Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Wiese.
Hi Kayla, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I am from an extremely small town in Nebraska called Laurel. It has 950 people. I couldn’t wait to grow up and leave. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from San Diego State University but very quickly struggled to find a job.
In an interesting turn of events, I decided to join the United States Army. 3 months later, I went to basic training in Fort Jackson, SC, and then straight to officer candidate school at Fort Benning, GA. I was commissioned as a second lieutenant and served 5 years as a transportation officer. I was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY, and Fort Jackson for 2 years each.
About a year and a half ago, I began experiencing severe back pain and allergy issues. I was continuously told by physicians they could not find anything wrong, and that I was fine. Until I have diagnosed with Ehler”s Danlos Syndrome in May of 2021. Everything came full circle and I finally had an answer for why my body was breaking down on me.
Shortly after I had two spinal fusions. The diagnosis took a huge adjustment period because I had previously been so active, but could tell my body needed me to slow down. I accepted my disability, and have taken it in stride, doing my best to try and advocate for others with EDS.
I medically retired from the Army as a Captain on July 15 this year. My boyfriend and I chose to buy a home in Savannah because of our many trips here throughout our time on active duty. We quickly fell in love with the history and eclectic vibe of the city and knew we wanted this to be ours forever home. I now work as a real estate agent at Seabolt Real Estate in downtown Savannah.
I chose real estate as my career because, during my own house hunting process, I was faced with boundless barriers while purchasing a home as a Veteran. I decided that I did not want any other current or retired military members to face the same struggles in their home buying or selling process that I did. I thoroughly understand the stresses of the ever-changing military life and fully believe that finding an agent who understands the dynamics of military service and its challenges is imperative.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was definitely not a smooth road. Serving in the military was unexpected and brought with it some amazing times and some hard times. I had to go through a very hard and damaging relationship to appreciate the one I have now. And the last thing I expected was to be diagnosed with a disability and need to see multiple specialists take care of my health.
It has certainly made life more challenging, but I’m always up for a challenge. One of the hardest parts for me was surprisingly accepting of needing to use a mobility aid. I was fearful of being judged for being 29 and using a cane, but now I just see it as a tool that I need to use, plus there are so many fashionable options out there!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work as a Real Estate agent at Seabolt Real Estate as part of the Nelsen Group (www.thenelsen.group). I specialize in military relocations but also work with civilian clients as well. I know how hard buying a home is as active duty or a veteran, and I also know how hard it is for first-time home buyers.
There were times in my own search I did not feel like a priority to my first agent. It made the process so stressful and I don’t ever want a client to feel like that. What sets me apart from others is that regardless of the price range, loan source, status, or experience level – I will treat all my clients with the same respect and priority.
Whether it’s a seasoned property owner or a first-time homebuyer with a VA loan. I pride myself on constant communication. My goal is to make the home buying process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to continue to grow as an agent, and to help as many people as possible reach their goals of home ownership. My own personal goal is to eventually purchase a home in the historic downtown area and host multiple Airbnb. I also hope to begin traveling outside of the US and experiencing the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thenelsen.group
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayla.jayne.wiese/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kayla.wiese.realtor
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/kayla.jayne.wiese/
Image Credits
Josh Cotner
