MEET Kizzie Brown-Duah

I chose Spelman College as my HBCU because of its long-standing reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to empowering and uplifting Black women. My parents attended both Morehouse and Spelman. It was passed down and will to my children should they choose to attend. As an institution, Spelman not only provides a rigorous education, but also fosters a strong sense of community and sisterhood. I was also drawn to the diverse range of opportunities and resources available at Spelman, from its liberal arts majors in the arts and sociology to its strong alumni network. I graduated with a degree in Psychology and minored in Music specializing in Voice. My fondest memories were traveling and performing with Spelman’s Glee Club. Everyone knows Christmas and the Holidays at Spelman and Morehouse is the favorite time of the year as families gathered to hear these two choirs perform. Spelman not only helped me grow academically, but also personally and socially.

I have always been drawn to the idea of owning property and building wealth through real estate. Growing up, I saw my mother and father successfully invest in various properties. My mother presently owns and has operated her own Real Estate company for over 30 years. Watching her make deals and helping others find a home sparked my interest in the industry. As I got older, I experienced firsthand the struggles of finding suitable housing in New York City, and I realized the importance of understanding the real estate market and locating affordable rent if possible. The apartment I located on my own with a friend and Spelmanite was a two bedroom in Prospect Heights for $950 in 2001. I stayed there until purchasing my own home and other investment property with my husband. Back then the market was affordable. I became even more passionate about helping others achieve the same goal. Building a real estate portfolio of smart investments in the real estate world was the smarter thing to prepare for retirement.

The Privélege Group also offers services tailored to the needs of homeowners and investors. Our team has extensive experience in real estate sales, investments, rentals, and project management, making us a one-stop-shop for all your real estate needs. As homeowners and brokers ourselves, we understand the importance of increasing the value of your property. To address a need within our communities, we specialize in fixing up and reselling properties, as well as managing renovations for homeowners. We also encourage families to consider renovating their inherited properties or converting their two-family homes into three-family homes to generate additional rental income. Furthermore, we are committed to promoting affordable housing opportunities for HBCU graduates and connecting them with potential properties in this competitive market.

The most important lessons my career has taught me is the importance of building your own social capital and personal board of directors to be successful in Real Estate or any business. What is social capital? Social capital is your network of people who will invest in your idea and support you in achieving your goals. This can include mentors, colleagues, clients, and other professionals in your industry. Building a strong social capital can provide valuable resources, opportunities, and support throughout your career. It also allows you to establish your reputation and credibility within the industry, which can lead to increased success and growth in your business ventures.

The Privélege Group team is dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and resources necessary to make informed decisions when purchasing a home. Our small team is passionate about educating our clients on how to make their home purchase a profitable investment through renovating, designing, and either renting or selling the property. We are committed to helping you find the perfect home that meets your specific needs and goals.

My advice to a young realtor agent would be to focus on building relationships and networking within the industry. Attend conferences and events, join professional organizations, and connect with other real estate professionals on social media. Additionally, take the time to learn about the market and stay up-to-date on industry trends. And most importantly, always prioritize honesty and integrity in your dealings with clients.