Kim Woods

Kim Woods, co-owner at Tyson Properties, brings nearly three decades of experience in the real estate industry, managing a territory that spans from the Umbilo River to the Umhlanga River.

A significant part of Kim’s early dreams has been to make a success of her real estate business which she has fulfilled. She considers herself blessed to work alongside her two children, expressing immense fulfilment in sharing her professional life with her family. Her son co-owns the business with her, while her daughter oversees the marketing and social media aspects.

Her journey to becoming a successful real estate professional was not straightforward as before finding her passion for property, she explored various careers. After leaving school, she started in banking but quickly moved on to different ventures. It wasn’t until she tried her hand at real estate that she found her true calling. Her dedication to the industry has been unwavering, and she continues to love what she does.

Immense Fulfilment
Kim’s enthusiasm for her work is driven by a passion for people. She relishes the opportunity to meet different individuals and embraces the constant learning that comes with the profession. Even after 28 years, she acknowledges that “every single week there’s something else that’s new and different.” Despite the frequent changes in legislation and business practices, which can be challenging, she finds that they keep her ‘on her toes’ and eager to learn. Her love for interacting with people extends beyond just her clients. Kim is particularly proud of her team, a diverse group with a mix of young, middle-aged, and older individuals, which she believes contributes to the dynamic nature of the business.

Her team at Tyson Properties also feels like an extension of her family. She has always aspired to grow a team where seasoned professionals could mentor newcomers, and she has achieved this through an intern programme that began several years ago. Kim commented, “It’s been a really interesting journey to watch the people that have been in the industry for longer terms, embracing the new people, taking them under their wings and helping them to grow.” Of note this culture has strengthened the entire team as they’ve learned to understand each other and the diversity of each of the individuals.

In her role as a leader, Kim takes pride in being a “mum” figure to her team, providing support not only in professional matters but also in personal challenges. She sees herself as a good listener and makes herself available to her team 24/7. Her approach is not necessarily to offer advice but to be there when all a person needs is for someone to listen.

Kim’s career has been shaped by the mentorship she received early on, for which she is deeply grateful. She credits her original boss as a phenomenal mentor who encouraged her daily. “She’s always been somebody that I’ve aspired to be like,” reflected Kim. She also taught Kim how to acquire the resilience necessary to succeed in the real estate market even during tough times. “She definitely taught me the bounce back ability thing,” Kim recalls, adding that this lesson has been invaluable throughout her career.

Additionally, an early partnership with a younger colleague allowed her to learn and grow alongside someone equally enthusiastic about the industry. Even though they now work in different cities, they continue to share ideas and support each other.

Greatest Achievements
For Kim, one of her greatest achievements has been raising her children to be “decent human beings.” Watching her team members grow and succeed is another source of immense pride, particularly when she sees former interns who knew nothing about real estate now ranking among the top agents at Tyson Properties. “That is just the best,” she says, describing the joy of celebrating their achievements.

Managing a large team of 48 agents presents its own challenges, particularly in understanding the needs of each individual. Kim recognises that there are times when some agents require more guidance, while others may not need her support for extended periods. Having her son involved in the business has been advantageous, as it allows them to share the load and ensure that someone is always available to assist those in need.

Kim advises young people entering the real estate industry to fully embrace the profession. She believes many newcomers mistakenly think they can balance real estate with other pursuits, but the reality is that it requires complete dedication. Kim emphasises the importance of approaching the field with passion and commitment. While the numerous accreditations and qualifications can seem overwhelming, she encourages new agents to prioritise their work more than anything else. “Decide that you want to do it and decide that you’re going to give it your all,” she advises. With the right mindset, the learning and qualification process becomes manageable, as the love for the job fuels the motivation to succeed.

A Positive Attitude
One of Kim’s most difficult challenges has been her son’s battle with kidney disease. Once an avid sportsman, his illness took a toll on the entire family. “It was really tough to watch him struggle,” she shares, revealing the emotional journey of searching for a kidney donor. “We’ve just celebrated his fourth year of having a new kidney from this Angel, who is now part of our lives,” Kim says with gratitude. This experience tested the family’s strength and taught them the importance of maintaining a positive attitude.

Despite her busy professional life, Kim values her downtime, which she spends with close friends and family. Whether it’s walking on the promenade, enjoying coffee, or having relaxing weekends away, she cherishes the time spent unwinding. As a grandmother to three wonderful children, she also dedicates a significant portion of her time to playing the role of “granny”, which brings her immense joy.

As for the future, Kim has no plans to retire. As long as her health and energy remain strong, she intends to continue doing what she loves.