PROPERTYSPARK INTERVIEWS: Kim Lee, Real Estate Agent

Born and raised in Vancouver, Kim has acquired vast knowledge of Vancouver’s complex real estate market. She specializes in residential real estate market, working with buyers and sellers in Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley regions.

 Vancouver, BC

Oakwyn Realty Downtown Ltd.

 kimlee.realestate|  kimlee.ca

What inspired you to start in real estate and how did you motivate yourself to keep going?

Growing up I moved a lot from one city to another. I never really understood why my mom kept moving and living in different homes every couple years. It wasn’t until I was older, my mom told me she flipped homes to support my sister and I. Since then I have been inspired by my single mom who supported her family through real estate investing. I started investing in real estate when I bought my first property at 24 years old and became a licensed real estate agent at 27 years old. I stay motivated by constantly learning about the market. Meeting new clients makes me excited as I know I will make a difference in their lives by helping them navigate one of life’s greatest milestones.

Comparing your business from back then to now, what has been the main thing that allowed you to expand your business?

Being a solo agent can get lonely when you only have yourself to bounce ideas off of and have encouragement when the season is slow. Being part of a great mastermind group and a supportive brokerage has allowed me to collaborate with other agents on how to grow together and support one another in business. Being in my second year of business, I have built better systems in place to help expand my business.

What’s the most profitable aspect of your business, why do you think this is and how can others apply this to what they are doing?

The most profitable aspect of the business is not closing deals, but most importantly building solid foundation and relationships with clients and fellow agents. Successfully closing deals for your clients involves great rapport and relationships with other agents.

When did you realize you were successful/made it and how did you feel/celebrate?

I am guilty of always striving for more and sometimes loose sight on all the little wins along the way. I tend to get caught up constantly chasing for what’s next that I don’t allow myself to celebrate my wins and when I achieve my goals. When I do reach my goal, that feeling of success is only short-lived before I desperately seek for what’s next. It wasn’t until the end of 2019 that I received Rookie of the Year Award from my brokerage and awarded Top 5% of all Realtors in Vancouver Greater area in my first year of being licensed that I realized how fortunate I was to have my clients’ trust and be able to help so many families transition into their new/first home. To me, being able to help individuals achieve financial freedom through real estate investing is the ultimate success.

Looking back, what could you have done sooner to get to that point quicker?

Looking back, I wish I overcome my resistance toward asking for help. I consider myself a pretty independent person, so asking questions was definitely outside of my comfort zone. But through this process, I adopted new ideas and was able to explore different options that expanded my opportunities. Naturally, the fear of failure with trying out new things came along with it, but I would try to see things that didn’t work out as lessons on how I can become a better agent.

What should other real estate entrepreneurs reading this be focusing on to expand their own business?

Never be afraid to try new things and fail. This is where you will learn and grow exponentially. There is so much business for everyone so do not think this is a competition. You are your own competition.

How has social media and online marketing affected your real estate business? How much more success have you had now after implementing social media and online marketing efforts?

Social media is a huge factor in growing my business. I do a lot of market update and educational videos for buyers and sellers. I truly believe social media is a platform that not only showcases your expertise, but also showcases your personality. It helps build rapport and trust with your audience.

How did you build your team?

I am a currently a solo agent, but looking to bring in an assistant in 2021. Currently it’s just myself and my dog (who carpools and comes to showings with me).

Did You Experience Failures? If So, What Did You Learn From Them?

Yes! I would lie if I said I did not. Majority of people think being a Realtor is an easy job. There’s a huge learning curve with a lot of failures and hurdles (just like in any industry). Through each failure, I learn to always get back up and keep trying and trying. A lot agents tend to give up within the first 1-3 years. Failure has a negative connotation, but I see it as learning, growing and practice.

What do you consider the main differences between those people who have been successful in your industry and those who have failed?

I truly believe the difference is, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” and when the going gets tough a lot of people throw in the towel, despite all the hard work they have invested. Real Estate is truly a tenacious industry and being resilient during such a trying time, especially during a pandemic, is the main difference that separates those who and who will not succeed in this industry.

What’s Your Approach To Marketing?

All online and social media! A lot of social media platforms are free and almost everyone has at least one platform of social media.