Catching up with Katie Lynam

BY LIA ROSS Content Marketing Coordinator

Katie Lynam

In March during Women’s History Month, NC REALTORS® celebrated the fearless women who shape the association, their communities and the real estate industry. Katie Lynam of Raleigh was first featured in the February 2021 Insight as a rookie in the real estate industry. Read her article at ncrealtors.org/ NewKidsOnTheBlock

What has been your favorite thing about working in real estate?

I’ve grown tremendously the past few years. Real estate is challenging and fulfilling for me. I’m a people person and love to have fun. For me, real estate is straight-up fun. I get to meet people with all different personalities, backgrounds and stories, who are aligned with similar goals. I enjoy the excitement of the market and love the thrill of healthy competition and getting my team the win. I get to make a difference in other people’s lives. Real estate is not only one of the most equitable investments, it’s also one of the most fun investments you can choose. I also appreciate that working in real estate drives me to continually improve myself and challenge my own expectations. Working for a commission only lights a fire to make others’ dreams come true in order to make yours come true, too. I am always learning new communication skills and how to connect with others on a stronger level.

What has been the most challenging?

The market has been an insanely wild ride ever since I started in September 2019. I’ve often been told I haven’t seen a “normal” market, which is probably true. I learned to “fly” in the crazy world of 2020—first with the lockdowns and then the uncertainty. These challenges taught me to dig deep into my clients’ motivations to move, listen to their concerns, help them uncover answers and focus on those motivated buyers. From May 2020, the market went berserk with crazy, high-buyer demand and low inventory—the lowest our area had possibly ever seen. That had a big learning curve. Having buyers lose out in multiple offers did not sit well with my competitive spirit, so I learned fast. I learned to explain situations, get crystal-clear on my clients’ expectations and criteria upfront, reassure nervous buyers, put situations in perspective, remind clients’ of their goals and get creative in finding wins. Once I learned how to successfully navigate that seller’s market, it became my favorite market so far because I thrive on the energy. Then, after that wild ride with 5-figure due diligence fees and tens of offers per house, the seller’s market slammed on the brakes with interest rate hikes and political concerns. That’s when I started my own business—talk about shifting! It’s been tough to learn to pivot approaches every several months. However, it has taught me to be flexible and really lean into the market and message of the moment.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Professionally, my greatest accomplishment so far is starting my own business. In the last six months, I have taken the skills and experience I’ve gained over the last three years and launched my own team, Dream Home Realty with Keller Williams. Personally, my greatest accomplishment is buying my first home. That has been a massive step and adjustment for me. I am amazed at how quickly it happened; at the age of 25 and just three years into my real estate career. My other greatest personal accomplishment to date is completing a full marathon. When I finished the marathon, I said it may be a one-and-done race, but I’m going back for more!

What woman has had the greatest impact on who you are today?

My whole life, my mom has been an inspiration to me, especially over the last ten years. A lot of people who know me professionally wouldn’t know, but my mom has overcome many obstacles. In 2012, my mom, younger brother and I were hit head-on by a drunk driver in a high-speed collision. My mom suffered a traumatic brain injury, lost use of the right side of her body and was told she would never walk again. She refused to give up. Instead, she worked hard and proved her doctors wrong. After six years and eight months in a power wheelchair, she took her first steps! You would never know if you met her today. Now, she enjoys walking up to four miles at a time and runs her own business as a health coach focused on brain health. Her determined spirit and joyful faith have had a tremendous impact on me.