Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Laws Collins.
Hi Kayla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a San Fernando Valley native and second generation Realtor, I grew up in and around real estate. As a child, I used my wooden blocks to make floor plans for my dolls in the living room and I rode my bike all over our Sherman Oaks neighborhood admiring the nearby homes while saying hi to each neighbor. I frequently run into agents who remember me as a child coming into the real estate office and I helped “sit” many of my mom’s open houses, often passing out flyers with her. One time, my mom’s client allowed her to throw me a surprise birthday pool party at his vacant rental property. That was a really fun time.
Ten years ago, I became a Realtor myself. It was an excellent decision. It has brought me joy, confidence and freedom. My career has been full of accomplishments and heartwarming moments. I have worked with amazing clients and friends who have entrusted me with listing and selling their properties. I am so grateful. I have been awarded the Diamond Society Award and the Sterling Society Award and am one of the top realtors worldwide at Coldwell Banker Realty.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Transitioning into real estate in my 20’s was not easy. While studying for the state exam, I was also trying to complete my college degree and working at a fitness studio. Luckily, I had a flexible boss who let me study between clients. I spent a lot of time preparing for the California real estate exam because I wanted to pass the first time. Thankfully, I did. When I got the results, I cried happy tears.
The next step was deciding which firm to join and coming up with the start-up fees. In the beginning, I worked part-time jobs at fitness studios while wading into real estate; this allowed me to avoid falling into debt. I worked slowly and steadily and it was not long before my hard work paid off; I acquired a loyal following of buyers and sellers. Although my mother had been a Realtor for over 30 years, I did not ride her coattails. I am proud of the fact that I built my business without any referrals from her.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love to help people get the most out of their real estate investments. There is no greater joy than representing a first-time buyer, but I also love working with investors. Whether my client wants to buy or sell, move up to a larger place or downsize into a smaller one, I put everything into it. I enjoy helping them with the transition. I truly believe real estate is the best way to acquire wealth. I can proudly say that my clients have realized their financial dreams via the properties that I have helped them buy and sell.
I live by high ethical standards and always have my client’s best interest at heart. My goal is for all clients to be lifelong clients. I want them to be so pleased with the experience that they refer me to their children, friends, and even grandchildren. In addition to ethics, communication is important. I am very quick to respond to calls and am typically available at a moment’s notice.
With respect to buyers, I am good at winning in multiple offer situations. Part of my success comes from building a good rapport with listing agents. I also specialize in envisioning possibilities for a property. When touring a home, I love pointing out the upgrades or changes that could make the property a more valuable investment or a more practical and aesthetic space.
With respect to sellers, I have an intense 360-degree marketing approach. One aspect I include is called the “matterport,” which is essentially a virtual tour. During the pandemic, matterports became popular. However, post-pandemic, many agents have discontinued with their use; I still employ them with great success. I also spent a lot of time and money on internet advertising. Virtually all buyers start their search online; this is why online marketing is crucial. Because communication is so important, I constantly provide sellers with marketing updates and comparables. I want them to feel 100 percent comfortable with the selling process. I put my heart and soul into buying and selling and at the end of the day if my clients are happy, I am happy.
I am extremely well-acquainted with Los Angeles County and the surrounding areas. Although my specialty is the San Fernando Valley, I have sold many properties in Ventura County, Santa Clarita, Los Angeles proper and the South Bay.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I do not view myself as a big risk taker. I do not gamble or buy lottery tickets. However, I believe in taking calculated risks. I look at the data and compare it with the long-term gain. It does not generally see real estate as a risk; it has an impressive track record. Over the past 20 years, home values in Los Angeles County have increased tremendously and this is likely to continue going forward. Southern California is a highly desirable area with a temperate climate, gorgeous trees and flowers and diverse employment opportunities. I feel the most risky thing a person can do is not Buy Real Estate!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.KaylaLaws.com
- Instagram: @ListedbyLaws
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaylaLaws/
- Twitter: @KaylaLawsRealty
- Other: Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ListedbyLaws
Image Credits
Personal photo: 1: Dominick Knight Photography Other photos: 3: Dominick Knight Photography 4: Preview First Photography (A few sales over the years) 5: Dominick Knight Photography 6: Dominick Knight Photography 7: Shaun Nix Photography 8: (Some awards and client testimontials) 9: Dominick Knight Photography
