Caryl Kirtley
Written by Dave Danielson | Photos by Robert McCarthy, Peak RES
It’s natural for clients to feel overwhelmed as they start out on what can be a daunting task—buying or selling a property. Luckily, they have you to turn to.
Caryl Kirtley relishes fulfilling that role for her clients, as well.
As a REALTOR® with McGraw Realtors, Caryl helps to create great expectations for the future.
Since getting her real estate license in January 2005, Caryl has been helping clients navigate the often daunting process of buying and selling homes—while forming meaningful relationships along the way.
From the Classroom to the Closing Table
Before stepping into real estate, Caryl was a middle school math and science teacher. Teaching was her first passion, but after staying home with her children for a time, she decided she didn’t want to return to the classroom. Instead, she sought a career that would allow her to combine her love for helping others with her interest in houses and decorating. Real estate was the perfect fit.
“I’ve always been a helper. That’s my personality,” Caryl explains. “With my background in education, I knew I could use that skillset to teach my clients the process of buying and selling homes. I love people, and I love houses—so it all made sense.”
Her entry into real estate wasn’t a solo venture; she joined a friend’s team, which provided her with mentorship and camaraderie as she got her start. From the beginning, Caryl approached real estate with the same heart and dedication she had brought to her teaching career. “I’ve always given it to the Lord and said, ‘Whoever you want me to help, please bring them into my path.’ And that is exactly what He has done,” she says.
Strong Bonds
For Caryl, the joy of real estate goes far beyond transactions. “Getting to know new people and making new friends is the best part of my job,” she says. “Almost always, my clients turn into friends.” It’s clear that for Caryl, the connections she makes with her clients are what truly drive her.
“My goal is to help people through a process that may seem daunting at first,” she adds. “If I can hear them say, ‘Wow, that was kind of fun,’ then I know I’ve done my job right.” That personal touch and emphasis on making the experience enjoyable set her apart in a competitive industry.
Caryl’s business is built entirely on repeat clients and referrals, a testament to the trust and satisfaction she’s fostered over the years. Her clients return to her not only because she knows the ins and outs of real estate but because she genuinely cares about them.
“I hope they see that I’m a loving person,” Caryl says. “I care, and I like to help. I hope they see Jesus in me.”
Motivation and Success
Caryl’s faith plays a central role in her life and career. “My motivation is to honor the Lord in what I do,” she explains. She views her real estate career as a calling, something she was “born to do.” This perspective guides her decisions, interactions with clients, and her approach to work. As a result, she has consistently ranked among the Top 1% and/or Top 100 REALTORS® in the Greater Tulsa area.
Her secret to success is simple: prayer and faith. “I’ve always prayed for guidance and trusted that the Lord would bring the right people into my path,” she says. This faith-based approach has led to a thriving business built on trust, integrity, and a desire to serve others.
Family and Community
At the heart of everything Caryl does is her family. Her husband, Mike, and her two children, Michael and Jordan, have been steadfast supporters of her career from the beginning. “My family has been very supportive of me,” she says, acknowledging the important role they play in helping her balance a busy real estate career with her personal life.
When she’s not working, Caryl enjoys spending time with family and friends. She’s also deeply involved in her community and church, participating in Bible studies and sitting on a couple of boards. One of those boards is for Evergreen Academy, a new school that Caryl is excited to support. She’s also on the board of Missionary Cottage Partners, a non-profit whose mission is to help provide housing for furloughed and retiring missionaries.
Giving back is a cornerstone of who Caryl is, and her involvement in these organizations is just one way she continues to serve others outside of her real estate career.
Decorating: A Personal Passion
Beyond her love for real estate, Caryl also loves decorating. “I love to decorate. That’s one of my passions,” she says with a smile. Her eye for design and ability to envision the potential in a space adds another layer to her real estate expertise, helping her clients see the possibilities in the homes they tour. Whether it’s staging a home for sale or offering advice on how to make a new house feel like home, Caryl’s decorating skills are a valuable asset in her work.
Advice for Aspiring Agents
For those just starting in real estate, Caryl offers straightforward advice: “I would talk with excitement about real estate to people you come in contact with,” she says. “When you get those first clients, go above and beyond to try to meet every need and expectation. You want your clients not only pleased with their new home but also with the process.”
She also emphasizes the importance of staying active in the market, noting that “activity breeds activity.” Even when an open house or event doesn’t seem to yield immediate results, Caryl believes that consistent effort will pay off in the long run.
A Career of Purpose
After nearly two decades in real estate, Caryl Kirtley remains as passionate about her work as ever. For her, it’s not just about the business of buying and selling homes—it’s about building relationships, helping people, and living out her faith in her daily work.
