We recently connected with Ileana Kim Tavarez and have shared our conversation below.

Ileana, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

At Kimpact Realty Group, our mission is rooted in our deep commitment to helping others and creating positive impacts in our community. As a second-generation REALTOR, I’ve experienced firsthand the transformative power of real estate in people’s lives. Our mission is not just about closing deals; it’s about building lasting relationships, supporting families, and contributing to the well-being of our clients and community.

This mission is meaningful to us because it aligns with our personal values and experiences. Having faced numerous challenges, from being homeless to overcoming abusive relationships, my husband Peter and I understand the importance of having a safe and supportive home environment. Our journey has taught us resilience, compassion, and the power of a supportive community. We aim to provide that same level of support and dedication to our clients, helping them find not just a house, but a home where they can thrive.

We are driven by a desire to help others succeed and grow, believing that everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their dreams. This is why we focus on providing exceptional service, personalized guidance, and genuine care for our clients’ needs. Our mission is to create a positive impact, one home at a time, and to be a trusted partner in our clients’ journeys towards a better future.

Ileana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Ileana Kim Tavarez, and I’m a second-generation REALTOR & Investor based in Austin, Texas. My journey into the real estate industry began with a deep-rooted passion for helping others, inspired by my family’s own experiences in real estate. Having been licensed in Texas since 2017, I’ve spent most of my career with Keller Williams (KW) and currently serve as the President of the KWYP Austin Chapter. My background is diverse, as I was born and raised between the Dominican Republic and Minnesota, which has given me a unique perspective and ability to connect with a wide range of clients. A fun fact about me is that Spanish is my first language and I still speak it fluently.

At Kimpact Realty Group, we provide comprehensive real estate services, from buying and selling homes to investment property transactions. Our goal is to make the real estate process as seamless and stress-free as possible for our clients. We focus on personalized service, ensuring that each client’s unique needs and goals are met with dedication and expertise. We solve problems related to navigating the complex real estate market, securing the best deals, and finding the perfect homes for our clients.

What sets us apart is our mission-driven approach and deep commitment to our clients’ success. My husband Peter and I work as a team, leveraging our combined strengths to deliver exceptional results. Our own journey, marked by overcoming significant challenges and hardships, has instilled in us a resilience and empathy that we bring to our work every day. We strive to be more than just real estate agents; we aim to be trusted advisors and partners in our clients’ journeys.

We are also deeply committed to serving our community. We donate our time and a portion of our commission to important causes, believing that giving back is essential to creating a thriving community. I am most proud of the positive impact we have made in the lives of our clients. Whether helping a family or individual find their forever home or guiding an investor through building their portfolio and creating generational wealth, knowing that we have made a difference is incredibly rewarding. Lastly, I am honored to be nominated as one of Austin Business Journal’s Women in Business 2024, which underscores our dedication to excellence and leadership.

The main things I want potential clients to know about us are our unwavering dedication, our personalized approach, and our commitment to excellence. At Kimpact Realty Group, we don’t just close deals; we build lasting relationships, support our clients every step of the way, and contribute to the well-being of our community. We also like to have a good time while doing it!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Yes, several resources have significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy. One standout is the book “The One Thing” by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on the most crucial task at hand, which has been instrumental in helping me prioritize and stay efficient in both my personal and professional life.

Another influential resource is “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey. This book has provided valuable insights into effective leadership, personal management, and relationship-building, all of which are essential in the real estate industry.

James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” has also been transformative, teaching me the power of small, incremental changes and the impact of daily habits on achieving long-term success. Its principles have helped me develop consistent routines that drive productivity and personal growth.

“Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki has profoundly influenced my financial philosophy and approach to investing. It taught me the importance of financial literacy, the value of assets over liabilities, and has been a guiding force in my real estate investment strategies.

I’ve also found inspiration in various TED Talks, particularly those related to leadership, resilience, and personal development. Brené Brown’s talk on vulnerability has been especially impactful, teaching me the power of authenticity and courage in leadership.

Additionally, the teachings of John Maxwell on leadership and growth have been a guiding force. His book “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” has offered timeless principles that I apply in leading my team and serving my clients.

Podcasts have also been a valuable resource for me. Ed Mylett’s podcast is a favorite, offering powerful insights on peak performance, personal growth, and business strategies. Additionally, the “Millionaire Real Estate Agent” podcast provides practical advice and success stories from top real estate professionals, which have been incredibly motivating and educational.

These resources, combined with my personal experiences and faith, have shaped my approach to real estate, management, and entrepreneurship, helping me stay focused, motivated, and committed to my mission of helping others.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Certainly! One significant pivot in my life happened when I decided to pursue my long-held dream of being in real estate, despite a delay of eight years. I knew from my early teens that real estate was my passion and had planned to get licensed right at 18. However, life took me on a different path, and I had to wait eight years before I could finally make it happen. I studied for the exam during my corporate job 15-minute breaks, lunch hr, and after my toddler went to sleep. I did this every single day until I successfully earned my license.

During that time, I faced various challenges, including moving across the country with my one-year-old child without any financial or emotional support. This period of my life was incredibly tough but also transformative. It taught me resilience and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams despite obstacles.

When I finally got licensed in Texas in 2017, I joined Keller Williams (KW) shortly after and began to build my career in real estate. My experiences of hardship and determination shaped my approach to business, making me more empathetic and dedicated to helping others achieve their goals.

This journey also led to the founding of Kimpact Realty Group with my husband Peter, where we focus on making a positive impact in our clients’ lives and our community. We commit to donating our time and a portion of our commission to important causes, reflecting our dedication to giving back and supporting those in need.

These pivots—personal and professional—have defined who I am today. They have instilled in me a strong sense of purpose and resilience, guiding my work as a REALTOR and community leader. Every challenge has been an opportunity to grow, and I am grateful for the lessons learned along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kimpactrealtygroup.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/kimpactrealtygroup
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kimpactrealtygroup/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ileanakim/
• Youtube: Kimpact Realty Group
• Other: Google: https://g.page/r/Ce1VqeWUhCiZEAE/review

Image Credits

Photo Cred to my husband Peter who is also the other half of Kimpact Realty Group.