Leader Q&A: Denise Kinney

Career building brick-by-brick

August 23, 2024

Meghan Corbett, Photography by Daria Amato,

Born and raised in Wilmington, DENISE KINNEY has seen almost every type of real estate market possible. After a major career change led her to real estate in the early 2000s, she realized her main goal was to find a way to make a difference in the lives of others through her work and dedication.

“I love seeing others succeed. To know that I may have helped someone along the way gives me purpose and meaning. It’s what keeps me going,” she says.

Now the president of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, the largest residential real estate firm in the Wilmington area by volume, she gets to do just that on a daily basis.

“Everything I have accomplished in my career has been fueled by my desire to be the best role model possible for my daughter,” Kinney says. “Building strong relationships within my company and community combined with an honest and diligent work ethic has been the groundwork of who I am today.”

Tell me a little bit about yourself as it relates to your career, training, or anything personal you’d like to share?

“Born and raised in Wilmington, I can truly appreciate where this great city has been and where it is now. I am proud of our community, its history and its growth, its strength, and its resilience. Helping people has always been at my core and an integral part of my life.

I have a long history of volunteerism as an EMT and with various youth and children’s programs. I truly love what I do and the opportunity that I have to help change the lives of others.”

What led you to get involved in the real estate industry?

“In 2001, the local Corning Inc. plant made the decision to lay off a portion of its workforce. I had only been employed there for about a year, so I knew that I would be among the employees that would be included in the staff reductions. After that, I signed up to take the real estate class, earned my salesperson’s license and then my broker’s license.”

What was the road like to your current position as president of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage? What is your daily schedule like?

“In 2008, I was offered a position to start an internet leads department at Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. I had been the broker-in-charge at my previous firm, and I wanted a similar role managing people.

I was told, ‘If you come on board and work hard, when a management opportunity comes available, you will be considered.’ What more could I ask for? After six months with the company, I became the managing broker of the Leland office.

I went on to open the South Brunswick office, moving that location twice in two years due to phenomenal growth. By 2014, I had managed all the Brunswick County offices and was named director of sales.

In 2017, I became general manager and, in 2019, senior vice president. In 2021, I was promoted to president, which was something I had never expected. My goals were always focused on the people I helped rather than the title I received.

No two days or weeks are alike in this business. I find myself traveling a lot, visiting all twenty-four offices as often as I can, participating in office meetings, holding training classes, and problem solving.

Ensuring that our agents are well trained on all things affecting our industry is very important and top priority. My career before real estate was technical in nature, and I find the two paths cross more often than one would realize. I love helping people, troubleshooting, and implementing solutions to keep issues from recurring whenever possible.”

How would you describe the changes that have occurred in real estate in the past five years? What is your hope for the next five years?

“The past five years in real estate is something we shouldn’t expect to see again.

The pandemic brought on a real estate market like none other. During that time, agents worked longer and harder than they ever had. Interest rates were at an all-time low, and prices rose quickly.

With many employees changed to a remote work schedule, it gave them the ability to live wherever they chose. We found many people relocating to areas where they had previously visited or vacationed. Our current market is suffering from higher interest rates, inflation, and a continued shortage of inventory.

I don’t anticipate a change in our current market until summer 2025. Prices may continue to rise but at a more normal pace. The reason for this appreciation is because even though inventory is up compared to the last two years, inventory overall is still down.

Mortgage rates are forecasted to come down slightly which will bring more buyers back to the market. Our area was and still is a destination spot and recognized as a great place to visit, raise a family, and retire.”

What recommendations do you have for those buying and selling in the near future?

“As inventory increases and homes stay on the market longer, the importance of using an agent to help you buy or sell has never been greater. You need an advocate. A well-trained agent will bring tremendous value to the process and save you from unwanted burdens and hassles that sometimes come with real estate transactions. This is the biggest purchase most people will make in their lifetime. Trust an expert in the industry.”

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES TO RECOMMEND?

Make Your Bed: The Little Things That Can Change Your Life by Admiral William H. McRaven (US Navy, retired) and Start with Why by Simon Sinek; The Happiness Lab Podcast

A FAVORITE SPOT IN WILMINGTON?