Turnkey Services Realty: Building Trust One Transaction at a Time

Local Co-Owner Brings Personal Touch to Real Estate in Shelby County and Beyond

In a world where real estate transactions can feel impersonal and overwhelming, Kayla Petersen has built her approach around a simple philosophy: education, communication, and genuine care for her clients. As co-owner and broker associate of Turnkey Services Realty, Petersen has spent the last three years helping others navigate one of life's biggest decisions with confidence and clarity.

"Real estate will likely be someone’s biggest investment," Petersen explains. "When people are looking at houses, they need to not only look at it emotionally, but also investment-wise. I love getting to educate people on the process and helping them feel like an expert in their own home."

From Banking to Real Estate: A Natural Progression

Petersen's journey into real estate began long before she officially got her license in 2021. Growing up with a mother who had been in the industry for 20 years, she was no stranger to showings and listings. "I grew up with my mom doing showings and having listings. Usually my version of getting to tag along was taking photos of a house or being in the car and listening to her stories," she recalls.

Before joining the family business, Petersen worked at a local bank as a teller and personal banker while also handling some marketing responsibilities. This financial background, combined with her insurance experience and love for marketing, has proven invaluable in her real estate career. "I notice there are a lot of things that line up from what I learned at the bank and in insurance. I have a greater perspective of what all goes into a real estate transaction from those experiences."

When her mother, Kim Gray, opened her brokerage in Omaha in 2019 and began expanding into property management, she encouraged Petersen to get more involved. "She asked if I wanted to be more involved with her property management company and then later suggested I get my license as the business was growing," Petersen remembers.

The timing couldn't have been more perfect. Petersen entered the real estate market during one of its busiest periods. "I started off in a really busy market, which was interesting, I was ready to hit the ground running. It's great because I've gotten so many deals and transactions under my belt in such a short amount of time."

A Boutique Approach to Full-Service Real Estate

Today, Turnkey Services Realty operates as what Petersen calls a "boutique brokerage" – a smaller, family-owned operation that prioritizes personal relationships over volume. The team consists of Petersen, her mother Kim Gray (who now lives in South Carolina but remains involved as broker), and Jenny Batenhorst, Kim's cousin who recently joined to help with the Omaha operations.

The company's service area spans both sides of the Missouri River, with property management services concentrated in the Omaha area (particularly Papillion) and real estate sales extending throughout Shelby County and into Pottawattamie County. "I grew up in Avoca, so I am over there on that side often, too," Petersen notes.

What sets Turnkey Services apart is their comprehensive approach. While many agencies focus solely on sales, they also manage about 40 rental properties, giving them insight into both investment and residential markets. "It's a big enough book of business for our small team to service personally because we enjoy getting to be in direct contact with our owners and tenants unlike some larger brokerages.”

Understanding Rural Real Estate Needs

Working in rural Iowa has shaped Petersen's understanding of what clients truly need. She's noticed significant differences between urban and rural real estate practices – differences that actually make her role more essential, not less.

"In Omaha, things can move quicker because they use title insurance, and here we still do more work with attorneys," she explains. "In Omaha, the title company is also ordering all the inspections. Here, the agents are ordering all of them. In small towns, I have experienced more obstacles during closing. You have to talk to a lot of different people – it's more communications between agents, lenders, title companies, and attorneys than in Omaha."

This complexity means clients in Shelby County actually need more guidance, not less. "There's a lot of moving parts that we have to keep in line," Petersen says, emphasizing the value she brings to keeping transactions on track.

Serving Diverse Client Needs

Petersen works with a wide range of clients, from first-time homebuyers to families dealing with complex trust and estate situations. Her banking background has been particularly valuable when working with trustees and estate sales. "I've had it where a bank was the trustee on a house after the owners passed away. Knowing the banking side of things really helped with that kind of transaction."

She's also seen an evolution in how buyers approach home purchases. "For a while, many homeowners were painting all their walls gray with white trim. So many wanted to live in the state of 'we could sell it tomorrow.' And now I'm starting to see people wanting to add their own touches to homes which I love seeing," she observes.

Regardless of the situation, Petersen's approach remains consistent: thorough communication from the start. "When I am sitting down with a client for the first time, whether they're a buyer or a seller, we have a conversation of what the process is, what our goals are, possible outcomes, and their unique positions."

Beyond the Transaction

What Petersen loves most about her work goes beyond closing deals. "I love getting to educate people on the process and helping them also feel like an expert in their own home, whether they're buying or selling," she says. " Commonly, people want to know the market and have an idea of the process because it's their biggest investment.

The challenge of real estate – its 24/7 nature and unpredictability – is also part of what keeps her engaged. "I don't know when I'm going to have a showing. I don't know when somebody's going to call me to list a house. Showings can be on a Saturday at 6 p.m. or 10 a.m.," she admits. But she's learning to manage boundaries to respect her family time while still being responsive to her clients' needs.

Looking Ahead

As Turnkey Services Realty continues to grow, Petersen is focused on maintaining the personal touch that sets them apart. She recently earned her broker associate license, adding another layer of expertise and ensuring the business can continue serving clients regardless of circumstances.

"I'm an agent that will hope, pray, and work alongside you," she says, summing up her philosophy. "I am a matchmaker of sorts– whether it's the perfect house or the perfect buyer, it's not all in my hands but I’ll use my marketing and real estate expertise to make you stand out and find the one."

For potential clients wondering when to reach out, Petersen recommends the six-month mark. "When you feel like you're about six months away from buying or selling, that's a good time to reach out," she advises. "It's good to keep a pulse on the market for when you're ready."

In an industry where transactions can feel overwhelming and impersonal, Petersen has carved out a niche by treating each client as more than just another deal. Her commitment to education, combined with her deep understanding of both the financial and emotional aspects of real estate, makes her a trusted guide for anyone making one of life's biggest decisions. Whether you're buying your first home, selling an investment property, or navigating a complex estate situation, Turnkey Services Realty offers the expertise and personal attention that turns a potentially stressful process into a confident next step.

Turnkey Services Realty operates throughout Shelby County and the greater Omaha area. Visit their website at www.turnkeyservicesrealty.com or connect with them on Facebook. For personalized consultation, contact Kayla Petersen directly at 712-307-0470 or email kayla@turnkeyservicesrealty.com. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking to sell, or exploring investment properties, Turnkey Services Realty is ready to guide you through every step of the process.