How To Get A Home In Gator-Nation Florida? – Kristen Rabell
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Kristen Rabell!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Kristen Rabell…
The conversation began with a fill-in-the-blank icebreaker on what would every real estate agent needs to know, what makes clients feel comfortable, and more. Kristen then introduces herself as a multifaceted individual outside of real estate. She is a proud mother and wife who enjoys gardening, spending time at the beach, traveling, and cherishing moments with her friends.
Kristen’s real estate expertise lies in Gainesville, Florida, situated in North Central Florida and renowned for being home to the University of Florida and Shands Hospital, which are sources of great pride for the city. Gainesville is a vibrant and fun-loving town, known for its unique attraction of alligators on the University of Florida campus. The region boasts beautiful wildlife, wetlands, and grasslands, making it a desirable place to live or own vacation homes. With the rise in the university’s ranking, top students and substantial investments have flooded the area. Consequently, the real estate market has transformed significantly, with condos witnessing a surge in prices from 70k to 220k, and the average home costing around 350k. The market is dynamic, attracting both homebuyers and investors, with Gainesville offering an appealing alternative to larger cities like Tampa.
Kristen shares a compelling story about how the investor mindset has evolved, with even young individuals seeking investment properties. Investors from various locations, drawn by Florida’s favorable tax environment, have flocked to Gainesville. The city’s status as a university town ensures a consistent demand for rental properties from students, medical residents, and people seeking medical treatments at Shands Hospital. Kristen’s extensive experience with investments, coupled with her personal experience as an investor, makes her adept at assisting new investors in finding properties that suit their goals. She has encountered clients who prioritize long-term ownership, confident that their properties will appreciate over time, allowing them to leverage their assets to acquire more properties. This cohesive narrative showcases Kristen’s role in connecting investors with not just houses, but homes within the vibrant Gator Nation community.
When Kristen began her real estate career in 2006, the market was undergoing significant changes. Despite facing challenges, she chose not to dwell on her mistakes, recognizing that focusing too much on problems can be overwhelming. Early on, she partnered with another new realtor, who was not familiar with the area, while Kristen was a 4th generation broker from Gainesville. This allowed her to draw from her family’s experience and adopt the right mindset and lessons in real estate.
Kristen realized that the market would be tough, so she invested every penny she could. She saw potential in her partner’s marketing skills but noticed she was shy and less connected to the local community, which was the opposite of Kristen’s outgoing nature. To overcome their individual limitations, Kristen decided to form a team, equally splitting responsibilities and rewards. This turned out to be her best decision, and she has since dedicated herself to continuous learning and improvement in her career.
In her investment endeavors, Kristen wishes she had purchased properties faster and more extensively. As a result, when working with younger buyers now, she is wholeheartedly invested in helping them make informed decisions in their investments. Her cumulative knowledge from various aspects of real estate has proven valuable in guiding her clients effectively. Kristen emphasizes the importance of reaching out to experienced realtors for their knowledge and insights.
As a marathoner and leukemia survivor, Kristen possesses remarkable resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome challenges. Her experience of facing two and a half years of chemo and radiation during leukemia treatment taught her the value of staying persistent and moving forward. When the doctors encouraged her to get up and run, she embraced marathons as a means of regaining her strength. Surviving leukemia and undergoing a near-death experience has instilled in her a fearlessness that carries over into her real estate career.
Kristen’s perspective on life has changed profoundly due to her battle with leukemia. She has learned to approach her work with a positive attitude and determination, even in the face of tough situations like door knocking and cold calling. While not every day is perfect, Kristen knows that life is beautiful and precious, and she approaches her career with the mindset of having fun and giving her all to whatever she does. Her personal journey has shaped her into a compassionate and supportive real estate agent, always ready to guide her clients through obstacles they may face during the home buying or selling process. Her story is an inspiration to others, demonstrating the power of resilience and a determined spirit in achieving success.
As a real estate agent with a deep understanding of the market, Kristen exemplifies her ability to adapt and provide valuable insights to clients during shifting market conditions through a compelling story. She emphasizes that she doesn’t just list a house or work with buyers without continuous learning. Kristen actively participates in multiple groups to stay updated on market trends and best practices, which allows her to offer the best service to her customers. Her local expertise and knowledge of market dynamics, as well as her ability to work and negotiate effectively with people, set her apart. This expertise proved invaluable when the market experienced a change, such as the emergence of multiple-offer situations. Having prior experience with such scenarios and being actively involved in the real estate association, Kristen could navigate the challenges with ease and share her insights with fellow realtors and clients.
When asked about the most challenging aspect of the real estate industry, Kristen points to lead generation. Building connections and relationships is crucial in this business, and she highlights the importance of making calls consistently and including it in her daily schedule. While it can be awkward at first, she advises connecting with people from previous industries to start building a network. Kristen’s experience in other fields enables her to engage in conversations more naturally without resorting to a hard sell approach, making a lasting impression on potential clients.
The conversation wraps up with Kristen drawing inspiration from art, beauty, and nature. The colors of the moon at night, breathtaking sunrises, and sunsets are sources of awe for her. She finds beauty in the evolution of life itself. Kristen also shares a powerful motto she lives by, “done is better than perfect,” encouraging others to take action and make progress rather than waiting for perfection, a mindset that has shaped her both personally and professionally.
Check out Kristen Rabell:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristen.rabell
Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/KandRteam
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabek/
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