Cindy Kelly | Broker
Compass Kirkland
What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
Medical Esthetician
Where did you grow up?
Redwoods of CA and Central Washington
Growing up, what did you want to be?
Not sure, I really wanted something open-ended. I wanted to be able to have the potential to grow and learn. It needed to be interesting. None of the college courses were of interest to me, so it took me a while to figure it out. But once I did the sky was the limit!
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Chill at home with my dogs, koi and garden.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Elon Musk is so interesting. He comes from such an interesting time and place. His story is about questioning how things are done and changing the world. He is pretty damn impressive.
What is Seattle’s best-kept secret?
There is so much, it’s hard to pinpoint just one thing. I’m a nature lover and mountains are moments away. Also the diversity and the people.
What do you love most about the industry?
It is NEVER boring. Always changing, always shifting. Keeps me on my toes.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
Experience, knowledge, work ethic, honesty and integrity. After 20 years of full-time experience PLUS knowledge of tech, I have the ability to work with all ages from first-time home buyers to seniors along with move-up and move-down sellers. And I have a high skill set of working across the aisle, so to speak, with both buyers and sellers.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Volatility in the markets and whenever there is a shifting market, being able to navigate and understand what is happening in real-time.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Take care of your current and past clients.
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Surviving, adapting and continually growing and learning throughout my 20-year career. Having my clients come back to me is honestly the best compliment I could ever have.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Seattle?
Mod-itional. Yes, that is my term, I wish I could patent it. I love clean lines, details, and quality. I also love millwork and great lighting. Exceptional craftmanship is almost a lost art, no matter the style you can feel it. I’m more interested in that over a certain design. I don’t like cheap construction, I’m very vocal about it. You can feel it and it doesn’t last.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
Walking in on someone sleeping while doing a showing. Very awkward! Quietly backed out of the room and left the house.
What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
That I’m really a small-town girl, most people think I come from New York because I’m so direct!
What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
My house — it’s my nest. I love to visit Puerto Vallarta. Mexico is a love of mine, I love Mexican Culture. Kona Hawaii, for the versatility of the island — it is huge and has so many climate zones. And North Idaho, for the lake and mountain life.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Find a GREAT experienced mentor to learn from.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
Compass
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
Christophe Choo Hollywood, Jamie Engle Florida Key’s, Dan O’Conner Southern CA, Terri Tsuchida San Diego and Frank Castaldini CA