Kelly Lynch	The Week of June 4th, 2006

Real Estate Magnate

1. What’s in your wallet right now?

About $110.00 in cash, a few credit cards, my driver’s license and several receipts I need to get to my company bookkeeper.

2. What do you wish your parents taught you about money?

Actually, my mom taught me quite a bit. My parents divorced when I was about five which was at a time when the “man of the house” usually handled family financial matters. As a single mother, my mom had to very quickly learn how to manage checking accounts, credit cards and paying bills. She made a point of teaching my sisters and me all the things she was learning and stressed the importance of being financially independent and responsible with money.

3. What is your worst habit around finances?

Staying on top of bank statements and taking time to review my personal financials. As a mortgage broker, I review and discuss my clients’ personal financials all day long so I hate looking at my own.

4. What makes you happy?

Sunny days and spending time with family and friends.

5. Personal philosophy around money?

Think before you spend.

6. Where does money come from?

If you’re lucky, the lottery or rich relatives. But, usually, money comes from hard work.

7. What would you do with a million dollars?

Invest in interesting real estate projects and take an amazing vacation somewhere with a beach.

8. What is your most prized possession?

My family and friends are most dear to me. But my house (while always a work in progress) is my most prized “possession.”

9. Who is your role model?

No one person. But I admire many strong women who are successful in business or politics.

10. What is your greatest achievement?

My company.

11. How did your company get started?

I started in the mortgage business at the suggestion of the mortgage broker who did the financing on my first house. We became friends and, eventually, he convinced me to “try” the mortgage business. I did my own refinance with him in 1987 and got hooked. We worked together for five years until I decided I wanted to strike out on my own. I left his company in 1992, rented a 600 square foot office space and slowly built my business from there.

12. What contributions to society do you want to make?

Right now, I contribute by volunteering any free time I have and by donating money to organizations that are making a difference on issues I believe are important to society as a whole. I am especially passionate about organizations that fight against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and assist the homeless. If I ever retire, I hope to be able to give more of my time to some of these charities so I can make a greater contribution.

13. If you could buy one thing right now what would it be?

A hybrid car to cut down on the gas I use driving between my offices in L.A. and Palm Springs.

14. Favorite activity that doesn’t cost a dime?

Hiking and going to the beach.

15. How do you indulge yourself?

Getaway weekends that include massages and great meals.

Kelly Lynch has worked in the real estate industry since 1987. In 1992, she founded KPL Select Mortgage, Inc. which has facilitated well over a billion dollars in residential loans, helping thousands realize their dreams of homeownership.

Under Kelly’s leadership, KPL Select Mortgage has evolved into a full-service real estate company, providing finance, escrow and property management services for residential and commercial real estate transactions throughout California from offices in Sherman Oaks and Palm Springs.

Kelly is a member of the California Association of Mortgage Brokers and the National Association of Mortgage Brokers. Kelly graduated from California State University, Northridge with a degree in business. She is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of California.

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