Kelly Knight
Founder, Knight Real Estate Group
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Known for her exceptional communication skills, professionalism, unwavering integrity, and esteemed background as a real estate and business attorney with a sharp eye for detail, Kelly Knight brings her unique skill set to her clients’ every real estate need. A veteran advisor with uncompromising discretion and service-forward approach, she has built a strong client network based on referrals and recommendations from former colleagues, business associates, past clients, and friends.
A full-time, licensed real estate broker since 2005, Kelly has personally managed 220 transactions since 2005 and closed over $350 million in sales.
Her boutique Santa Barbara real estate team, an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, is a Santa Barbara top producer with over $200M in sales since 2020.
Former Practicing Attorney. Prior to obtaining her Broker’s license in 2005, Kelly spent 15 years working at one of Santa Barbara’s top law firms, consistently performing at the highest levels of excellence. “My real estate clients receive from me the same level of knowledge, skill, diligence, discipline, and preparation that I provided to my legal clients as a practicing attorney,” says Kelly. “I'm able to dive into the nuances of complex contracts and understand and explain the ramifications of a purchase or sale in a way that most agents cannot. I fully embrace my responsibilities as a fiduciary, and work tirelessly to protect my clients’ interests.”
Creative Talent. A career in real estate has allowed Kelly to channel both her intellect and her creativity for the benefit of her clients. “I consider myself a life-long learner, and there is always something new to learn in real estate. I explore anything that adds value to my clients, whether it’s an interest in architecture, historic preservation, design trends, Santa Barbara’s rich history, the latest economic forecast, or new technology,” says Kelly. “Creatively, I love advising my clients on high-impact, strategic design techniques to prepare a property to sell at the best possible price, drafting engaging property descriptions, working with photographers and videographers to ‘get the shot,’ and collaborating with my team to prepare marketing collateral that will best present to the world the property and the exceptional lifestyle it affords.”
Philanthropy. When she’s not working for her clients, Kelly commits her time, expertise, and financial resources to the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara and the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara, local non-profits where she serves as a governing board member. “My education and legal background have given me much throughout my life, personally and professionally,” says Kelly.
“I believe it’s a fundamental responsibility to give back to our community and support our friends and neighbors. Because of that, I’m passionate about providing those most vulnerable in our community with equal access to justice and the opportunity to attain a college education.” Knight Real Estate Group also contributes regularly to local Santa Barbara schools.
In 2023, the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors awarded Kelly Knight with two awards - the Community Service Award for her philanthropic and volunteer work and the prestigious Howard Gates Award for her exceptional contributions as a realtor for successfully navigating one of the most complex transactions of the year.
East Coast Roots. Originally from coastal Maine, Kelly attended Bucknell University where she earned an undergraduate degree in Business Administration. Kelly moved to California in 1985 and attained her law degree with an emphasis on business, tax and real estate. Now a 30-year resident of Santa Barbara, Kelly enjoys early morning hikes in the nearby foothills with her dog and time on the ocean with her husband, Mike, during her free time. She is also the proud parent of a Bowdoin College attendee.
Proven Success and Experience
- Full-time licensed Real Estate Broker since 2005 – License #01463617
- Personally managed over 175 transactions with sales in excess of $225 million
- Member, Professional Standards Committee, Santa Barbara Association of Realtors
- Member, Board of Directors, Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara
- Member, Board of Directors, Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara
- Member, Board of Directors, Santa Barbara Club
- Practicing Attorney 1988 – 2004
Education and Experience
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bucknell University, Pennsylvania
- Juris Doctor from McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
- Certificate of Mediation, Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine University
- Adjunct Professor, Santa Barbara College of Law 2002 – 2004
Professional Affiliations
- Member, Santa Barbara Association of Realtors
- Member, California Association of Realtors
- Member, National Association of Realtors
- Member, California State Bar
- Member, National Association of Women Business Owners
- Member of ProVisors (Professional Network Group)