Each Realtor® brings a little something special to their clients and career, and Kathy Porter is a shining example of that. In today’s Q&A she’s opening up about life, returning to Real Estate, and why she chose Royal LePage Wolstencroft. Born and raised in the lower mainland, Kathy loves all it has to offer – sports, nature, local businesses and great people. Because most of her family and friends live here, she shares that there is no place she would rather live! Outside of real estate, Kathy is passionate about family, health & fitness, and advocating for children. She considers herself fortunate to have worked for the Surrey School District for over 13 years supporting children with special needs in the classroom, between her initial entrance into the Real Estate industry in the 90’s and her return last year.
What drew you to return to the Real Estate Industry?
It’s hard for me to remember a time when real estate was not part of my life. For over 25 years I have been a buyer, seller, builder, renovator and past and present licenced realtor! When people ask me how many homes my husband and I have completed, I laugh and say, ‘Too many to count, and I’m always ready for the next one”. The process can be stressful, but every project is exciting and full of adventure. It’s never boring! I first became a licensed Realtor® in the 90’s when I began selling our own new builds in Surrey. Shortly after, my business expanded and I was selling properties anywhere from Vancouver to Mission. From a business perspective, things were going extremely well, but when we added restaurant owners to our resume, I knew something had to give. Raising three active sons took priority, so I hung up my real estate license and focused on family and our construction business. I was still involved in buying and selling real estate, but as a consumer. When the timing was right, I knew I would return to real estate full-time. Fast forward a couple of decades, I returned to UBC, became re-licensed, and here I am!
Tell us about your brand – what is ‘Smart Real Estate’?
When I returned to real estate, I recognized the need to differentiate myself as a Realtor®.What were my strengths and how could I convey those strengths to the consumer? Working with my graphic designer, I was able to draw on my personal experiences as a buyer/seller/builder/renovator/educator and develop my brand “Smart Real Estate”. Smart Real Estate is really about taking my passion for education and combining it with my personal desire to provide consumers with up-to-date information that enables them to make wise decisions about their homes and investments. Smart Real Estate is a framework that allows consumers to become educated and feel confident in their real estate journey.
Of all of the brokerages in the Fraser Valley, why did you decide to join the Wolstencroft Team?
When returning to real estate, I knew choosing the right brokerage would be crucial to my success. I interviewed four brokerages before coming to Royal LePage Wolstencroft.The funny thing was RLW was not even on my radar, but when two other brokerages referred to RLW as being a great office and place to work, I knew I had to check it out. After visiting the office, meeting with Peter and Linda, and having a conversation with Karen Weber, I felt confident that RLW would be a great home for my business, and I was right! RLW has proven to be a friendly, supportive, professional environment that I am proud to be a part of.
What has been a highlight of your career in real estate?
The highlight of my real estate career is simply the people I meet and get to help along the way. Real estate is a complex business full of bumps and bends in the road but getting to help individuals and families navigate these challenges and achieve their goals never gets old. Every transaction has its challenges and I love the satisfaction that comes from meeting those challenges and helping people get where they want to go. I am inspired by people and their stories and I am happy to be a part of their journey.
What’s the last book you read?
The last book I read was “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill while at the same time listening in my car to Mel Robbins “Take Control of Your Life”. I have never really been a consumer of self-help or self-improvement type books but I recently joined a woman’s business group and I keep hearing references made to this genre of books, so I thought I would check it out. I wish I had started years ago! I have a degree in Psychology and a background in education but reading and listening to these books has given me both professional and personal inspiration! Can’t wait to read more!
What are you passionate about outside of real estate?
Outside of real estate, I am passionate about spending time with family/friends, health/fitness, and supporting children in the community. I really love kids! I love to teach them, play with them, support them, and learn from them. I work in local schools to support children with special needs and I have been a proud supporter of Children’s Hospital for many years.
Contact Kathy Porter at: 604-889-3932 | kporter@royallepage.ca | kathyporter.ca
