Success as a real estate agent often comes from a blend of passion, dedication and an innate ability to empathize and connect with people. 616 REALTY agent Mary Kosiorek and Kosi Homes founder, embodies all these qualities and more. While she “never in a million years” thought she would be in sales, real estate has been the perfect fit for her professionally, as a mom, and as a woman being a role model for her children, especially her daughter.
A New Beginning
When the pandemic hit, Mary was working at East Rockford Middle School where her daughter attended school. She was working as a part-time administrative assistant to the Athletic Director and part-time health room nurse. Because everything shut down, Mary was working from home and only monitoring email. Mary had a hard time with the changes and longed to be more active, “I need to be busy, so I started thinking about what else I could do.”
It was during a camping trip to the family seasonal spot at Rivers Ridge, as she watched an episode of “Million Dollar Listing LA” that her husband planted a seed of possibility – suggesting she could thrive as a realtor. Despite initial reservations, Mary thought about the fact that she is a good communicator, a writer, she was good at mathematics, and eventually she thought, ‘Why not?”
Go Big, Win Big
Mary swiftly completed real estate licensing courses and passed her licensing exam and embarked on a new chapter. After starting her real estate journey at 616 REALTY, Mary decided to market herself as Kosi (cozy) Homes. In her first quarter and during a global pandemic, Mary found instant success. Mary had more financial success in three months than in a full year at any of her previous jobs. This newfound security allowed her to treat her younger two children to an impromptu trip to Disney World. “It was a win/win. I loved my new career. And, I got to take my family on a trip. The more driven you are in this business, the more success you will have. Real estate has given me financial security, and our family goal is to be debt free. I love being able to share that with my clients as well.”
Being a real estate agent hasn’t just been monetarily good for her and her family, but it has also allowed her to support her children’s dreams as well. “My son is a carpenter, and one day, I hope to be able to refer my clients to him.”
A Role Model for Women
She also loves that she is being a good role model for her daughter, Ashlynn. “I want her to know that anything is possible. I have very heavily depended on my husband throughout our 21 year marriage. Now, knowing I could support myself and my children, is amazing. I used to feel like I wasn’t contributing enough because I wasn’t contributing financially even though I was taking care of our children and our home. Now, not only am I contributing, but I am paying our debts off completely. I take my daughter to open houses with me; she helps me with graphic design and making fliers and social media posts for Kosi Homes. I think she sees her mom being successful, making money and doing amazing things. Ten years ago she wouldn’t have seen that side of me.”
Perhaps, real estate has always been in Mary’s blood. She purchased her first home when she was 19, and she did it by herself. “I purchased my first home when I was single at the age of 19 using MSHDA down payment assistance. My husband and I put a lot of work into it over 3 years and sold it and purchased the land and plans to build our second home. We lived there for 13 years and doubled our profits. I have a lot of knowledge and experience to share to help homeowners reach financial freedom too.”
Client Benefits
Mary has a lot to offer her clients, not just knowledge. Her dedication to her clients is very important to her. Whether it’s answering texts at odd hours or going above and beyond to assist with tasks like painting and pet care, Mary’s clients know they can rely on her unwavering support. “One family was moving from Rockford to Seattle.” The family had a lot of fur babies, and Mary would go to the house before every showing and make sure the pets were secure or off site so the home was ready for buyers to tour. “I don’t feel like I have a set job description. Whatever my clients need, I am willing to help. If it has to be sold in two weeks, I want to do my part.” Mary also thrives on pressure. Her clients love how driven, ethical and honest she is as well. “When they say they want something, it is ‘go time’ for me.”
Mary’s ability to empathize with clients of all backgrounds also makes her a beloved agent. “Growing up, we lived in 7 homes. I know moving and house hunting was a big stress on my mom. I probably grew up quicker than necessary, just watching her work so hard to take care of us kids. If there is any way I can mitigate that for someone else’s family, a client, for their children, I will. I understand what they are going through. I don’t want them to feel that stress. To me, the extra stress and tasks I take on for my clients is worth it on closing day when my clients reach their goal.”
616 REALTY
616 REALTY is the only brokerage Mary has worked for, and she loves it. While many agents at 616 love the familial atmosphere, Mary actually has family at 616. “A cousin of mine, Jennifer LaVallee, works at 616, and when I was going through my licensing courses, she set up a meeting for me with Scot Kellogg. With Scot, I felt I could be myself. He is very supportive of us doing our business how we want; as long as we are positively representing his company and being ethical, he lets us be ourselves. I did a mentorship program with Jennifer as my Mentor. I had to sell five properties under her direct supervision. She was at the showings and supported me in every way. Scot told me I completed my mentorship in record time. I completed it in two months instead of the year to two years it takes most agents.”
Advice for First-Time Homebuyers
For those venturing into the real estate market for the first time, Mary offers invaluable advice. She emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind, exploring various financing options and being prepared for associated costs like earnest deposits, inspections, and appraisals.
“Don’t give up. There are a lot of programs to help with the down payments, some lenders offer grants, and you don’t always have to put down 20%. Sometimes if you qualify, you could put as little as 1% down for a conventional loan. Rural Development and VA loans require 0% down. To some, the commitment of purchasing a home could sound intimidating, but I am here to support and guide you, I can help with your questions and ease the load.”
Advice for Sellers
“It will sell quickly, if you price it appropriately. Work with someone you trust, and put your trust in them. If they are advising you, then listen; they know what you need to do to make your home marketable. From there, get ready to move because your home will sell quickly.”
Along with supporting her clients, Mary is also an advocate for diversity, equity, fair housing, and inclusion. “I believe that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to become a homeowner, regardless of their background or financial situation.”
Mary’s dedication to all her clients shows in her successes like GRAR Rookie of the Year and Board seat with the Rockford Housing Commission. By helping others achieve their homeownership dreams, advocating for diversity and inclusion, and empowering and encouraging women and her daughter to reach their fullest potential, Mary is redefining success in the real estate industry and becoming a role model for all.
For any of your real estate needs, contact Mary or 616 REALTY today.