Meet Krista Davies | Realtor and Seniors Real Estate Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Krista Davies and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Krista, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My background ranged from the medical field to senior living. I have a degree from Michigan State University in Dietetics that I often joke that I don’t really use. I was working as the Director of Business Development for a Senior Living Community when I found out I was pregnant with my triplets. They were born early at 29 weeks and spent 11 weeks in the NICU, at which time my Dad entered into Hospice care. It was a difficult time but also reinforced in me the importance of family and making sure the time we have together counts. After my children were a little over a year old and their health was thriving, I felt the return of my impulse to work, but was struggling with how to balance a career with keeping my kids at home with me. I have always loved real estate, keeping a pulse on the market for fun and even found our first home, which we flipped. After a lot of prayer, it occurred to me that if I could make my own hours around the kid’s schedule (and work during their naps) a career in real estate might be the answer to creating the work life balance I needed. I can’t do a job that doesn’t allow me to interact with people and help them navigate a difficult process. Helping people buy and sell homes is not just transactional, but highly emotional, and getting to be a part of those big life changes keeps me fulfilled and motivated. Once I realized I could actually become a seniors real estate specialist, it offered an even bigger way to make an impact. Working in senior living, you see all the great and joyful moments, but you also unfortunately see how the model and execution can be flawed. Obtaining the seniors real estate specialist designation has given me the opportunity to visit senior centers and speak about how to plan to Age in Place. Lastly, I decided to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association and I donate part of my commission from each real estate transaction. This small “nudge” to get back into work quickly grew into a career that not only keeps my family first, but has connected me with clients who end up feeling like family and fulfills me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Truthfully, when I started real estate, I told my husband if I could just sell one house my first year I would be thrilled. That year I was the top producer at my brokerage. I attribute that mainly to prayer! I was also awarded a scholarship for continued education and was voted one of the Top 10 Realtors under 40 in Livingston County. With that being said, it wasn’t easy. Although I am happy to say that most if not all of my business is referral based, whether through friends, family or other realtors like my mentor, becoming as busy as quickly as I did was a huge adjustment at home. Many nights my husband would walk in the door as I walked out to go on showings. Every time my kids dropped a nap I panicked as to how I would continue to keep on top of my work. What I learned- somehow it always works out. I joke all the time that my office is my pantry, where I have honestly written purchase agreements and negotiated through deals. I have taken my kids to last minute showings and negotiated through an agreement on the drive home. I have written deals with two kids wrapped around each leg. And I will look back at all of it and smile, because this ride can be chaotic but it is an amazing blessing to have the opportunity to make such meaningful connections with my clients and enjoy my children in their sweet early years. My work hours are still crazy. Sometimes I am up early working and sometimes I work late into the night, but as my children have just entered preschool a few days a week, that challenge is shifting as well. I think I will always worry where that next deal is coming from, as everyone in sales does, but I continue to find when you do the right thing and treat others well, things seem to fall into place.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I absolutely love Ann Arbor. We moved just 15 minutes away from the city last year and continue to find hidden gems there.
I would insist on seeing live music at The Arc downtown- the acoustics are amazing and I have never seen a bad performance there. We would also have to go to the Blue Llama. It is an amazing jazz club and you can choose to let the chef surprise you with a multi course dinner- you will love everything that comes out of that kitchen. One night we would also have to eat at The Pacific Rim. Their food is some of the best in the city. I also used to live in Howell and that downtown is also fantastic. My husband and I have had many date nights down there, and whether you go to 2 Fogs for cocktails and then dinner at Cello (the BEST Italian) no matter where you dine, you have to end up at Mo’s BarBar Shop for a laid back vibe with strong drinks and great live music. After all that eating and drinking, the absolute best place to detox and feel healthy again is by taking a hot yoga class at The Space in Brighton. I have tried multiple yoga studios and while they all offer something special, nothing beats the loud music, energetic flows and positivity that this studio creates in every class.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is to Deb Grace. She was our realtor when we bought our first home and she even kept her license longer than intended to help my Mom move after my Dad passed. When she heard that I was pursuing real estate, she quickly offered to be my mentor. She met with me to explain the things you don’t learn in real estate classes and helped me choose my first brokerage. I have learned from not only her excellence as a realtor, but from her dedication to her clients and her example in just being a good person. She is truly special and one of a kind. I still reach out to her regularly for advice, but she is no longer just my mentor, but a trusted and valued friend.

Website: https://kristadavies.remericaunited.com/

Instagram: @kristamdavies

Facebook: Krista Davies Realtor

Image Credits
Bill Tait
Elizabeth Short