Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiesha Curtis.
Kiesha, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I decided to become a REALTOR because I felt it was a creative way to utilize my educational background.
In 2006, when I completed my Masters of Education (M.Ed.) with a counseling concentration, I spent a few months working in positions that allowed me to be an advocate for clients as I supported and encouraged them through some of the most challenging situations in life, like domestic abuse, homelessness, and criminality. I also worked in college settings, assisting students with their transition from high school to college and then from college to the mainstream. While it was fulfilling work, it was emotionally taxing. So I was determined to find a profession that still allowed me to help people with their life transitions, but not simply during the tragic episodes of life. One of my friends, who is now a mentor, encouraged me to consider new home sales. I investigated the idea, and decided to give it a try. I spent four years in new home sales, and later decided to get licensed so that I could help even more people accomplish their goals of owning homes. I was hoping for a career that would allow me to continue my work as a counselor and educator, and be a resource to clients during an exciting time in life. Real estate did not disappoint! For me, it’s not the excitement of handing keys to a client that gives me the greatest thrill, it’s navigating the complexities and issues that often arise…it’s helping a family sort through an array of loan options, when they have no idea what the lenders are talking about with all of the lending jargon…it’s helping a client understand an inspection report, and knowing that an inoperable microwave isn’t always a crisis…it’s helping a parent decide between a home in the suburbs with great schools versus a home in a less-desirable part of town with the lower mortgage payment, and all of the possible implications for the family…it’s re-negotiating a contract because the appraisal came in low…and ultimately, it’s the joy of claiming another victory for a deserving family.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I decided to get licensed in 2011, after working with a builder for several years, one of the motivations for me was family. At the time, I was single with no children. But I wanted to become an established realtor prior to having my own family…while I had few constraints on my time. Now, six years later, my blended family includes a toddler, a teenager and my husband. Moving from a realtor who was independent in every sense to an agent who is balancing a thriving career and an active family has been quite the experiment. I don’t know if anyone truly masters this, but I’ve certainly had a lot of fun trying. My husband loves to co-host open houses with me, and he’s become a master at the placement of Open House signs! My teenager enjoys role-playing phone scripts with my colleagues and I. The entire family will accompany me on home previews and showings. And my toddler prefers to “go to work with Mommy” over going to daycare!
My real estate business has become quite the family affair.
Aside from the challenges of balancing work and family, self-employment will always have its struggles. Honestly, had I known then what I know now, I may have decided to follow a different path! There are inevitably days when every person who manages a business questions that decision…days when clients are few, marketing efforts don’t seem to be paying off, you’re seemingly spending more than you’re making, and you have to make difficult decisions. But the tough times produce perseverance and perseverance builds character. The strength and resilience that comes from it all keeps you hopeful and helps you keep striving.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a full-time, licensed real estate agent, who is part of a real estate team. Within the team, I am a Buyer’s Agent, exclusively assisting buyers and renters with their home search. Within the company, I serve as the Director of Sales, assisting with many of the operational and managerial aspects of the team.
I’ve been recognized as a Top Producer within the Houston real estate market. I have several certifications, including a Certified Negotiation Expert, Texas Affordable Housing Specialist, and Certified Military Relocation Specialist. My specialties include first-time buyers, new construction, and working with educators.
I worked with a local non-profit as one of their instructors for the HUD-certified, 8-hour, Homebuyer Education course that is required by most down payment assistance providers. For five years, I spent one to two Saturdays monthly teaching prospective homebuyers the things they needed to know before purchasing a home.
I am an active member of the Greater Houston Builders Association. I also attend and support local organizations, like Avenue Community Development Center, that are committed to creating knowledgeable and responsible homebuyers.
I came into real estate with a background in social work, counseling and education. I served as an administrator for two Texas universities prior to becoming a REALTOR.
Consequently, my style is very different from most agents. Even though real estate is rooted in sales, I am a counselor and educator above all else.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I always enjoyed learning and working with people. There was rarely a time that I wasn’t surrounded by friends. I grew up in church, and that’s where I started along the path of community involvement and serving people. I was also very talkative, perhaps a burgeoning sales career in its infancy!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.KieshaNicole.com; www.KieshaCurtis.com
- Phone: 713-987-7050
- Email: Kiesha@PatrickKingTeam.com
- Instagram: knicolerealtor
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/knicolerealty
- Twitter: @knicolerealtor
Greater Houston Builders Association Million Dollar Circle 2017
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