Hidden Gems: Meet Kaitlynn Dirr of EXIT Realty Elite

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlynn Dirr. 

Hi Kaitlynn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
In May of 2020, I graduated from Miami University with a B.A. in Arts Management and a B.S. in Strategic Communication. I was excited because I had landed my dream job as a social media manager at a large music streaming company. Right before moving to Nashville, I was informed that my job had been eliminated because of the lack of live music events because of COVID. I knew that I still wanted to move to Music City, so I took a leap of faith and moved here without having a job lined up. I began working in designer fashion retail to pay the bills but felt like I wasn’t fulfilling my dreams. I had thought that I would eventually get my real estate license, but first I would work in the music industry. Around that time, I began researching for myself what the process would be to purchase my first home. I was shocked by how confusing the process was, and how many steps were involved. I felt like I was being led to enter the field so I could help other first-time home buyers. That night I asked in a Facebook group if there were any female Realtors that would be willing to sit down with me so I could pick their brain. The next day, I was sitting down across from my now mentor, as we discussed real estate at a local burger joint. She told me step by step how to get my license and I began taking real estate courses the very next day. I now have been a Realtor for roughly three months and have loved every second of it! While I work with all different types of clients, I especially love helping first-time buyers. Normally they are nervous about purchasing a home, and it is really rewarding to be able to answer all of their questions and help them find their dream home. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road! I was left feeling crushed when my original music industry job was eliminated and I did not know what I was going to do financially. I felt like I was left with no choice, but to pivot, but in actuality, it led me to work in an industry I love, real estate. I truly believe that if my original job had worked out, I would not be as happy as I am now. There is no true manual when entering real estate, but I was fortunate to find multiple mentors that poured into me all of their years of experience. In an industry that is highly competitive, I am so lucky to have people in my corner that I can go to when I have questions or need advice. This mentorship is something that I would love to continue on by helping other agents as they enter the field. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Since becoming a realtor a couple months ago, I have mostly helped first-time home buyers get ready to purchase their first home. The majority of my clients are current renters that are wanting to begin the home buying process but don’t know where to start. I help them get pre-qualified by getting them in contact with a mortgage lender and we begin looking at homes in the area. Something that makes me unique, is that I am also in the process of buying my first home, so I can relate to my clients. I know how intimating it can be considering purchasing a home is such a large financial decision, but I give my clients peace of mind by answering all of their questions. I never pressure my clients into purchasing a home, so if they ever feel uncomfortable or that they aren’t ready to buy, I help them find a rent to own or a rental home. I truly put all of my clients first and try to make the home buying process as seamless as possible for them. 

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I am a big believer in taking risks! Nothing amazing in life happens if you are comfortable. After my music industry job was eliminated, I took a leap of faith when I moved to Nashville without having a job. To be honest, I was terrified how I was going to pay my rent, but I knew that if I didn’t move, I would regret it. Once I was in Nashville, I hustled to find a job in retail so I could pay my bills while figuring out what I wanted to do career-wise. If I had not taken this risk, I think I probably would still be in Ohio unhappily working a random entry-level job. I definitely would not be a real estate agent, so I am so happy I took a risk! 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: kaitlynnsellsnashville.com
• Instagram: kaitlynnsellsnashville
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaitlynnsellsnashville

Image Credits
Leslie Elizabeth Jones Photography
nixonPRO Media