Today we’d like to introduce you to Karisa Holland
Hi KARISA, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
If I were to use a single word to describe my path it would be “resilience”. How I got here started when I was a kid. Growing up I was always introverted & had social anxiety when it came to meeting new people. However, my dad was in the oilfield, so that meant we moved quite a bit around Texas (13 moves in 7 cities.) It seemed like every time I got settled and really found my place, it was time to move again. At the time I hated it, but looking back I’m glad it happened because it pushed me in the ways I needed to grow… ways that actually help me serve others going through the same experience today.
I initially went to college to be a social worker, but didn’t get hired. I had worked as a substitute teacher my last semester of school and to my absolute shock, I loved it. I moved from College Station back home in March & subbed in Magnolia for the non-verbal Autism Unit. It was really stressful since it was a behavior unit & I had no clue what I was doing. I left that Friday feeling defeated & swore I’d never go back. But, one little boy lived rent free in my head that whole weekend. I had heard his heartbreaking story & it weighed heavily on my heart. I prayed and told God if He wanted me to go back, I’d go back….just so long as He knew that I really didn’t want to. Well, Monday morning the principal called and asked if I’d long term sub the rest of the year as one of the aides. So, of course I said yes. I ended up being an aide for 1 year while working on getting my alternative certification. I taught that unit for 3 years, then taught in Conroe ISD for another 3 years in the 7th grade language arts resource class. I absolutely loved working with the kids and helping them reach their potential.
During Covid I needed something to help keep me busy, so I started an online boutique. I quickly learned I hated selling clothes, but loved making social media content. I eventually closed up shop & started making content on the side for different small businesses and a non-profit that I do mission work with in Ethiopia for South Sudan refugees. In December of 2021, I decided it would be my last year of teaching. I thought maybe the medical field was my next step, but going back to school for 3 years & not being able to work wasn’t for me. So, I kept applying for different jobs but nothing felt right. Then, a family friend texted and said I should be a real estate agent. She knew me as someone who was honest & would work hard to help families find a wonderful home. I was speechless. Since high school I had wanted to be a real estate agent, but thought with how introverted I was that I’d be terrible at it. I hadn’t told a single soul that I wanted to be an agent and here someone was telling me to do it. I prayed and started looking into it. The next thing I knew doors started flying open. It was crystal clear that was God’s plan for me. I got to work that August and was licensed by the beginning of February. I understand how crucial it is for a person to have their home be their safe haven and quickly find their place in a new community. Now, I get use my experiences with moving and education to help people and families find just that.
However, the smooth road I imagined was in front of me soon proved to be anything but. A few days after I got my license, I was molested by someone I considered a close friend. Then, a few weeks after that, I found out that his betrayals were numerous and far reaching. Things that altered not just my life, but myself and how I viewed the world. Even though my world had shattered, God was piecing me back together. Surprisingly, He did it through books; mostly books by Christian Fiction author Tessa Afshar.
G.K. Chesterton said it best, “Fairy tales are more than true; not because they tell us dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be [beaten].”
So, here I was at 29 years old and starting my life completely over, working through trauma, trying to build a business in an industry where over 80% of people don’t last past year 3, and money was running out fast. Safe to say, I was facing my dragon. Pushing myself to go into rooms full of people I didn’t know in order to network was truly more than my anxiety could handle. Which was okay, because I don’t like doing what everyone else does anyway & wanted to grow my business in a way that truly aligned with who I am. God had led me to my new job as a Realtor® and was using books to help me heal. So, as my own small way of giving Him glory, I became The Bookish Realtor®. I soon began to host my own bookish events, but didn’t want it to be all about me. I wanted it to help other small businesses too. This inspired me to start a book club that meets at various local eateries, a book swap at a local food truck park, & Reader’s Night (like a farmer’s market but for readers). I’ve made beautiful friendships, met incredible people, and supported other entrepreneurs. My goal of growing my business while lifting up others is a reality and more ideas are in the works!
I’m proud of the success I’ve had thus far, but there’s still more I want to do! I plan to my teaching background to train up new agents and grow the best team in town, continue supporting other small businesses in my community, and of course to provide myself financial security while blessing others. It’s a long and tedious process, but I am enjoying every step of the way. My life experience has taught me how to overcome anything and I get to share that dedication with my clients every day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Pushing through emotional exhaustion and working through insecurities has been difficult. Being successful in anything isn’t boiled down to one big moment that makes or breaks you. It’s those everyday struggles that slowly chip away at you. It really wore me down at times.
I knew I was meant to do this the first week of being an agent when I signed my first buyer client. I helped him get into a lovely home that perfectly suited his lifestyle. He was under contract within a week. The real turning point was when I realized I not only was meant to do this, but I had a natural business sense for it too. Another client— this time a listing— was under contract in 11 days with multiple offers and going above asking price. “My husband and I used Karisa as our real estate agent for selling and buying. She was amazing! She is so kind and was super patient with us! 10 out of 10 would recommend to friends and family!!!”
Going into year 3 as an agent, the road has been rough. The truth though is that I’ve faced my dragon already and defeated it. Thanks to that, I know I’ll be one of the ones that makes it to year 30 in real estate.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Realtor®?
I’m a residential real estate agent in Montgomery County & the surrounding area, working with sellers, buyers, investors, and tenants. However, with my marketing background in content creation, I especially enjoy being a listing agent. I didn’t become a realtor because I like to look at houses. I did it because I’m passionate about serving others in a personal and meaningful way.
I ensure the highest quality care of my clients by using my signature R.E.A.D Method:
REAL TALK- We begin with a conversation about your current situation & goals moving forward. We get to know each other and discuss how my plan eases your transition into or out of your home. Simple.
EXPERTISE- My experience & custom approach is never cookie-cutter, which you’ll feel as you experience my extra standard of care.
For sellers, I use data to price & present your home optimally, to bring in the highest number of qualified, motivated buyers in your price range. My marketing works to ensure the highest proceeds get deposited into your account.
If you’re buying, I get you access to homes before they even hit the market, giving you an edge. By taking advantage of my great relationships and negotiation skills, you get the home you want.
ADVOCACY: In the READ Method, you are the protagonist. As such, I negotiate for you, so you can live out your happily ever after.
DEDICATION: Closing Day is an exciting ending! But, it doesn’t mean we have to close the book on our story together. I’m here to connect you with THE BEST of the best. Whether you’re looking to repair, remodel, or simply need a great Mexican Restaurant, I offer trusted recommendations! I love this community and you and I are connected for life.
It’s thrilling that I get to share my love of reading as a way to serve & connect with my community, create financial stability, & empower other entrepreneurs. It was important to build my real estate business in a way that I would be proud of and was true to who I am. Books have allowed me to do that in a unique and beautiful way. I’m grateful.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe in making your own luck. You’re either tenacious enough to keep going in spite of the bad, or you use it as an excuse to give up. I often think of the verse: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” I’ve seen first hand that bad ‘luck’ can have really good things come from it. So, no. Luck didn’t play into things good or bad. Bad stuff happened; it sucked. Good things came from it; I choose to focus on that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thebookishrealtor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.bookish.realtor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.bookish.realtor
Image Credits
Main Image: JOMO Photography
