We recently connected with Racquel Richards-Kelley and have shared our conversation below.
Racquel, appreciate you joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started sooner or later?
I was a young college graduate full of ambition and dreams. From a young age though, I had always been fascinated by the world of real estate and business. I loved studying market trends, browsing property listings, and imagining the potential of different spaces.
However, like many others, I felt the weight of societal expectations. I followed a conventional path, pursuing a career in human resources after college. It was stable and respectable, but deep down, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing.
Years went by, and I found myself longing for a change. I craved a career that would ignite my passion and allow me to channel my love for real estate and business into something meaningful. Despite the uncertainty and fear of stepping into the unknown, I ignored the persistent tug to make a change .
After much contemplation, and being in quarantine for months as a result of COVID, I decided to take a leap of faith. Drawing upon the patience and empathy I had honed during my Human Resources journey and eight years as a high school math teacher, I saw the potential to excel in a career as a Realtor. Being an HR Manager and teaching had taught me the value of listening, understanding, and guiding others—a skill set that translated seamlessly into the world of real estate.
As I embarked on this new journey, I couldn’t help but wonder what might have been if I had pursued my passion straight out of college. I realized that every experience, every detour, had led me to this moment of clarity and purpose.
Despite the delay, I was grateful for the lessons learned along the way. My time in human resources had equipped me with valuable communication and negotiation skills, while years in the classroom had instilled patience and resilience.
With determination in my heart and a newfound sense of purpose, I embraced my new career as a Realtor. I dove headfirst into the world of property sales, eager to help others find their dream homes and make sound investments.
Looking back, I realized that the journey to becoming a Realtor may have been longer than expected, but it was precisely what I needed to fully appreciate the opportunity that lay ahead. And as I walked through the doors of my first open house, surrounded by the buzz of potential buyers and the scent of fresh paint, I knew I had finally found my calling.
Racquel, 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 serve as the CEO of Richards-Kelley, LLC, dedicated to enhancing financial literacy through education and providing diverse financial services such as tax preparation, business startup guidance, and personal financial consulting. As an IRS Approved Tax Return Preparer, I hold an MBA from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and a master’s degree in Accounting and Taxation from Purdue University Global. Additionally, I am an active and licensed Realtor and Investor in Florida with Keller Williams Tampa Properties and my self-started investment group called Legacy Investments Group of Florida, LLC, an exclusive group of family and friends pooling funds together for real estate investment ventures.
With a background at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, I successfully managed a multi-million dollar budget, identifying cost-saving opportunities that translated into substantial savings for the company. My experience as an educator at both university and secondary levels has equipped me with a keen understanding of various learning styles, allowing me to communicate information effectively to meet the unique needs of my clients.
For over a decade, I have been dedicated to realizing tax savings for individuals with small businesses, sharing my expertise to empower individuals in achieving their goals and attaining financial freedom.
Richards-Kelley, LLC began informally in 2012 after an audit from the IRS prompted a desire to help others who were victims of tax fraud. Since then, I have been providing tax preparation, business consulting, and personal financial consulting to individuals wanting to secure a better financial foundation for the future.
As an expansion to that ideal, I have become a licensed Realtor to help clients find the perfect home for their families or businesses, whether it is traditional or unconventional. Education is key when it comes to real estate, and buying, selling, investing, or building a home from the ground up can be challenging without the right person supporting you.
I am a dynamic real estate professional who brings together a unique blend of financial literacy, a deep passion for real estate, and strong interpersonal skills to guide my clients toward achieving their real estate goals.
With a background in finance and a keen understanding of market trends, I approach each transaction with a strategic mindset. I leverage my expertise to help clients make informed decisions, whether they are buying, selling, or investing in property.
My passion for real estate is evident in my dedication to my craft. I thrive on the excitement of helping people find their dream homes or secure lucrative investment opportunities. My genuine enthusiasm for the industry shines through in every interaction, instilling confidence and trust in my clients.
What truly sets me apart is my exceptional communication and negotiation skills, honed over years of experience. I listen attentively to my clients’ needs and concerns, guiding them through every step of the process with patience and empathy. Whether it’s navigating complex contracts or advocating for my clients’ best interests, I am a steadfast advocate who always puts my clients first.
In me, clients find not just a real estate agent, but a trusted advisor and ally who is committed to helping them achieve their real estate goals. With my winning combination of financial savvy, passion for real estate, and strong skills, I am a driving force in helping my clients turn their real estate dreams into reality.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
I always harbored a strong desire to delve into real estate investment, yet found myself constrained by the financial barriers posed by established groups requiring hefty initial investments ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Undeterred by these limitations, I began discussing my aspirations with close friends and family who shared similar ambitions.
Recognizing a shared goal but lacking individual resources and time to pursue it alone, we collectively decided to pool our finances and form a close-knit investment group dedicated to real estate ventures. Taking the reins of this initiative, I assumed the role of managing daily operations to ensure our collective success.
Through our collaborative efforts, we achieved what initially seemed unattainable. Today, we’ve not only doubled our initial investment but also triumphantly completed our first property flip. Currently, we’re in the process of acquiring a second property for renovation and resale—a testament to the power of collective determination and teamwork in realizing our shared dreams in real estate investment.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
My reputation precedes me, characterized by traits of intelligence, integrity, reliability, consistency, and patience. These attributes form the foundation of my daily interactions, showcasing not only my personal integrity but also my inherent value to others.
In moments of uncertainty, I am forthright about my limitations, yet remain committed to seeking answers through diligent research. When undertaking any task, I approach it with unwavering dedication to excellence, ensuring that my efforts yield the highest standard of results.
Clear and effective communication is paramount in my approach. I follow up diligently, ensuring that information is conveyed transparently and solutions are delivered promptly. It is through this steadfast commitment to consistency that others place their trust in me, relying on the reliability of both the services I provide and the information I offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://richards-kelley.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/experiencehomewithracquel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RacqueltheRealtor/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/racquelrichards-kelley/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUBWfn3i10zT4V5lJC09CaA
- Other: https://racquelrk.kw.com/