Chicago’s Kati Spaniak wasted no time in achieving eXp Realty’s coveted ICON Agent status, becoming an ICON in 2018 — her first year with eXp Realty — and then again in 2019, closing $51 million in sales and $41 million, respectively.
eXp’s ICON Agent status means an agent has achieved exceptional sales volume, plus has represented the company’s core values. It also means that eXp agents can earn up to $16,000 of company stock (Nasdaq: EXPI) each year they qualify for ICON status.
Spaniak says she joined eXp after working at Keller Williams for a couple of years because eXp offered the “entrepreneurial agent the opportunity to pay less in fees and splits and have the ability to earn leveraged income through revenue share.”
Read about eXp’s generous commission, revenue share and stock offerings
She also liked the idea that a brokerage can be run nationally with one system and one process and be successful.
“I liked the idea of a completely virtual brokerage and I loved the revenue share model,” said Spaniak. “eXp isn’t huge in Illinois. And I always like to try new things because I am always looking for opportunities. And eXp is all about opportunities.”
‘You Don’t Have to Sit at the Cool Table to Participate at eXp’
With eXp, Spaniak feels she has much more visibility and opportunity.
“I love giving back to other agents,” said Spaniak. “At the other brokerages, I wasn’t given the opportunity to teach about my successes beyond our local office. That’s really what I love about eXp — you don’t have to be sitting at the cool table in order to contribute and participate. You succeed at eXp because of your hard work, success, sharing attitude, and collaboration.”
As part of eXp’s ICON Agent program, Spaniak teaches classes in eXp’s ICON Series in which ICON agents provide other agents with fresh perspectives on how to succeed and grow their business and to hit sales goals. These classes are available live and recorded to all agents throughout eXp across the US, Canada, the UK and Australia.
“I am sharing things with people that I wish were shared with me — even basic things,” said Spaniak. “Being a real estate agent is hard work. I think a lot of agents don’t know how hard it is and a lot of agents give up. I want to encourage other agents by telling them I was just like them once. They can do it if they focus and make themselves accountable.”
After being with eXp for a few years, Spaniak says she is surprised that she could build relationships through eXp World and online. She didn’t realize she could have interaction at such a high level with other top producing agents.
“I feel the company will do anything to help agents,” said Spaniak. “I didn’t have to fit into eXp’s mold, it fits into mine.”
10 Fun Things About Kati Spaniak
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Dinner with my husband and family.
If you could add a tattoo, what would it be?
I wouldn’t get one because I would never be able to decide what to get.
One thing you can’t live without?
My husband and my children.
One trait that has led to your success?
I am a very hard worker and always believe I can do better.
What celebrity would play you in a movie or TV show?
My husband would say Julia Stiles. But I don’t know.
Pet peeve?
People who say they are going to do something and then they don’t!
Little known fact about yourself?
I was a really good soccer player in high school.
Song you never tire of?
Anything by Journey.
Favorite meal?
My husband’s Beer Can Chicken dish.
Your epitaph will say:
She never gave up.
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