Today we’d like to introduce you to Lavotia Mckenzie.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Before I ever considered real estate, I knew I needed to change my financial situation—starting with my credit. I dove deep into researching credit, learning how to repair it, and educating myself on how it truly impacts every area of life. As I applied what I learned, I began helping those around me do the same. We were all on a journey to financial freedom, together.
In 2022, I stepped into real estate with a determination that wouldn’t let me fail. Within just a few weeks of being licensed, I had my first client under contract. That moment confirmed what I already felt—real estate would be a gateway, not just for me, but for the lives I would help change.
In 2024, I became licensed in Florida as well. I’m originally from Miami, and I wanted to serve my people back home. A large part of my client base is from Florida, and dual licensing gave me the ability to support them fully.
Now, as both a credit coach and a licensed realtor in Georgia and Florida, I offer my clients a powerful two-for-one. I guide them through improving their credit while also walking them through the entire homebuying process from start to finish. My background in service-based industries like healthcare gave me the foundation to lead with heart, and my transition into entrepreneurship gave me the freedom to make a bigger impact.
I’ve always known I was meant to do something different—something that would break cycles and open doors for others. Real estate and credit education became my way to do just that.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. The road has had plenty of bumps—life happened, setbacks happened, and even loss happened. When I was preparing to take my Georgia real estate exam, I faced one of the most difficult moments of my life. A major personal loss almost stopped me in my tracks. I didn’t pass the exam the first time, but I refused to let that defeat me. I kept going until I passed—period.
That same mindset has carried me through my real estate career. Things don’t always go as planned, but I’ve learned to adjust my route without changing the goal. I’ve faced discouragement, uncertainty, and pressure, but I never let it take my vision away.
I stayed focused on what matters: helping my community, showing people that financial freedom is possible, and making homeownership feel real and attainable—especially for first-time buyers who never thought it was within reach.
As you know, we’re big fans of Lavotia Realty Group my real estate brand, where I serve clients as a licensed agent in both Georgia and Florida. / LM Advisory Group – my credit repair and financial coaching business, focused on credit restoration, mortgage prep, and helping clients nationwide improve their financial standing.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m known as both a licensed real estate agent and a credit coach, proudly serving clients in Georgia and Florida—but my reach goes far beyond that. I’ve helped credit clients in all 50 states, including cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, and throughout Virginia. My mission is to make credit education and homeownership achievable no matter where you’re located.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just help people buy homes—I help them get in position to buy homes. Through my mortgage prep and credit coaching program, I’ve helped over 50+ clients boost their credit scores into the 700s, and more than 20 clients transition from renters to first-time homeowners.
My services go deeper than basic credit repair. I offer a full mortgage prep program that includes dispute strategies, financial goal setting, timelines, personalized action plans, and checklists to help clients become truly ready to purchase. Whether someone needs collections deleted or guidance on managing their credit usage, I walk them through every step.
I specialize in first-time homebuyers and everyday working families—especially those who never thought homeownership was within reach. I’ve helped many clients close on homes with as little as $0 down, and I equip them with the tools to build lasting financial stability.
I’m proud of the brand I’ve built—one based on results, relationships, and real impact. As a Georgia-based businesswoman with Florida roots, I’m honored to help change lives one credit score and one set of house keys at a time.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, I see major shifts in both the real estate and credit industries—and I plan to be leading at the forefront of it all. I’m working toward becoming one of the top agents in both Georgia and Florida, with a strong focus on luxury real estate—without limiting myself to any specific price point. My vision is to represent clients at every level, from first-time buyers to high-end investors, while continuing to educate and empower along the way.
I also see a growing demand for financial literacy, especially in underserved communities. More people are realizing that financial freedom begins with credit, savings, and the right guidance—and that’s where I come in. I plan to expand my role as not just a credit coach, but a mentor and educator, helping to break generational financial cycles and set new standards for wealth and ownership.
Technology, remote work, and creative financing options will change how people buy homes—and I’ll be ready. I want to launch digital tools, programs, and even in-person workshops to keep up with those trends and ensure my clients are always a step ahead.
I’m not just building a business—I’m building a movement centered around ownership, education, and elevation. The industry will evolve, and so will I—but my mission will remain the same: to help people win financially and walk through the doors they never thought possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Lavotiatherealtor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/votiatherealtor
Image Credits
Jasmine (Jlavii Photography)
