To start off, my name is Kelley, I’m wrapping up my first year of college, and I’ve been Katie’s intern since January of 2023. I discovered the world of real estate my junior year of high school and since then, I decided I wanted to pursue it as a career, which is usually pretty early for most who decide to get into the business. I decided that getting my feet wet into real estate was something I wanted to do, with proper guidance, mentorship, and with a trusted realtor who I knew could lead with knowledge of the business and lots of experience.

As I began the internship through the Sacramento Association of Realtors, I began to wonder how so many newly licensed agents even began to tackle the business considering how difficult it can be to get business rolling. Getting people to trust you and getting people to choose you. It made me realize over time how there was a huge gap between people who simply have their real estate license and people who are full time, hard-working agents who care deeply about their client’s best interest and not just the money. I’ve been able to see for myself all of the genuine hard work that it takes to serve clients because of what Katie has shown me and opened my eyes to.

I’ve learned that it takes a lot of genuine passion to be a successful real estate agent, as well as everything in life as well. Going into the internship, I didn’t have much doubt about how much I would really like it, but I’m so glad that I’ve been able to experience what it’s like because it’s only confirmed for me that I’m on the right track! I’ve been able to practice contracts, understand marketing, attend open houses, see all aspects of having a listing, and so much more. I think it’s so important for everybody to experience the field they want to be in before 100% committing to it so that they know it’s something they genuinely want to do. Not loving what you do doesn’t only make you unhappy, but it also can affect others in which whom you are of help to. I’m so glad I decided to join the internship program and I’m even more glad that I was paired with Katie for this journey.