Mackenzie Kyle didn’t know what she was getting into when she got her real estate license. The job, she soon learned, wasn’t about the money—it was about relationships. Unlike the common perception of agents as transaction-driven opportunists, Kyle discovered that success hinged on something far less tangible: the ability to listen, anticipate needs, and respond with genuine care. For her, every interaction became an opportunity to build trust, whether it was answering a late-night text about lease terms or rearranging her schedule to accommodate a client’s last-minute availability. The industry’s reputation for cutthroat competition didn’t align with her experience; instead, she found that those who prioritized client welfare over quick commissions often saw the most sustainable growth.
Kyle, a salesperson at Platinum Properties, said she built her career on trust and flexibility. One of her first deals came from a cold call. A client’s mother found her profile on RentHop and asked for a last-minute apartment tour in Manhattan’s Financial District. Kyle, who lived an hour away, rushed to meet them. The family, nervous about their daughter moving to New York City, left confident in their choice—and Kyle’s guidance and reassurance. This level of personal investment became a hallmark of Kyle’s approach, setting her apart in a market where clients often feel like just another transaction.
The deal that launched a career
That first transaction didn’t just close. It set off a chain reaction. The family referred others, and Kyle’s reputation grew. One referral led to an influencer who mentioned her in a video. Five years later, 80% of Kyle’s leads come from social media. The ripple effect of that initial deal extended beyond immediate referrals. The influencer’s video reached an audience far larger than traditional networking could. Kyle’s social media strategy evolved organically from there, with her posting more frequently on TikTok and Instagram.
“I didn’t know this deal would jump-start my entire career,” she said. “But it did.”
The rental market in New York moves fast. Clients expected agents to give them a leg up on the competition, and Kyle said she had to be “extremely communicative, organized and savvy” to keep up. She leaned into social media early, posting on TikTok and Instagram. The strategy paid off.
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Rejection is part of the job
Kyle came from an acting background, so rejection wasn’t new. But real estate had its own version. Sometimes it was clients. Other times, it was peers dismissing her for being young. Experience didn’t always win deals—hunger and efficiency did.
“There have been many homes I’ve secured for clients by being more aggressive,” she said. “And I’ve also worked with veteran agents who were happy to help.”
Platinum Properties, where she’s worked for five years, gave her tools to grow. The industry is vast but tight-knit, and small acts of kindness stand out.
Real estate in New York isn’t static. Agents who don’t adapt get left behind. The city’s market is relentless, but Kyle said clients who understand an agent’s role appreciate the work. Transparency and education, she believes, are key to keeping that trust.
“We need clients just as much as they need us,” she said. “And we have to keep proving our worth.”
