When Michelle Kauffman launched her real estate career in Kansas City in 2009 during a recession, most people were fleeing the industry. Michelle, instead, saw an opportunity. Armed with determination and a talent for thinking outside the box, she carved out a niche in short sales and corporate-owned properties, quickly becoming a rising star. “It was hard but very rewarding,” Michelle recalls. Today, as the founder of her brokerage, the Michelle Kauffman Real Estate Agency, she continues to transform challenges into triumphs, proving that with vision and grit, success is always within reach.

 

Born and raised in Houston, TX, Michelle graduated from Texas Tech University in 2002 with a business degree in marketing and a minor in management. She began her career with a Fortune 500 company, eventually rising to Business Sales Executive overseeing North Texas. In 2009, a nationwide hiring freeze derailed her career. She and her husband, Ryan, were two weeks from relocating at the time. “I was moving to Kansas City jobless,” Michelle recalls. Then, real estate fell into her lap.

 

Having just survived the roller coaster of selling her home in Lubbock and meeting a REALTOR® friend of Ryan’s in Kansas, Michelle wanted to learn more about the industry. Before long, she had her license and was poised to help others tackle the monumental task of buying and selling properties. Within three years, she was emerging as a top producer in the Kansas City real estate scene. Then came another move.

 

“When we ironically moved back to Lubbock in 2012 for my husband’s job, we were assigned a relocation agent for the buying side, and we had an experience that I knew could be better,” Michelle notes. “I found my career heading in a new direction. I learned as much as I could and began to specialize in corporate relocation and, eventually, new construction.”

 

Michelle’s love for Lubbock shines through in her work. “I absolutely love new construction,” she emphasizes. “We all know Ventura Homes is my favorite—not only because I represent them, but also for what their homes and communities do for Lubbock. With the growth Lubbock and the surrounding areas are experiencing right now, developing our community to meet the increasing demand and ensure it continues to thrive is so important.” Michelle is proud to welcome new Lubbockites and help them find their place here. “The most fulfilling part of what I do is having the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives,” she adds. “It’s not just about that ‘one deal’; it’s about supporting them through every step of the journey and being available when they need guidance, reassurance, or just a listening ear.” In addition to helping clients, Michelle also finds joy in mentoring and collaborating with agents.

 

A defining moment in Michelle’s career came when she launched her brokerage, showcasing her bold vision and determination. “I believed in the power of possibility—the possibility to create something meaningful, impactful, and rooted in my passion for helping others achieve their dreams,” she remarks. Her brokerage embodies her mission of empowering agents, supporting clients, and fostering community growth. “I wanted to create a space where clients feel genuinely supported, and agents are inspired to grow, thrive, and love what they do. It’s been a journey of challenges and triumphs, but every moment has been worth it to build something that reflects my values and serves my community.”

 

Choosing her most memorable client experience is difficult for Michelle, who has had many remarkable client encounters. She does reflect fondly on one phone call she received from a potential buyer about a duplex she had listed. “He was calling a few different agents to see who would answer the phone and answer his questions, and he explained he was shopping agents and had 37 duplexes he needed to sell,” Michelle recounts. Impressed by Michelle’s responsiveness, he allowed her to sell them, culminating in a $6 million transaction. “So many other amazing (and challenging) events have happened during my career, but this one has always been a reminder of being the best I can be and treating every deal as if it were my own.”

 

Michelle finds her greatest happiness at home with Ryan, their two teenagers, Cameron and Emma, and their rescue dog, Hattie. “Knowing I get to come home to my beautiful family each evening recharges me and reminds me why I do what I do,” Michelle comments. Whether hiking, traveling or simply relaxing with reality TV, Michelle cherishes the balance between family life and her thriving career.

 

For Michelle, success means aligning her work with her values and having the freedom to choose her commitments. “Being able to choose or decline business based on my workload means the world,” she shares. Her goal: “to be remembered as a great mom, wife, follower of God, and an exceptional agent,” she says with a smile. 

 

As she reflects on her journey, Michelle remains grounded in gratitude. “Everything happens for a reason, even though I might not understand it at that very moment,” she comments, adding that she has no plans for slowing down and appreciates every step of her real estate career. “I wouldn’t change a thing about my real estate journey,” she declares. “Every experience has helped me grow and improve. If I changed any part of my journey, I wouldn’t be where I am today, surrounded by incredible people and doing work I’m passionate about.”

Michelle Kauffman

Michelle Kauffman Real Estate Agency

806-535-9110