Kara Lyness is a Realtor with Keller Williams Intown Atlanta.

What was your first job in the realty industry? I have been in the housing industry for 12 years, working alongside my mother in her interior design business. I know how houses are built and the right way to renovate a home. I’ve only been in real estate since the end of 2014, but I made my first transaction in the third week of my career.

I actually got my first client from hosting an open house. The open house was over and I was leaving when a couple stopped me on my way out. I told them that the open house was over so they asked me for my card. It was my first week in real estate and I didn’t have cards yet. Regardless, I would have never just given them my card. I immediately turned around and openned the house back up. They said they didn’t have an agent, so I offered my help and they accepted. It was that easy!

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Marietta.

Growing up, what did you want to be? I wanted to be a figure skater. I was in the Junior Olympics by age 13.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I have a hard time relaxing. I’m a go, go, go type of person. Although, I really love taking hot baths, with essential oils and bath salts. Even then, it’s hard for me to stay put. I try and set a goal to soak and relax for 20 minutes but rarely make it that long. I just feel like there’s not enought time in the day. My New Years resolution is to start doing yoga. I really need to work on slowing my roll.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? I’d definitely want to break bread with Jesus. I’m sure we’d have the most compelling conversation and then He’d probably turn water to wine and perform some awesome miracles.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? I am really into trying different restaurants with friends. There are so many awesome places to eat in Atlanta, and I love getting out in the community.

What do you love most about the industry? I love the reciprocity of it. The concept of reaching out to connect with others and it coming back to you. I’m very driven, so I love the opportunity to make my career whatever I want it to be. I like not knowing what is going to happen everyday or who I will meet. Real estate constantly reminds me to stay in a positive mindset, because that is what it takes to be a good agent and to thrive as a person. I love getting out in the community and, quite frankly, pleasing people is very important to me. God gave me a talent for work like this. I know I am cut out for this career, and to love my job feels really good.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? As an Atlanta native, I know the city very well, which is an added benefit to both my buyer and seller clients. I am an expert at home construction and reconstruction, and have a strong professional background in the housing market, faux finishing and furniture refinishing. I have lots of perseverance and consider myself a visionary. I am very spirited and extremely hard working.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? I guess at this point, I’d have to say that the most difficult part of my job is that there is so much to learn, which makes me a little anxious at times. I will say that the real estate exam was extremely difficult and I’m just so glad I passed it on my first attempt!

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Nobody is a stranger in my book. I am always networking. I try to be a part of my community and talk to as many people as I can everyday. I started out with my database being over 2,000 people, and I add to it everyday. Right now I am really busy reaching out to all of my contacts.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? Okay, so I’ve got a few: being a nationally ranked ice skater; graduating with honors; and being a mom!

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? “Begin Again” with Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo.

What is your favorite restaurant? I really love the Cockentrice, in Inman Park! One of my best friends is the owner and it’s really awesome!

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta? I love all the old Victorian homes in Inman Park. I could walk that neighborhood everyday and never get bored.

What kind of car do you drive? I drive a Volkswagon Tiquan. I had an Audi A3 that I totally loved but there was something constantly wrong with it, so I had to sell it.

Smartphone or paper? I’m all about paperless these days. It’s so much tidier and better for the earth!

What is your favorite city after Atlanta? In the U.S., I’d say San Francisco. I also love Florence, Italy.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Just do it! Real estate is such a great field to be in.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? The Keller Williams mobile app, and an app called Waze. It will give you your best route and it outsmarts traffic for you!

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? I don’t have a Twitter account.
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