Before she’d completed her first year in real estate, Kara Lyness had sold 53 homes valued at more than $5 million. She was named Rookie of the Year, and has since consistently ranked as a top agent in her office, outperforming not only many of her colleagues, but also herself. She is set to double her production from last year. A member of the Multi Million Dollar Club, the Associate Leadership Counsel and Luxury Division International, Lyness also sits on her office’s Board of Directors.

Lyness grew up a stellar student and child of two successful businesspeople – her father in sales and her mother in design. She says salesmanship is in her blood. She says it’s given her drive, a “go for it” attitude made for building a real estate business. She is an expert on Atlanta’s Midtown and Downtown neighborhoods, and while her business has so far been primarily in the market’s midsection, she is currently making a move into luxury home sales. “I’m always eager to take on new challenges,” she says. “Each new experience broadens what I’m capable of doing.”

But whether her client is a first-time homebuyer or a luxury investor, Lyness wants them to know that she holds herself to the same high standard for each transaction. Her clients are always her top priority, and every day she is excited to do her job. She often hears from clients that her work ethic, responsiveness and energy level make her a force to be reckoned with. “A home is where people’s hearts are, so the least I can do is put my soul into the job,” says Lyness. She loves the adventurous but still personal nature of real estate – every day is different, and the potential for growth is limitless.

Lyness is inspired by her two daughters and her wonderful husband. Together, they love to travel. Lyness also enjoys participating with her colleagues in fundraisers and food banks, and is active in neighborhood clean ups. She also enjoys being a volunteer at her church.