Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Brown.
Karla, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started this journey with a prayer, and a plan driven by purpose; accompanied by a passion for helping others. I had decided to take a break from my role as a stay at home mom with our two boys. Most of my professional experience centered around customer service and retail, and finance. As I began to think about my next professional move, I thought about wanting something more permanent and fulfilling; which lead me to prayer. It was then that I decided to go back to school while pregnant with our third child, a little girl. One day in my economics class, the topic of discussion was Racial Economic Inequality and the Racial Wealth Divide. Truth be told, I was appalled by what I was hearing, what I was seeing in the data, and knew then I wanted to make a difference in this area. Closing the gap was my focus. I knew that wealth in America was heavily tied to property ownership and that would be the way in which I felt I could make the biggest impact. I quickly decided that my focus would be in Real Estate and Finance.
After graduating with honors and obtaining an Associates Degree in Real Estate in May of 2018, I worked in multi-family property management before taking my state license exam in December. After successfully completing and passing the exam, I started interviewing with several brokerage firms before finding a home office at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty Texas in February 2019. I had no money for marketing, which led me to have to be creative in establishing a name for myself in the business. I concentrated my efforts on learning the business, navigating all the tools and resources available, but ultimately how my level of service would benefit my clients; and how it would stand out from my competitors.
Within a few weeks, I was writing my first contract on a new construction home, guiding my clients through the process. I feel it is important to note that the respective clients were stationed overseas and I was charged with the task of helping detail every aspect of the home. It was during this transaction that I decided I would make new home construction my specialty. My first seven months were wildly successful by my own standards as I secured over 2 million dollars in property for my clients. I’ve yet to roll out my marketing plan, which will begin in January 2020, and I have faith that this is only the beginning.
My ultimate plan is to provide education in homeownership and property investment to the masses. Building family wealth giving people the knowledge base and resources they need to succeed. I have a strong desire to help the youth, specifically young adults and educating them on creating sound financial goals, making smart money decisions, caring for their credit, making early investments, and so much more.
I have started doing these things now in my buyer consultations as every consult is personalized for the needs of the individual client. I have clients on every end of the spectrum with their needs and goals as it pertains to real estate. I have spoken one-on-one with several young adults, ready to get a head start on what home/property ownership would look like for them, and several working towards adding a rental property for the purpose of establishing generational wealth.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has most definitely not been a smooth one, but one I’m grateful for daily. I find myself constantly repeating to myself, “Weapons may form, but they’ll never prosper,” whenever I’m feeling discouraged. Real Estate is not an industry for the weary or soft-hearted. While establishing myself in the industry, I’m working far more now than ever before, however, being purpose-driven makes the late nights and early mornings worth wild. Also, nothing motivates me more than knowing that this is MY business, that everything I do personally will be a direct result of my success or failure, and that my ability to help others find success can create a new type of security for my family also.
I believe my biggest struggle has been learning to turn-off, slow down, and soak up time with my family and friends whenever possible. The guilt creeps in for me when taking time away from the hustle of real estate, I’m always thinking of things I could be doing to further educate myself in the industry to better serve my clients. Then, of course, the reverse guilt of focusing on building my career and feeling as though I’m missing out on family time at home or with friends (FOMO).
I’m learning to find my work-life balance.
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about your work?
I’m an independent real estate agent, REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty Texas. I work under my name Karla Brown, REALTOR®. What both myself and the company have in common is a genuine need to serve with the utmost in client care, satisfaction, and professionalism.
I’m certified in New Home Construction Buyer Representation but I serve clients in all aspects of real estate whether buying, selling, leasing or investing.
I pride myself in business for my ability to smoothly lead my clients through the processes of their particular real estate transactions and being blessed enough to have been a part of several different types of property acquisition in so short a time. The feedback from clients who are appreciative of the level of care and service I was able to provide to them gives me the most joy; being of service to others makes me most proud.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Honestly, so much has transpired in such a short time it’s hard to pick one particular thing. I’m proud of my entire journey. If I had to choose just one, I would say I find amazing joy knowing that I have stayed consistent/persistent in my efforts to grow my brand and business.
In an industry where most new agents will quit within their first couple of years, I’m grateful to have the endurance and drive to keep pushing through even when times seem less favorable. My faith has been the foundation of my success.
Contact Info:
- Address: 150 N Nolen Dr
Southlake, TX 76092 - Website: www.WeKnowTX.com/KarlaBrown
- Phone: (214) 226-7968
- Email: Karla.Brown@WeKnowTX.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/KarlaBrownRealtor
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/KarlaBrownRealtor
Image Credit:
Octavia Whitlowe @ For Beauty Sake
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