Kim Kota is a Realtor with PalmerHouse Properties in Suwanee.

What was your first job in the realty industry? I worked for a commercial real estate company back in 1992 after graduating from college.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I hit the trails with my horse, Beau! Horseback riding is my therapy, and an awesome getaway from everything where I can relax, unwind and refresh my mind.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Marietta, and then later moved to Milton.

Growing up, what did you want to be? I always wanted to be work as either a private investigator or an undercover detective.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? I would love the opportunity to sit down and speak with Abraham Lincoln, because so much of his message inspires me as a Realtor. For someone wanting to further their personal development, Lincoln was a amazing person to learn from – “I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong.”

Where is your favorite place to hang out? I love being with my family at home or at the farm with my horse.

What do you love most about the industry? I love the opportunity of meeting all kinds of different people and building strong networks. It is so nice to be able to connect people. Being resourceful is something I work on every day. The more people I know, the more I can be of service to others.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I think of myself as a person who cares deeply about being honest, caring and ethical. I am a firm believer in treating others as you would want them to treat you. I work really hard for my clients because I think it is a big deal to buy or sell a home. Whether someone is buying or selling, it can be very stressful sometimes, so I work hard to make sure to remember that this business is about people, and helping them achieve their real estate dreams. I want to make sure they know that I will go above and beyond to help them get through the homebuying/selling process as smoothly and easily as possible, so that they get to their end result of buying or selling their home.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? The most difficult aspect of this business is finding a good balance with my time. I find that when I am working with several clients, I have to remember that I also have a family to consider. And, my horse riding hobby is extremely important to me, too, so having time to do that, as well, is necessary. The longer I am in this business, the easier it gets to reach a better balance, but the struggle to reach that perfect balance remains my biggest difficulty. Thankfully, my family is so awesome and they understand that I am running a business and am working hard to reach my goals, which helps us all. When there is a lull, I take full advantage of that and give lots of time to my family and horse!

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I have been to evening networking events and had great success finding clients, but being away too often at night from my family is not ideal, so I am starting to find more day time events to attend. I also meet up for lunch often with friends and acquaintances. Additionally, I am hopeful to start a more consistent schedule of volunteering more in my community.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? Personal – Adopting my daughter! She was a newborn when my husband and I brought her home. She has taught me so much and continues to teach me more and more every day.

Real Estate – My greatest accomplishment was helping a buyer who was a borrower get his offer accepted when there were two other cash offers on the table. The seller had just lost a buyer the week earlier because the buyer couldn’t get financing after changing jobs the week of closing. Needless to say, the seller was a bit reluctant to accept an offer from a borrower instead of a cash offer. After working with the agent and sharing the buyer’s story, our offer was accepted. That agent and I have since stayed in touch, and work together on other real estate opportunities. Working with her on this deal showed me just how important it is to not only work hard for your client, but to get to know other agents, too.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? The last good movie I saw was Divergent, and the last good book I read was “How To Win Friends and Influence People” (well, I am still reading it, but it is a great book so far!).

What is your favorite restaurant? My favorite restaurant is any one that offers great food at a fair price, and with excellent service! I can pretty much find something I love at any restaurant, but it is so much more than just the food that makes a restaurant great! That being said, my all time favorite restaurant ever is The Jordon Pond House in Acadia National Park in Maine; the popovers are amazing, and the setting is simply beautiful.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta? The Georgian Terrace.

What kind of car do you drive? GMC Yukon.

Smartphone or paper? Smartphone.

What is your favorite city after Atlanta? Bar Harbor, Maine.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Network, know the contract thoroughly, be honest and work hard!

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Realtor.com.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? @wsbradio, @fox5atlanta, @gwinnettgapatch, @georgiaspca and @cityofrefugeatl.
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