No matter the job description, my career has always been about the art and nuance of communication — listening, paying attention to people as individuals and finding the right way to communicate with them. After earning a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Spanish from Sewanee, I moved to New York City and worked as an actress/improviser for seven years. Living and working in the Big Apple was not only exciting and fast-paced, but it’s where I honed my listening skills working at the Upright Citizens Brigade (founded by Amy Poehler) and wrote a one-woman show that was nominated for an Emerging Comics of New York award.
After moving to the Morningside/Virginia-Highland area that has been my home now for nearly 20 years, I landed a job at Turner, got married and had two boys. Later, I went back to school, obtained a master’s degree in early childhood education and have taught at both Cliff Valley School and Sagamore Hills Elementary School. My teaching experience adds another dimension to the communication skill set I’ve built over the years — working with all grade levels requires a high level of empathy, helps me present information in multiple ways and makes me an expert in reading between the lines.
I believe good communication lies in the details, and when I bought my first home in 2008, I experienced first-hand how a technical mix-up can have far-reaching consequences. This ordeal made me extremely sensitive to the challenges that buyers and sellers face. Whether my client is single, married with kids, retiring or just looking for a good investment, I am able to identify with many different walks of life, understand each client’s specific needs and guide them through their investment strategy. Naturally conscientious, self-motivated and driven to meet goals, I put everything I have into making sure my clients’ needs and interests are protected.
While I work mostly in the Morningside, Virginia-Highland, Buckhead, Decatur, DeKalb and Oak Grove markets, I’m well versed in all aspects of Georgia real estate and go wherever my clients’ needs take me. I use my extensive knowledge of local public and private schools to help advise my clients. Active in my community, I oversee acolytes at Haygood Memorial United Methodist Church and participate in school board meetings. When I’m not working with clients, I enjoy running (find me at the Peachtree Road Race), gardening, baking (I love chocolate chip cookies!), eating in my favorite local restaurants, taking my boys to Atlanta’s fabulous museums or enjoying an episode of Ozark.
B.A., English, Sewanee: The University of the South
M.A, early childhood education, Mercer University
Atlanta REALTORS® Association
Hayden Kelly
c. 404.369.0588
o. 404.874.0300
haydenkelly@atlantafinehomes.com