Hidden Gems: Meet Devin Kirk of InterContinental Capital Group

Today we’d like to introduce you to Devin Kirk. 

Hi Devin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
When I was younger my father ran a real estate business (I was literally answering the phones at 9 years old lol) during this time I learned to love the real estate industry and the fact it can bring you passive income! When 2008 hit it killed my family’s business and everything my dad had worked for. On my 15th birthday my parents were served with a foreclosure notice on our home. It absolutely broke my heart because my dad told me he would never foreclosure on our home + where were we going to live? Lucky enough my step mom’s sister allowed us to live in her home until my parent’s found other income but we had to move to Phoenix. For anyone who knows how hard it is to start a new high school freshman year and move away from your childhood friends, my heart goes out to you because it’s absolutely soul-crushing! This event turned me into the biggest couponer (no kidding ask my high school friends- I had 12+ bottles of shampoo, detergent, etc.) Since my parents were extremely poor, I had to learn how to afford things on my own if I wanted something. I learned to be the most frugal person because I never wanted to have to go through what my parents went through. 

Fast forward a few years, I graduated college debt-free (because I found a corporate job that paid for my tuition) and I was hired for mid-level banking job. The role wasn’t my favorite but it gave me liquid funds to afford a few things I wasn’t able to purchase before. I purchased my first property at 22 by utilizing my corporate 401k for extra liquid funds and purchased my first car. When I was in this position, I was living paycheck to paycheck- this was the one situation I didn’t want to put myself in after seeing my parents foreclose on multiple properties. I called a friend of mine to look at refinancing my property since I needed to save some cash flow each month. We talked and he asked me if I would ever consider mortgages, I stated I wasn’t interested because I loved the benefits the bank offered- consistent pay and great hours. Two months later I wasn’t happy with my banking role so I called him again to ask if I could shadow him (at this time I has gotten my real estate license since I wanted to revisit real estate) I shadowed him and thought I would love the role but was still considering becoming a realtor. A few months later I ended up getting my mortgage license and taking the leap of faith to start a 90% commissioned sales role. I’m not going to lie it was SO hard the first six months I was living off my credit cards, I would go home and cry almost every day, and I didn’t think I was good enough. I told myself if I didn’t make a good paycheck by month six, I was quitting. When month six finally came around I was able to retain my relationships with my clients and I learned how to help others not just be used car saleswomen. Needless to say, I finally learned how to find success! 

Today, I’m so grateful for the mortgage industry to say the least. I’ve consistently been #1 in my office month over month because I’ve learned how to truly help people not just put them into something that won’t benefit them. I know mortgages can be so complicated but I want to help everyone have a brighter financial future + understand the basics! I now own a rental property and a townhome as my primary residence (I recently sold my first property) but I have more than enough in reserves to pay all my expenses for many years because you never know what could happen! In addition, I always look for the best freebies + coupons because I still have the “I’m poor” mindset. I want everyone to know it’s not easy but you can make it easy if you know how to break down the numbers/ educate yourself. I started my Instagram to help others and I’m so happy to say people really enjoy the content! 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, not at all! The biggest struggle I’ve had to deal with is time management! The mortgage industry is basically a sales role. You are selling someone on why refinancing makes sense, your company, and the biggest part is yourself. When it comes to sales your next client doesn’t come to you- you have to find them! Due to this, I’d had to sacrifice time away from family and friends to make sure my clients are taken care of since I don’t get paid for a loan for 30-45 days- since the average timeframe to close a loan is 30-45 days. I normally work 50-55 hours a week + even work on the weekends if my clients contact me. I want to always be available for them since I know how upset I am when I don’t receive the best customer service! It’s a true hustle but it’s all worth it to know you are changing someone’s entire financial outcome- most of my clients I become part of their family! 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
InterContinental Capital Group is a nationwide mortgage company- we have offices all over the United States, my specific branch has been open for about two years and we are based in Scottsdale, AZ. I am currently a Mortgage Loan Originator and specialize in refinances or consumer direct as we call it in the mortgage industry! We set ourselves apart from other mortgage companies for a few reasons 1.) We typically have much lower interest rates because we are a direct lender and don’t have the brand name to pay for 2.) We truly care about our clients and I’m not just saying that because I’m biased. I have seen/ worked with so many mortgage officers/ real estate agents where all they care about is the paycheck and I can see right through it! 3.) we are local to Arizona which is great because I have met with multiple clients in-person to help them with their refinance/ purchase. I’m most proud of my branch because we are consistently number one in the entire company. We take the time to review with clients and fix the problem if there is one-we want to make the process as streamlined and easy as possible. We offer many different types of mortgage products- VA, FHA, and Conventional loans. 

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The best way to support me is by sharing my Instagram posts/ stories and just having positive word of mouth about my services! Buying a home is a very emotional experience and having the best team will make all the difference! 

Contact Info:

• Email: dkirk@icghome.com
• Website: https://intercontinentalcapital.com/loan-officer/devin-kirk/
• Instagram: MLO_Devin