Through one of the most challenging times in my life, I had to learn to adapt and be open to change. Along the way, I learned many valuable lessons that I hope to pass down to my children as they start their journeys in life.
My family was growing, and we were ready to move to a bigger space. We found the perfect home and went under contract on it. With two young children, it seemed like the ideal time to upgrade. Suddenly, the market began to shift. As a REALTOR®, I had only experienced the ascent of the market. As a relatively new REALTOR® I didn’t know what to expect in the coming months, but I knew we couldn’t commit to a new home.
The decision to back out of the home’s contract saved us from a hefty financial burden. Before the crash, there was pressure to buy investment properties and continually upgrade properties. No one expected the market high to fall so drastically. I was very grateful I still had the option to back out of our contract and save my family from more financial burdens than the crash had already created. It was a hard time as many businesses went bankrupt and families were financially devastated.
Many nights during that time, I sat and thought about how wrong it felt to still be in our same house. Our growing family didn’t belong there anymore. However, we had to make it work for the time being. With the changing market, I had to also change my approach to real estate. Since becoming a REALTOR®, I primarily worked with new homes. I knew if I was going to make ends meet and continue working in real estate, I would have to switch over to resale. It was very different than what I was used to.
When I was younger, I took a chance and moved across the country to follow my dream of being a writer in Los Angeles. I worked on scripts, screenplays, ghostwriting – anything that let me write, I was eager to be a part of. I stayed there for several years before the fast-paced nature of the city began to wear on me. I learned many valuable lessons but was ready to use my skills in a new way. I knew it was time for another change, so I moved to Phoenix and started in real estate.
When I decided I needed to change my approach to real estate in 2008, it took time to find a brokerage that offered the proper training that would make the transition into resale smooth. When I finally did, everything changed. My business began to increase, and I could reestablish myself from the ground up. It took a few years to recover from the market crash, but we could finally build our dream home far better than we ever could have imagined before.
Through this challenging time in my life, I learned the value of persevering and adapting to change. Things would be very different if I didn’t trust my intuition. With the success I have found in real estate, I now have the time to pursue other passions. I have started writing again and publish bi-weekly articles on Substack. It has been wonderful cultivating an audience and incorporating another passion into my daily life.
My children are now old enough to explore and find their own way in life. I encourage them to chase their dreams and stay curious through every phase of life. My daughter, Elle, has started working for political advocacy groups, and my son, Pierce, has taken up photography and does an exceptional job photographing listings for me. When I am not working, I enjoy cooking, hiking and spending time with my kids.
Real estate has always been an exciting career path because I enjoy listening to people’s stories and learning about their unique goals. I want to make your dreams a reality and will work hard for you. I start the process by taking your initial list of wants and needs. Then, we work together to narrow it down and find the perfect home for you. It is a rewarding process to turn an idea into a reality.
When I start the journey with a client, I ask them to imagine an upside down triangle. We start broadly and travel down the length of the triangle until we reach the point. That is the moment we find the perfect home. That is the moment we sell a home for maximum value. That is how I get to your point.
My knowledge of the area and expertise in construction ensure I have the answers to your questions right from the start. When touring a home, I can spot potential problems saving you time in the future. I help you compare properties and determine what best fits your needs through market analysis. Once the transaction is over, I will continue to offer my services as your REALTOR® for life.
Sincerely,
Keith Walker
REALTOR®