Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen B. Graham.
Hi Kristen B., we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
How things started for real estate, I’d say from very early on in my college career I took an interest in real estate because like so many I read the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad. From there I did a lot of research. Research where I learned that real estate was the way most millionaires got to be millionaires. Unfortunately, I didn’t really have any direct guidance at that time and didn’t really know who or what to ask so it was just in the back of my head. That led to me finding BiggerPockets and a whole lot of other pages and podcasts. I wanted to househack a duplex or something that needed some work, but felt discouraged by someone I was asking questions to so that never happened. Over the years I’ve continued to research and paid thousands for real estate courses and finally took the plunge to flip a home. After some missteps some of which were a result of lies, etc, that I take accountability for, I ended up losing on that deal. This loss is the reason that I know I am able to help others acquire wealth through real estate, because you learn so much more when you “take a loss”. The loss didn’t deter me at all; I actually went deeper into real estate and decided to study and become a licensed Realtor®. I thought it could help me help myself and possibly other investors. I think when people learn from mistakes and keep it moving they have something to offer and that’s what I believe of myself. I am able to offer that wisdom to my clients whether past clients that need good contractors to first time buyers, first time investors or seasoned investors for that matter. So today after hosting home buyer seminars and helping first time homebuyers walk into instant equity to securing commercial spaces for a celebrity chef; what started out as something that was all about me has literally become all about serving everyone else. I’ve seen real estate change lives and my hope is to serve, to educate and influence around the industry of real estate. To make it a little less scary for people and help them realize their real estate dreams!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would not say my journey through real estate has been all that smooth of a road at all. As I mentioned my big introduction to real estate was a huge loss with my flip and I actually got laid off from my job right after I closed on it, so crazy things have happened. That’s actually a part of what pushed me to go ahead and get my real estate license because I definitely had some time on my hands. They always used to say at my church growing up that “a setback is just a set up for a comeback” and I’ve kept that with me. I know that God has prepared good works for me to do here and He has plans to prosper me and not to harm me. So although the road may not be smooth now, there is an expected end and that’s what I hold on to. That’s something that my clients and future clients can hold onto as well because I think it’s safe to say for all working agents the transaction may not be smooth the whole time as there are lots of moving parts, but rest assured that if you’re working with me we will get it done!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have the pleasure of helping people realize their real estate dreams!
I specialize in supporting first time homebuyers, relocating clients, sellers upsizing or downsizing, and helping with investing in flips and rentals. My approach with all of this blends my background in accounting (getting the numbers right), business analysis (how to do things better), and IT (using tech to our advantage), which allows me to see a property not just as a home, but as a financial tool that can build long-term stability and generational wealth.
I’m known for keeping calm, being level headed, and professional. People come to me because they trust that I’ll walk them through every step, protect their interests, and explain things on their level; whether they be first timers or seasoned investors.
One of the things I’m most proud of is being able to work and build relationships with different types of clients. From helping first-time buyers get into their new home to helping a celebrity chef expand their empire with commercial space and everything in between. I have built my business on education, transparency, and service. My clients (and their friends) consistently let me know that they have felt safe, informed, and supported with me. I remember specifically one of my client’s good friends came to their walkthrough and I was there as well, blue tape in hand. He later told my client that I was “very involved” and that he hadn’t had that experience when he bought his home and that really made me feel good because I want to be there for my clients and I will be!
What I believe sets me apart is my attention to detail and keeping my clients goals at the forefront. I take pride in being proactive, responsive, and rooted in these relationships made. Another thing I’d like to mention that sets me a part is being a Partner of The 144k Collective, where “We’re here to help!” Something I’m able to offer as a Partner & licensed Realtor® to any of my buyer clients at a very low/no cost to them that are interested is Equity Guardians which provides mortgage-based foreclosure protection. Lastly and most importantly, what sets me a part is Jesus Christ as He calls His children to live holy aka set a part. I believe that being rooted in Christ allows me to walk in integrity while serving my clients (and others). I think people can feel the difference working with me; I know His light shines through.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I think risk taking is essential in order to reach your full potential. I feel like anything out of the normal or out of your comfort zone is a risk. So, yes, I definitely think I’ve taken some major risks personally and professionally. From posting on social media, flipping a home, starting a business, solo travel abroad and even skydiving. These are all things that I’ve done and/or that I’m actively working on. With social media there’s always the fear of perceived failure from others because maybe you started something and didn’t finish it or whatever the case may be. With flipping a home there’s the risk of bad contractors or sitting on the market, and losing money of course, etc. With starting a business there’s always risk and the saying you always hear about “most businesses fail in the first however many years.” With solo travel in another country you never know what could happen. With skydiving; that’s just a whole other thing honestly. And with all of these things I’ve learned so much about myself that I wouldn’t have learned if I had not taken the risk. I literally wouldn’t be the person I am today without taking on those risks. So here I am, still risk taking and my hope is that my yes to risk taking will lead to someone else giving themselves permission to try too.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekristenbgraham
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekristenbgraham
- Other: https://dot.cards/thekristenbgraham?utm_source=nfc&e=ZGV2aWNlLVZTMUx5ZU5jQUxpLXctYmc
