Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Rank.
Allison, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I learned very early in life that you have to work hard for what you want. I was raised by a single mom who put herself through college obtaining her undergraduate degree and a few years later, a master degree. I remember going to UMKC law school library and reading/doing my homework while she studied for both of these degrees. When she became a CPA, she worked crazy hours during tax season which resulted in me sometimes sleeping under her desk at the office. I know some people will judge that and think…wow…what a crummy mother making her daughter sleep at the office. But I never saw it that way. She single-handedly put me through private education. We lived in the inner city which like many cities, has a struggling school system.
She would tell you that I was born competitive. I hated to lose at anything…board games, spelling bees, t-ball. It didn’t matter what it was, I was always driven to win (and usually did). I was a straight A student and graduated second in my high school class, landing me a full academic scholarship to college. I excelled in college and was a part of many student organizations but my favorite was being elected the Student Senate President both my Junior & Senior year. From there, the only other professional job that I have had other than real estate agent was working as a Consultant on a wargaming project for the Department of Defense. I traveled a lot to Washington D.C. during that job and if I wanted to grow within that company, I was going to have to move there. Shortly after meeting my now ex-husband, he talked me into quitting my job and getting my real estate license. He was a builder/contractor by trade and I thought we would make a good team together. My young naive self didn’t know I was essentially marrying a version of a “Dirty John,” at least business-wise. He slowly gained control over me by making me completely reliant on him financially even though he had no money…it was all show and lots of debt! I would have to ask him for money for everything…groceries, gas, a coffee… it was bad. He didn’t want me showing houses or meeting with clients so I was never able to make any money myself and every time I would talk about getting a job, he would find a way to sabotage it. He was abusive in every aspect. If I ever challenged or questioned him, it would lead to massive blowups. I’ve been spit on, smacked, kicked. He smashed in my car window and pulled the door off my car the few times I was able to actually make it that far to the garage. It’s hard to imagine a strong woman like me would ever stay in a relationship like that. But I was scared and dependent and most of all ashamed. My self-worth had been completely depleted.
I finally summoned the courage to speak to a divorce attorney. She ran a background check on him and discovered that he had over 20 lawsuits against him, hundreds of thousands of dollars in liens and the house that we were living in was in the beginning stages of foreclosure. That obviously scared the crap out of me and motivated me to finally GET OUT. Later we found he had racked up a heavy debt under my name which I have now finally paid off. But I remember her telling me that ignorance is not a defense and at some point, he is going to get me caught up in something that will be worse than that.
When I left him, I had $3000 saved from teaching fitness classes at the community center. I’ll never forget writing that $2500 retainer check and thinking, ok I better get to work! I moved in with my parents and lived off of credit cards for the first few months until I had some closings. I purchased a little house by myself four months later for $60,000. I called about 25 lenders until I got referred to a private lender who would loan to me based on my commission statement from that year at a high-interest rate. I left him and our 5,000 sq ft house for an 800 sq ft house of my own and I was so happy there. Since then, I have upgraded a few times but I still have that house as a rental. I don’t think I will ever be able to let it go.
Now I am with a wonderful man who truly feels like a partner. It is something that I have never experienced before and I hope it is something that everyone gets to have someday…being with a person you know has your back and is supportive of you on your best and worst days. We have an unconventional relationship having a child and not being married but if it works then why mess with a good thing? We are both happy and in my opinion, that is what matters most!
In the past eight years, I grew from an agent selling 60 homes a year on my own to a team of five with a full-time admin ranked one of the top teams in the city. I specialize in resale and new construction. I currently am the co-listing agent of the new home subdivision Plaza Heights (32 single family homes being built in the urban core. As well as a part of a new development in Kansas City, KS by the Legends that is a maintenance provided villa community.
I have more plans for the future and few cards up my sleeve on some new things coming but not ready to share those yet!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course, it hasn’t been a smooth road. It has been an uphill climb with scary cliffs! I was young when I first got my real estate license! What does a 24 years old know? Not much, especially about selling houses. But with time, I learned more and more about homes through property management and assisting my ex-husband. When I went out on my own, I didn’t know where I would get business from so I started doing open houses. I would do four open houses every weekend to try and connect with potential buyers. The very first one that became a client was someone who I have helped buy and sell multiple properties since then. I tell new agents that they should be working with buyers, showing houses and learning the market! I can’t tell you how many houses that I have looked at in Kansas City but it is a lot! My first year, I sold 17 houses, the year after that 36 and the following, 60! I was working non-stop and close to a nervous breakdown when I finally brought on board an admin and buyer’s agent and that changed my life. I could focus on clients and helping them buy and sell and not worry about the paperwork which can be a time suck. I also learned that there is only so much of me to go around and having a designated buyer’s agent gave me the opportunity to serve more people better. She was an extension of me and still is. If she is helping someone, it’s like I am helping them because I know she is going to work hard to make sure they are taken care of in the very best way, just like I would! I feel this way about my entire team.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Allison Rank Team is a full-service real estate team that helps buyers and sellers in their real estate transactions. We have helped over 1,000 clients in Kansas City and aim to offer the very best experience when it comes to buying and/or selling. Allison Rank & Team has extensive knowledge of new construction and remodeling. Allison is privileged to work with associate Susan Palmer on the Plaza Heights project – 32 new single family homes built two blocks from the Country Club Plaza. Allison is also currently working with team member Jason Rokoski on new maintenance provided villa community close to the Legends in Kansas City, KS. Allison has received top agent rewards every year for the past eight years, voted Best of KC by the Kansas City Pitch and featured in numerous local magazines.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Team Members include:
Erica Heath
Colleen Roberts
Mike Simonett
Jason Rakoski
Contact Info:
- Website: arank.reecenichols.com
- Instagram: @allisonrankrealtor
- Facebook: @allisonrankrealtor
Image Credits
Next Door Photos – Steven Black
