Name: Kimberly Harkey
Title: Broker
Company: Heritage Realty – Winder and Monroe
What was your first job in the realty industry? In high school I worked in the construction loan department for a bank and county tax assessors office. In college I worked for a finance company, then transferred to their mortgage department. While a mortgage loan officer I became an investor flipping houses, which lead me to get my Real Estate license and buy my firm.
Where did you grow up? Northeast Georgia. I lived in Gainesville and Winder.
Growing up, what did you want to be? GBI Agent or Lawyer. My degree was in Criminal Justice.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Ride with the top off my Jeep and the radio up, or spend time with family & friends!
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Benjamin Franklin. He had different inventions in varying industries (ie: bifocals, swim fins, catheter and lightening rod). I’d love to hear about each one, his challenges, and how he took his ideas to market.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? When time allows, my favorite place to hang out is at Lake Rabun with family.
What do you love most about the industry? The diversity. I love that in real estate we can specialize in specific areas such as new construction, residential, or commercial. We can redefine our “job” if we get bored or complacent. Real estate is always changing and I love that too!
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? Expertise, and I stand behind what I say. Most of my clients come from referrals from past clients due to the service I provide.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Balancing work and home life. In our business, our clients become friends and sometimes its difficult to have defined downtime with family.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I meet clients everywhere I go. Specifically, Chamber of Commerce events and group meetups.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? Definitely my well-rounded, teenage daughter! Professionally, being nominated & selected by my peers as the Georgia Association of Realtors Good Neighbor in 2015. Being a Realtor isn’t just about selling homes and making commissions, its about making a difference in the lives of people and our communities.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? Collateral Beauty
What is your favorite restaurant? Ippolito’s
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta? BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. It’s only ten years old, but its definitely a hidden treasure in Atlanta! It is constructed of Italian stone which was shipped to India, carved by non-electric tools, then delivered here and assembled. Simply amazing.
What kind of car do you drive? Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Not your typical Realtor vehicle.
Smartphone or paper? Smartphone
What is your favorite city after Atlanta? Oh my goodness, it’s hard to pick one! In Georgia, definitely Athens. In the U.S., San Francisco. In the world, Capri, Italy.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Work at real estate EVERY DAY and it will payoff!
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Lately, Homesnap.
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Richard Branson and Tony Robbins