Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Haynes.
Kristin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The journey to where I am now, which is living and walking in my purpose, has been a long one.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, living most of my life there, except for the four years I spent at Spelman College. Professionally, I have over 20 years of combined experience in education, governmental budget and finance, nonprofit fundraising, and real estate. From being a middle school classroom teacher to Development Director for the Junior League Los Angeles, I was afforded a myriad of opportunities to discover my areas of strength, places for growth, and fine-tune my people skills. My introduction to real estate was by chance, about 5 years ago after taking a promotion at the City of Los Angeles’ Housing Department. I fell in love with the business and the feeling of joy I still feel with guiding people throughout the process of what is for many the largest financial decision they will make in their lives. Looking back over this journey, I can see that everything I’ve done up to now has led me to this place. I love what I do and I have the most amazing clients.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been easy at all. I had spent many years working in government. I gained a lot of wonderful experience but felt largely unfulfilled until I received the promotion working for the City of Los Angeles’ Housing Department. Again, this is where I developed my love of real estate. While I loved the work, I still knew that that particular placement wasn’t for me.
In the midst of this assignment, my parents passed away within a couple of years of each other. Along with working full time, as an only child, I was their primary caregiver. The loss of each of my parents was genuinely devastating. So, with no real plan… which is very unlike me, I decided that I needed a new start and with my primary familial ties gone I decided to move back to Atlanta.
I applied for a few positions before I left and felt confident that I would land one of those positions. But, nothing panned out. So, I decided to explore the real estate field more closely. Thanks to my cousin, who knew I needed a job and that I was interested in real estate, I became connected to my now mentor. Starting off on the ground level by apprenticing under her and another top producing agent at my company. But, I was still living off of my savings and minimal income from part-time jobs. So, it was very stressful, but I persisted.
I earned my real estate license and got to work. Then, I realized why the retention rate is so low in the industry… It’s hard! I’ve never done sales or anything like that. Having relocated from another city, I also didn’t have the network other agents had in place here. It was a lot of ground to make up. However, I sowed seeds. I developed key relationships with people who saw my work ethic and believed in me. Many times, I just didn’t know how I could continue.
I kept working side jobs to pay the bills. But, I also kept at it. Although, I couldn’t see it, I knew my breakthrough was coming. Thankfully, 2019 has been a turning point for me. I went from four transactions in my first year to being a top producer at my company this year. I was also invited to join our Agent Leadership Council for 2020. So, no, the road has not been smooth, but it’s been worth it! I’ve found the strength I didn’t know I had and I’ve experienced what having faith really looks like.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I’m a real estate consultant and wealth builder. I’m also a partner on a real estate team, Les Maisons Partners. While our clients are diverse, we specialize primarily in first time home buyers and investors. I love first time home buyers because I love the smile on their faces when I pass them the keys to their new home. And I see the value in investors too, given that Marshall Field said, “Buying real estate is not only the best way, the quickest way, the safest way, but the only way to become wealthy.” Close to 90% of the world’s wealthiest people have attained their wealth through investing in real estate. I want to help my community and myself build generational wealth through real estate. So while, yes, I help people buy and sell real estate, I also am proud of and see a higher purpose in what I do. While we love the transactions and negotiations, we pride ourselves on our exemplary customer service and our ability to provide excellent counsel to our clients.
How do you, personally, define success? What’s your criteria, the markers you’re looking out for, etc?
Success isn’t “just” a dollar amount. While I have financial goals, such as investing in multi-unit properties, I also see myself as a legacy builder for myself and for others. Next year, we are looking to continue to build and expand our real estate team, so that we can help more people attain the dream of homeownership. I have big goals for the next five years. I’m ready!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I have so many. I had a wonderful childhood. But, I think my favorite memories were the yearly or bi-yearly road trips with my family. We would take that long trek from Los Angeles to either my parents’ hometown of Monroe, LA or to Atlanta to visit relatives. It was so great spending the quality time with family, as well as, seeing the country.
Contact Info:
- Address: Les Maisons Partners/Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Classic
3800 Camp Creek Pkwy.
Bldg, 1800, Ste. 100
Atlanta, GA 30331 - Website: www.lesmaisonspartners.com
- Phone: 404.410.0544
- Email: kristinhaynes@kw.com
Image Credit:
Tina Bernard
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
