Exploring Life & Business with Olivia Huffaker of Olivia Huffaker Real Estate

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Huffaker.

Hi Olivia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Hi, Thanks for having me.  For me, my job goes so much deeper than the routine day in and day out tasks.  I have always had a love for design and interiors.  Growing up, I loved looking through architectural plans and scouring home design magazines.  In college, I went the non-traditional route of first getting a degree in gemological design, and then later, graduated with a degree in Fashion Marketing and Management.  After graduating, I quickly worked my way from intern to manager of two Standard Style/Baldwin clothing boutiques right here in KC. I learned a lot there and loved connecting with clients, the fast paced energy environment, and truly serving them in a way that made them feel good when they walked out the door.  And, it happened to be, that while working there, I had a client, a realtor named Ashley Kendrick, who recommended that I consider going into real estate.  Having felt I had achieved my goals at Standard, I knew I was ready for the next adventure. I resigned from my position, got my real estate license and jumped right in, ultimately joining Chartwell Realty, a local real estate company here in town.  The company has such a cool entrepreneurial energy/family vibe to it that I just love. They welcome individualist ideas and are so supportive of each realtor building their business exactly the way they want – no stale or traditional way of doing things required!

From my research before getting into the industry, I knew that only about 5% of realtors actually survive the first year and then move on to something else.   With an attitude of hard work instilled in me, this was a statistic I refused to become.   I not only accepted and appreciated all that Ashley could teach me as my mentor (she still is to this day), but I also made a point to make myself available to several other realtors to use me as their “go-to” person when they needed assistance.  I never said no.  Any hour of the day, day of the week, or distance I had to drive, I always said yes.   My goal was to become invaluable to the realtors around me, to soak in all the knowledge and experience they could share with me.  My first year resulted in helping forty individuals and families find their new home.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If you talk to any realtor, I don’t think any of them would describe real estate as being smooth.  That is what makes it interesting!  You need to think fast on your feet and adapt to constant change. People don’t usually realize that there are so many factors that go into being a realtor.  You aren’t just unlocking doors.  Every transaction typically becomes a learning experience as well.

I think the most difficult portion for me is compartmentalizing my feelings when it comes to my clients.  One of the biggest reasons why I love my job is being able to fight for people and make sure they are well taken care of during what can be a very stressful and vulnerable process.  I like to think I am in the trenches with my clients fighting hard with and for them.  I often take the losses and wins personally.

We’ve been impressed with Olivia Huffaker Real Estate, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a licensed realtor both in Kansas and Missouri and as of recently explored my passion for interiors and renovating homes. I LOVE interior design so this is a fun journey that I am on. I get so excited seeing my visions come to life.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I am lucky and could list so many influential people in my life. Between my family and friends, I have always surrounded myself with people who have a strong work ethic and a do-good mentality. I could write a novel about each person and how they have made me a better person. Ashley Kendrick has been the pinnacle of my success in the real estate industry. Not only did she take me under her wing and show me the ropes but I have never had a bigger advocate for my growth and success in this industry. I look up to her in so many ways and love that I get to work with her on a daily basis.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.oliviahuffaker.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviahuffakerrealestate/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oliviahuffakerrealestate

Image Credits
Balance Photography – Sarah Kendrick