Zina Kaufman’s story has much more to do with the relentless pursuit of dreams than it does with success in real estate. Arriving in the United States at the age of thirteen, she adopted a strategic approach to her education and career, overcoming any obstacle in her way. She has not only worked hard to get to where she is today, but she now helps others to do the same through real estate as an associate broker with EXIT Strategy Realty.  

Moving to the US at a young age had a profound impact on Zina’s development, but she credits her mother with shaping her determination to relentlessly pursue her dreams. Her mother was a model of resilience and remains a source of continued inspiration for Zina. Her mother’s mantra, “shake it off,” has been a guiding principle for Zina, echoing the idea of rising above setbacks and forging ahead.

“My mother's wisdom has instilled in me the value of having an unwavering commitment to dreams and authenticity—encouraging me to stay true to myself, regardless of the obstacles encountered on the path to success,” she shares. 

Zina’s two major interests upon entering college were business and people, which led her to pursue a dual degree in business administration and psychology. Exploring the intersection of these two disciplines, she learned about the psychology of work, motivation, and optimizing business operations to enhance employee engagement. This combination of business and psychology equipped her to help others achieve both personal and professional goals.

After receiving a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology, Zina worked as an organizational development specialist in corporate America. Her interest in real estate was sparked through the purchase of her first investment property in 2000. Then, with family ties to the appraisal industry, Zina deepened her involvement in real estate after the 2008 market crash, eventually establishing her own appraisal management company. She expanded its footprint to cover Illinois, Florida, and Indiana. 

As her interest in the sales process grew, Zina obtained her real estate license. “What captivated me most about real estate was the opportunity to craft lifestyles for my clients,” Zina explains. “It’s not just about selling a home; it's about curating a lifestyle that aligns with the client's aspirations, whether it's an investment property, a first home, or a forever home. The essence lies in understanding and fulfilling each client's unique lifestyle preferences.”

Today, Zina’s expertise in price setting, as well as her years’ experience and know-how in improving business performance and the bottom line, allows her to better serve her clients and grow her business every day. And her clients appreciate her approach and vision as well as her strategy and negotiation skills. She skillfully integrates her corporate experience, appraisal expertise, and psychology degree to provide exceptional service, execute efficient and effective transactions, and ensure win-win outcomes.

“Witnessing the tangible impact of my efforts is incredibly fulfilling, especially when I receive heartfelt notes of appreciation from satisfied clients,” Zina emphasizes. “The ability to contribute to the realization of their dreams, and to forge lasting connections, underscores the profound satisfaction I derive from my work. For me, the ultimate measure of success is when clients transform into friends and choose to return based on the positive experiences we've shared.”

When not immersed in her work, Zina relaxes by driving and traveling. “The open road has a therapeutic effect on me: it induces a meditative state that allows me to clear my mind and rejuvenate,” she says.

Zina also finds solace in connecting with nature, whether by taking leisurely walks in the park or spending time by the lake. “These activities serve as a calming escape. They provide me with the mental recharge I seek when I need a break from the daily grind.” She also enjoys spending time with her two boys. 

Zina’s story doesn’t end with the achievement of her own personal goals. Rather, it continues with the empowering of others to realize their dreams. Using her unique blend of business savvy, psychological insight, and a deep understanding of her clients' needs, she not only accomplishes this goal every day, but she continues to establish herself as a formidable force in the real estate industry. Her story is far from over.