Kim Jarvis

A CAREER DRIVEN BY COMPASSION

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Tracie Seeley with Downriver Real Estate Photography

When Kim Jarvis started her real estate career in 2005, it was on a part-time basis; however, by 2008, she considered herself to be a full-time real estate professional — despite having another job. For more than 26 years, Kim worked as a bus driver, servicing and transporting children with special needs. Once she began working in real estate, a typical workday for Kim would start at 6:30 a.m., which is when she would begin driving until 8:45 a.m. She would then change her clothes and focus on her real estate business until 2 p.m. when she returned to complete her afternoon bus driving shift until 4:15 p.m. After that, Kim would continue her day with client meetings, house showings and other real estate-related activities.

For nearly 15 years, Kim managed to keep her bus-driving job a secret from most of the real estate world. “I was always concerned that some people may not, or would not, want to hire an agent who had another job,” she recalled. “However, I have come to realize my bus-driving experience is an asset to my business, and it’s what makes me unique and, more importantly, a standout in my field.”

Thanks to her years of working with families and children with various levels of health and behavioral demands, Kim became a master at effective communication and building relationships. “I provided a service that required me to be compassionate while having the highest level of respect and understanding,” Kim said of her bus driving responsibilities. “Those skills easily translated into prerequisites for a career in real estate. Whether it’s working with emotionally challenged children or a first-time homebuyer, I treat everyone with the same level of respect and care — it’s been the driving force behind my success.”

Because of Kim’s ability to establish and maintain solid relationships, her business is built on 100% referrals. In 2019, she officially turned in her bus driving keys so she could fully commit her time and attention to her real estate profession at RE/MAX On The Boulevard. Since launching her business, she has a career volume of $68 million and has been the top-producing agent in her office for the past 11 consecutive years. She has been honored with the RE/ MAX Hall of Fame Award, RE/MAX 100% Club, RE/ MAX Executive Club and was ranked #53 by the MLS in Wayne County for sold homes in 2020.

“While I mainly fly solo on all my transactions, I am blessed to be surrounded by a great team of professionals who I consider to be my extended family,” Kim said. “I can always rely on other agents for sound advice or help when I need it.” Kim’s biggest challenge was learning how to survive in the foreclosure and short sale market when she first launched her career. “I was able to adapt and overcome those obstacles by embracing the situation and not trying to find the easy way out,” she said. “I called whomever I knew to help me out and spent as many hours as I could learning the ins and outs of how to navigate that type of market. I was eventually able to master the process, which established my confidence and knowledge of the industry.”

Kim attributes her work ethic and tenacity to her mother, Mary Arnold, who was a shining example of what it meant to rise above life’s challenges. “My mother was and always will be a major influencer in my life,” Kim shared. “As a single mother working full time as a respiratory therapist, my mom raised my younger brother and me — a feat that was unheard of back in the ‘70s. We watched her struggle and fight to survive, showing us that faith, hope and hard work are worth the effort. Beyond that, when personal complications hovered over our household, she always prevailed — demonstrating her strength and kindhearted nature.”

Today, Kim said the influence of her mother lives on in her brother, Michael, who is her biggest advocate. “He is so encouraging and supportive to me,” she said. “Our bond is unbreakable.”

Kim’s desire to make a difference in other people’s lives is what’s given her a stellar reputation among her clients and colleagues. Her current focus is on helping first-time homebuyers realize their dreams of homeownership. “I love the thrill of the hunt with new buyers,” she explained. “I pride myself on doing things the right way — no shortcuts. Just simple honesty, integrity and compassion to every client I serve. Then, when I’m handing over the keys to a new home, I feel I’ve maintained the integrity of my business and the relationship with my clients — who most often become my friends.”

In Kim’s free time, she and her husband, Ron — known by most as “Big Daddy” — enjoy traveling through Michigan, visiting local beaches. They also find time to get together with their grown children, John and Taylor. John and his wife, Julie, have two sons, Drew and Mason, who make Kim and Ron happy, active grandparents.

Kim’s relentless compassion and ability to relate to others underscores her allegiance to delivering unparalleled client service. “The real estate business is not an easy career,” Kim advises new agents. “It requires a lot of dedication and a commitment to be successful. One thing I do especially well is sleep with my cell phone,” she added with a laugh. “It sounds crazy, but that’s how devoted I am to my work and my clients.”

Kim recognizes her achievements in life have come through hard work, persistence and her faith. “I have so much gratitude for everything in my life. God has truly blessed me,” she concluded.

Kim Jarvis - Agent Spotlight