REALTOR® on the rise

Connector, Leader, REALTOR®

Kayti Gage recently celebrated 15 years in the real estate business, during which she’s solidified her role as a top agent and leader in the DFW. Kayti has held several roles during her real estate career, from agent to broker to owner. Regardless of her title, however, she brings the same care, commitment, and transparency to her business.

The Road to Real Estate

After graduating from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2006, Kayti began working in the nonprofit sector. Unfortunately, her role with the Museum of Nature and Science wasn’t what she expected it to be.

“I thought I would love the nonprofit work, but I was struggling,” Kayti admits. “The drive was killing me. I thought I would be hands-on, helping people. Working for the museum was great, but I was sort of stuck in the basement doing work, and I didn’t get to do anything that allowed me to truly make a difference.”

Kayti knew her gifts could be better put to use, so when her mom suggested she take a look at real estate; she listened. Kayti’s mom suggested she shadow Nan Reiderer, a family friend and REALTOR® who had been in the business for many years.

After shadowing Nan, Kayti decided to get licensed. Nan took her under her wing, helping Kayti survive the Great Recession and build the foundations for a lasting career.

Becoming a Connector

Kayti discovered her greatest gift in real estate is a natural tendency toward being a connector. She’s sociable, easy-going, and a good fit for a relational role. The opportunity to help others offers Kayti satisfaction and fulfillment.

“Whether connecting someone with a house or a vendor, being a networker is what I really enjoy. I love being the person that can help in whatever aspect is needed,” Kayti says.

After five years with Ebby Halliday, Kayti moved to RE/MAX in Prosper in 2012. She started in an office manager role and eventually moved into ownership while continuing to grow her sales business. In 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the RE/MAX office closed, and the team moved to Monument Realty.

“The change has been great. I loved the ownership role at RE/MAX but being able to still be in leadership and not having to worry about paying the bills and all the back office work has been a relief. Monument has been constantly evolving, and I’m excited about where we are headed,” Kayti explains.

Always a Leader

Kayti closed an impressive 74 homes (52 sales and 22 leases) for $22 million in 2022. Alongside her sales business, she’s also a property manager, overseeing around 50 doors.

Kayti’s business reflected a year of growth in 2022. She started a small team in the summer, which now includes two additional agents.

“It’s been way more rewarding than I’ve ever expected. I get to pour into these women who are newer in the business, sharing all this knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years.”

As Kayti looks ahead, balance is more in focus than ever before. She and her husband, Michael, have a seven-yearold daughter, Wren. Being a mom has heightened Kayti’s need to put boundaries on her schedule; she recently committed to shutting work off after 7:00 pm to be with her family. So far, it’s been a boon to her family life, and her business hasn’t suffered.

Hopefully, Kayti’s new-found focus on boundaries will allow her to be a more available mom, wife, and REALTOR®. Her ability to maintain presence and attention will be more important than ever as she takes the next step in her business. In January, Kayti began her role as the broker of Monument Realty’s new Prosper office location.

“I’m stepping back into leadership without all the ownership responsibilities. It’s a good fit for me,” Kayti says. “But regardless of my role, I am always trying to do my best. I’m always there to help, no matter what that looks like.”