Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Delgado.
Kristin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised on the Big Island in Hawai’i. My parents taught my brother and I to take risks and never pass up an opportunity. After doing some international traveling, my husband and I settled down in Hawai’i. We raised our three beautiful children there and life was mellow. However, we had gotten into a rut, and were longing for a change.
My husband and I both dreamed of owning our own businesses. We dreamed of living somewhere where international travel was easier and more affordable. We decided to sell all of our belongings and move to Texas. Texas has what we were looking for- good schools, affordable living, great airport, and a strong economy.
I knew I wanted to become a Realtor and jumped into my career feet first. I immediately got my real estate agent license and joined Keller Williams. A lot of the Keller Williams training revolved around cold calling, door knocking, and scripts to sell. I knew there had to be a better way. I found key mentors who were running businesses based on relationships. Very quickly, I realized I wanted to focus on building a relational business, not a transaction only business. I also wanted to help build a community.
Coming from a small town in Hawai’i, the community has always been at the heart of what I do. DFW is a huge area, with more than seven million residents. I started focusing on connecting small businesses, neighbors, and events. I started a Facebook page revolved around Living in DFW. I interview local businesses and feature them in a hotspot of the week. I have a blog where I publish the best weekly events in the area. I have tried to help new residents of the DFW area feel at home. I believe I have succeeded in bringing the ‘aloha spirit’ to DFW and my business as a Realtor.
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?
I think the hardest part for me is getting past the fear. Leaving Hawai’i, where we were deeply rooted, to come to Texas, where we had no jobs lined up, was terrifying. We had gotten in such a rut, and fear was keeping us there. A friend sent me the quote “Stop thinking about what could go wrong, and start thinking about what could go right.” I realized the biggest challenge was and would always be mental for me.
Feel the fear, and do it anyway. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. I have met incredible people this past year. I have helped 18 families so far in 2020 navigate the transition of buying or selling their homes. There are challenging situations all the time. I do not always know what I am doing- as every real estate transaction is a new learning experience! Don’t be afraid- have a growth mindset. Mistakes are how you learn, how you grow, how you do better.
Also, even if everyone is going in one direction, but in your heart you know there is another path, it’s ok to follow your heart. I have never regretted any heart-led decisions. I knew at Keller Williams Realty that I would be building my business based on caring about people and helping however I can. My mom is a helper and always taught me to help others and be kind. If a client needs something, regardless if it is conventional for a Realtor to help, I will be there. If a client is sick, I will bring them dinner. I stay in touch with my clients and stop by their homes once a month or so to say hi and see how everything is going. This is where my heart has led me, and I absolutely love it.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Dallas DFW. I really view myself as a guide, helping residents with the transition of buying, selling and investing in real estate. I am here for my clients every step of the way. I have worked with first time home buyers, disable veterans, hoarders, relocation clients and more. Some moves are happy, some are more complicated. I look at the whole person, the whole situation and think, “how can I help you?” I am here to help. And getting paid for that is just a bonus.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Do things that scare you. Have experiences. Even if its a disaster, it will make a great story. Put people first. Relationships matter. Think about how you can help others along the way. Life is so good, especially when you push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2106 E State Highway 114 Suite 101
Southlake, Texas 76092 - Website: www.livingindallasfortworth.com
- Phone: 469-275-1172
- Email: kristindelgado@kw.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/livingindfw
- Facebook: facebook.com/livingindallasfortworth
Image Credit:
Kristin Delgado
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