, taxes, utilities."
Mindset Shift for Real Estate Professionals
Kelly and David discuss the importance of viewing oneself as a real estate professional rather than just an agent. This broader perspective encourages diversification within the industry—engaging in property management, investing, and commercial real estate—which not only stabilizes income during market fluctuations but also enhances overall expertise and service to clients.
Notable Quote:
David Greene [43:44]: "I think it's an amazing career when you figure out how to balance all of the things you want to do and you can pick up leads from just living your life."
Advice for New and Experienced Agents
Kelly offers actionable advice for both new and seasoned agents:
- Build and Nurture Your Sphere: Engage in community activities and maintain genuine relationships to generate referrals.
- Develop Systems: Utilize tools and checklists to manage tasks efficiently and reduce errors.
- Own Your Mistakes: Practice transparency and proactive communication to maintain client trust.
- Diversify Your Services: Explore various real estate avenues, such as investing and property management, to create multiple income streams.
- Be Authentic: Focus on being yourself and building trust rather than adopting gimmicks or aggressive sales tactics.
Notable Quote:
Kelly Scovel [28:43]: "If the market’s down, pick up deals that make sense as rentals, and if it’s up, make money selling houses… It’s how I feel."
Conclusion
Kelly Scovel exemplifies a balanced and strategic approach to real estate, combining personal integrity with professional diligence. Her success story underscores the value of building a business through authentic relationships, effective systems, and a multifaceted perspective on real estate. For agents seeking sustainable growth and personal fulfillment, Kelly’s insights offer a roadmap to achieving both professional success and a balanced personal life.
Notable Quote:
Kelly Scovel [40:26]: "It’s living my life by design… I have a thriving career. It is the vehicle to wealth."
Connect with Kelly Scovel:
- Instagram: Kelly Scovel
- Email: KellyScovel.RealEstate@gmail.com
Listen to More Episodes: Stay tuned and subscribe to Real Talk Real Estate with David Greene on platforms like YouTube and Spotify for more insightful discussions and expert advice.
This detailed summary captures the essence of Kelly Scovel's episode on The David Greene Show, providing valuable insights into balancing personal life with a thriving real estate career, the importance of authenticity, strategic business practices, and effective real estate investing.