At Aspire North REALTORS®, our strength comes from the dedicated leaders who volunteer their time, expertise, and passion to help shape the future of our industry and community. This month, we're proud to spotlight Kara Gelven, Owner and Broker of Peninsula Properties and a member of the Aspire North REALTORS® Board of Directors.
From Emergency Room Nurse to Real Estate Entrepreneur
Kara's path to real estate wasn't a traditional one. Before becoming a successful broker and business owner, she spent the first decade of her professional career working as an emergency room nurse.
"Real estate is actually my second career," Kara explains. "I spent the first ten years of my working life as an ER nurse before making the jump full-time."
Her interest in real estate began as a side passion while working shifts in the emergency room. Alongside her husband, Derek, Kara started purchasing rental properties in their twenties and quickly became fascinated by both the investment strategy and the relationships involved in real estate.
"The more deals we did, the more I realized this was the work I actually wanted to be doing full-time," she says. "Getting my license was the natural next step, and opening Peninsula Properties came from wanting to build a brokerage that felt personal, supportive, and genuinely client-first."
Today, Kara is the owner and broker of Peninsula Properties, a boutique real estate brokerage serving Northern Michigan. With more than a decade of experience in real estate as both an investor and licensed professional, she brings a unique perspective to every aspect of the industry.
Committed to Serving the Industry
Kara has been involved with Aspire North REALTORS® since 2020 and was inspired to join the Board of Directors because she wanted to play an active role in shaping the future of the profession.
"I wanted a real seat at the table," she says. "Aspire North does meaningful work for agents and for our region, and the decisions being made at this level shape how people in our area buy, sell, and invest. I'd rather be in the room helping shape that than watching from the sidelines."
As a board member, Kara is particularly passionate about supporting fellow REALTORS® and fostering stronger connections throughout the industry.
"The work we do is hard, the market is constantly shifting, and the more we can equip our members with education, advocacy, and a real community to lean on, the stronger our entire industry gets," she explains.
She also believes that strong professional relationships ultimately benefit consumers.
"When agents across our region have strong working relationships with each other, our clients are the ones who win. Deals go smoother, communication is better, and we all do better business."
A Unique Perspective on Housing and Community
Kara brings a diverse range of experiences to the boardroom. As a broker who built her business from the ground up, an active real estate investor, and the operator of a property management company, she has firsthand insight into many facets of the housing market.
Her healthcare background also provides a valuable perspective.
"Ten years in the ER taught me how to stay calm in chaos and how to advocate hard for the person in front of you," she says.
Those experiences also deepened her understanding of the relationship between housing instability, mental health access, and homelessness within communities. Kara is passionate about evidence-based solutions to these challenges and believes the real estate industry has an important role to play in broader housing conversations across Northern Michigan.
Watching the Future of Northern Michigan Real Estate
One of the most significant trends Kara is tracking is climate migration.
"People are actively leaving regions dealing with extreme heat, water scarcity, wildfire risk, and skyrocketing insurance costs, and they're looking for somewhere more stable to land," she explains.
Northern Michigan continues to attract attention because of its abundant freshwater resources, four distinct seasons, natural beauty, and comparatively affordable cost of living.
"I've already worked with multiple clients this year alone who were specifically relocating for those reasons, and I think we're only at the beginning of that shift."
As the region continues to grow and evolve, Kara believes thoughtful planning and strong industry leadership will be essential to preserving the qualities that make Northern Michigan special.
Life Beyond Real Estate
When she's not helping clients or serving the industry, Kara enjoys spending time with her family. She and Derek have three children, and family adventures are a top priority.
"Traveling with my family is at the top of the list," Kara says. "We love taking our kids on adventures whenever we can and showing them the world."
Closer to home, you'll often find her enjoying Traverse City's beaches, working on a property project, or exploring new local restaurants.
One surprising fact many people don't know about Kara is her love of hands-on home renovation.
"My dad has been giving me power tools for Christmas for as long as I can remember," she laughs.
From demolition and plastering to tile work, wallpaper, and woodworking, Kara enjoys tackling renovation projects herself. This practical experience gives her an added advantage when helping clients evaluate homes and envision their potential.
A Love for Northern Michigan
Asked to name her favorite local spot, Kara admits it's difficult to choose just one. However, the secluded beaches near the lighthouse at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula hold a special place in her heart.
"It feels like you're a world away from Traverse City," she says. "In the summer, we grab some pizza and our stand-up paddleboard and hang out there until sunset."
Looking Ahead
During her time on the Aspire North REALTORS® Board of Directors, Kara hopes to be a strong advocate for working agents, especially those running small teams and boutique brokerages.
"I'd love to help our association keep evolving with the industry, from technology to consumer expectations to how we attract and develop the next generation of agents."
She also hopes to continue strengthening the association's role as a trusted voice in conversations that impact housing, property ownership, and community development throughout Northern Michigan.
Advice for New REALTORS®
For those just entering the profession, Kara offers straightforward advice:
"Build a real foundation before you chase the shiny stuff. Learn how a deal actually works from the inside out, treat every client like they're going to refer you ten more, and don't be afraid to bet on yourself early."
She also encourages new agents to seek out strong mentorship and remain committed to lifelong learning.
"The agents who win long-term are the ones who stay curious and don't burn out at year three."
Quick Hits with Kara
Coffee or Tea? Both! Her favorites from her travels are Vietnamese coffee and Turkish tea.
Early Bird or Night Owl? Night owl. Her best work happens after the kids go to bed.
Beach or Mountains? Beach—although Northern Michigan has set a very high standard.
Window Seat or Aisle? Window seat for short flights and the views; aisle seat for long flights and extra legroom.
Thank You, Kara
Aspire North REALTORS® is grateful for Kara's leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to both the industry and the communities we serve. Her commitment to advocacy, education, collaboration, and thoughtful growth helps strengthen our profession and ensures a bright future for Northern Michigan real estate.
