How Do You Succeed In Real Estate For 20 Years?

Today in our “Meet the Agent” series we get to know Karen Taylor-Straley who just celebrated her 20th anniversary with CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes in Monrovia, CA! Karen shares with us the core qualities necessary to succeed in real estate, her take on why Monrovia is the hidden gem of Southern California and why Facebook is her social network of choice.

C21: You just celebrated 20 years at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes, congratulations! How did you first get into real estate?

KTS: After my husband was relocated to the U.S. from Canada, I decided to go to real estate school. I was involved in sales in Canada, not real estate, but I always wanted to be in control of my time and not be restricted to a 9:00am – 5:00pm job. Real estate seemed a perfect fit.

C21: Do you remember your first sale?

KTS: My first sale was a residential lot in the same town that I live in today. It sold for $65,000 in 1986 and I will never forget it.

C21: When you bought your first home, what made you fall in love it?

KTS: I fell in love with a craftsmen home in Monrovia. It needed a lot of work but I could see the potential in restoring it. We skipped buying new furniture and focused on the restoration instead.

C21: Your area of focus is the San Gabriel Valley in California. For those who may not be familiar, what makes this real estate market special and unique?

KTS: The San Gabriel Valley is very unique in that although we are 20 miles from downtown Los Angeles, we are really a world apart. From where we are today, we are within a one hour drive from the mountains, the beach, all of the culture of downtown Los Angeles, the beautiful desert, Palm Springs, casinos and anything else you may want. It is one of the few places where you can enjoy the beach and the snow of the mountains on the same day.

C21: If I had only one day in your hometown, what are the three things I must see/do?

KTS: Canyon Park is a real gem in our foothills. It has a year round stream, tall pine trees and all of the beauty of the mountains yet only 5 minutes from home. Next I would visit downtown Monrovia. Often seen in movies, it is a very traditional turn of the century downtown with all lovely restaurants, shops and even a large theater made to look like one from days gone by. Lastly, I would visit our Library Park. It not only includes our new Library but also has all of the monuments to Monrovians who gave their lives in the various wars.

C21: You have been involved with Monrovia’s Kiwanis Club and Monrovia’s Chamber of Commerce. How do these local activities inform your business strategy?

KTS: Being involved in Kiwanis and the Chamber is just a natural extension of who I am. I love people and love to be involved. Both of the groups make Monrovia a better place and that helps me, my clients and neighbors. People quickly find out who is really there to give and those who want to take. Giving makes it all better and I enjoy all of my involvement in town.

C21: Name the three qualities necessary to succeed in real estate.

KTS: An honest and sincere approach to people. Liking people and having a real desire to help. It also makes a real difference for those with a good work ethic. Being your own boss means there is no one to complain to when things are down.

C21: Our company mantra is “Smarter. Bolder. Faster.” How do you embody this mantra in your day-to-day work?

KTS: Smarter means being on top of the latest changes in our industry, Bolder means going where you may not be comfortable and Faster means getting there before the competition.

C21: Are you using any forms of social media for business? If so, what do you find generates the most leads?

KTS: Facebook is a natural extension of who I am. I tend to be very social and Facebook is just an easier way to keep in touch.

C21: If you could give one piece of advice to a young person starting out in the real estate business, what would it be?

KTS: Don’t get overwhelmed and try to come out in a blaze. You need to pace yourself and only take on what you can accomplish. True success is gauged by the one who is consistent.

C21: When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your free time?

KTS: Walking my dog, who is my best friend.  My new home takes up time, decorating and planning. I also enjoy traveling and spending time with friends and family.

C21: How can our readers connect with you?

KTS: Call me, although I enjoy all of the new online ways of connecting. I love to hear the voice of my friends and clients. Remember, really connecting with people hasn’t changed, it is still one-on-one, either in person or the phone.