When you first meet Rita Kerins, you're struck by her warm smile and the unmistakable spark in her eye—a reflection of both her Irish heritage and her passion for real estate. Over the past twenty years, Rita has built a remarkable career not just by closing deals, but also by making a genuine difference in the lives of her clients—a testament to her determination, family bonds, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Growing up in a lively Irish immigrant family with five sisters and sixty-three first cousins, Rita was never alone. This close-knit environment instilled in her a deep appreciation for relationships, which has always been a cornerstone of her professional ethos. "Family is a huge part of my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way," she shares.

Despite her father's work as a developer and concrete specialist, real estate wasn't initially on Rita's radar. But when she was project managing a high-rise, the idea took root. Realizing she could save the company money by selling units herself, she obtained her real estate license. The year was 2004 and she was just twenty-three years old. "I remember thinking, ‘I'll never use this license.’ Hilarious when I look back on that now!" she said, laughing.

Rita quickly discovered her knack for the industry. Living in one of her father's developments in the Noble Square neighborhood, she often fielded questions from prospective buyers. Despite having another REALTOR® on board, Rita sold three units herself. "If my family was in the building and heard the buzzer ring, they would yell, ‘Have Rita get it! We need to sell these units!” she recalls with a hint of pride. “That's when I knew I loved it and that I was good at it." 

But success didn't come without challenges. Being young in the real estate business meant facing financial constraints and skepticism. "You need money to make money, and when you're young, you don't tend to have it," she notes. “My student loan payment was $1,000 per month.” To overcome this hurdle, Rita focused on building strong, lasting relationships. Her dedication paid off, resulting in a loyal client base that consistently returns and refers her at least twenty-five deals a year.

Understanding the importance of perception, Rita also made a conscious effort to present herself professionally. "I wore suits everywhere I went for at least the first ten years," she shares. This approach helped her establish credibility and command respect.

Education has always been a priority for Rita as well. Armed with a degree in business and marketing from the University of Iowa, she pursued additional credentials and quickly embraced online leads. "I built my career off online leads before that became popular," she says.

Today, Rita is passionate about real estate’s evolving landscape. She's excited about new buyer agreements and their potential to elevate the profession. "It might help REALTORS® be ranked a little higher than one spot above used car salesmen when it comes to trust," she quips.

For Rita, the most rewarding aspect of her work is the tangible influence she has on her clients' lives. Knowing her advice has guided them to homes where they have built their lives and created memories is a source of immense satisfaction. "I've impacted their daily lives—that is so remarkable," she reflects.

Balancing her thriving career with a rich personal life, Rita is a devoted mother to her two children, Adelyn (14) and Keenan (10), and three foster dogs through Pet Profile Rescue. She also enjoys personal training, biking, baking, gardening, cheering on the Hawkeyes, and spending quality time with family and friends. A lover of comedy, Rita often attends shows at venues like The Second City and Zanies Comedy Club. "Sebastian Maniscalco is my favorite comedian," she beams. "My parents are immigrants, so I really relate to all the things he says about his dad and family."

When offering advice to up-and-coming REALTORS®, Rita emphasizes resilience, client-focused service, and self-care. "This job can be an up and down process, but focus on what's best for your buyers and sellers, and it will all work out in the end," she advises. "And remember to care for yourself—take the trip, eat the cake, and enjoy the rollercoaster!"

As Rita looks to the future, she remains committed to her definition of success: making a difference in others' lives for the better. "I really love my job, and I hope that when I'm gone, I've made a real difference,” she says earnestly. "It’s my goal to make everything just a little better than it was before I got there."

With her heart as her compass and hustle as her engine, Rita will certainly continue to leave a lasting impact on all who cross her path.