Rockwell Institute alumni Shirley Kimmel was recently named a RISMedia Rookie of the Year award finalist. Kimmel, who has a background in home renovations, planned to work part-time in real estate. However, she found the pre-licensing course material fascinating. Kimmel decided she enjoyed the industry too much to do it part-time and decided to “go for it!”
RISMedia’s Rookie of the Year Program
The Rookie of the Year program aims to recognize real estate agents who are new to the field but have already made remarkable strides. Nominees for the Real Estate Rookie of the Year award were evaluated based on their 2023 sales volume and transaction data, commitment to professional education, technological skills, and community engagement. This marks the program’s third year, and 25 regional finalists were announced.
“We are delighted to again partner with RISMedia to recognize new agents who have demonstrated they are thriving in their careers and, as such, making a difference in their communities and in their profession,” said Jennifer Dixson Hoff, Colibri Real Estate’s General Manager, Professional Portfolio and Partnerships.
Kimmel’s Real Estate Background
Kimmel spent 15 years doing home renovations and acted as a general contractor for a second home.
“I never really pictured myself on the other side, but I thought maybe I should just get a license. My son was in real estate, and I was debating about whether I should take a full-time position or start more slowly, maybe just show homes,” Kimmel said.
However, after diving into her pre-licensing coursework, she found she really enjoyed it.
“It’s like a giant puzzle that I just really enjoyed figuring out all the different pieces to master. And I thought, well, why would I do that part-time if I’m enjoying it so much? Let’s just go for it,” Kimmel said.
Tips for Success
Even though Kimmel had experience and success on the renovation side of the industry, she had to learn how to thrive as an agent. Kimmel found success by developing a routine.
“Just starting the day early on the right note, having a good plan for the day, having time set aside to reach out to people, for me, that was important,” Kimmel said.
Building relationships and trust is critical, according to Kimmel.
“You’re building relationships, not just for real estate, but overall. If people know you and they trust you, that’s the kind of people that they like to do business with, right? So investing in people, I think, is the number one thing.”
Kimmel’s Experience With Rockwell Institute
Kimmel wanted an online real estate course to earn her broker license in Washington.
‘I started asking some of my friends who were realtors what they recommended, and the name Rockwell kept coming up. The success rate, support, and availability of a person if you had questions were all important to me. Once I started, it was nice to have a live person available if I needed it and not just a computer to talk to,” Kimmel said.
Kimmel also shared that Rockwell’s study materials and review sessions were invaluable to her passing the real estate exam. However, she also noted that passing the exam is just the first step in one’s real estate career.
“Rockwell covered a lot more useful information than was on the actual test. The test is important, and it’s the very first step that we all have to take, but there’s so much more past just the information. Rockwell really gave a broad overview of the whole industry, the legality of different things, just how the industry as a whole functions with all the different moving parts,” Kimmel said.
Kimmel’s Life as a Real Estate Agent
Kimmel is a real estate agent with John L. Scott Real Estate in Washington.
“I can see that my business is growing. Every month, it seems I keep thinking, well, it’ll slow down next month, but it doesn’t. It keeps getting busier and busier.”
Kimmel said she may have to hire some assistants to help with her growing business. “I just feel like the customer deserves the attention and the communication and the availability. I don’t want to sacrifice any of those things,” she said.
Kimmel enjoys helping clients with their real estate needs.
“There’s a lot of blessings along the way with getting to know people and sharing their lives and their stories, and being a part of that story is such an honor,” Kimmel said.
Start your real estate career in Washington with Rockwell Institute’s pre-licensing courses. We have been a leading choice of aspiring real estate brokers, including Kimmel, since 1974 and can help you earn your Washington real estate license in a matter of months. Get started today!
