Today we’d like to introduce you to Kerrianne Johnston.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I obtained my license in 2015 while eagerly awaiting an acceptance letter into a Physical Therapy program I had applied for. Initially intended as a part-time endeavor while pursuing full-time PT studies, real estate unexpectedly captured my heart after my first closing. I recognized the absence of a “glass ceiling” in this profession, realizing I could propel my career to any desired heights. Driven by this realization, I devoted myself to the craft, leveraging my local roots and connections from school to jumpstart my journey. Capitalizing on my network, predominantly comprised of first-time home buyers, I diligently worked to ascend as a top producer within my brokerage (at that time) and local MLS. This journey prompted a pivotal shift; I switched my studies towards business, graduating with honors in all five business degrees in 2019. With a vision to establish a boutique brokerage in my hometown and a profound passion for guiding and mentoring fellow agents, I embarked on a rigorous path. I became the youngest licensed Broker Associate in my MLS/county through relentless dedication. In 2020, amid a global lockdown and the birth of my daughter, Local Living Realty Group came into being. My daughter became my unwavering motivation to transform my brokerage into a triumph of prevailing circumstances. From the outset, my focus transcended mere profit or recruitment drives. Instead, I strive to empower agents to maximize their earnings with high splits while providing essential tools and education to enhance their businesses. Central to this was fostering a boutique family dynamic within the brokerage, with no presence of cutthroat competition. Recognizing that collective success breeds individual prosperity, I take immense pride in the nurturing environment we’ve cultivated. Despite receiving numerous offers from larger companies and corporations seeking to acquire my brokerage, I declined and always will decline. I firmly believe in the uniqueness of what I’ve crafted and remain committed to evolving with the ever-changing market landscape.
Let’s dig deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Not! The market over the last decade has been marked by volatility. Each year presents challenges, from economic fluctuations and interest rate shifts to legal amendments and interpersonal struggles. Nothing worthwhile comes without its trials, and I anticipated that the initial 3-5 years of this venture would push me to my (almost) breaking point. Like motherhood, owning your own business is an experience for which there is no manual; you have to approach each day with an unwavering passion to outwork the challenges, regardless of the failures or obstacles that may arise.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Local Living Realty Group is a brokerage firm based in Volusia County, FL, that takes immense pride in offering client-centric services and helping the locals and those who strive to be local eradicate the complexities from the different stages of home sale & purchase. We have a team of diligent Realtors passionate about leveraging their years of experience, expertise, and local knowledge to help our clients make smart decisions. Local Living Realty Group highly values integrity, education, and ethics, and our agents are experts in deciphering the client’s unique realty needs and offering exclusively tailored realty services to serve them the best. Every Realtor serving Local Living Realty Group brings their unique personal touch to our group as we highly respect and appreciate diversity. Many of our agents are featured on the list of Top 20 Agents in Volusia County, and every Realtor at Local Living Realty Group shares a common love for serving the community with honor. At Local Living Realty Group, we value education and experience, as these attributes are integral in helping us serve you the best. Proficient in legal education and contract knowledge, our realtors® are well versed in the ins and outs of legalities involved in the home selling or buying journey. Local Living Realty Group is home to tech-savvy and highly qualified local agents who leverage the power of technology to offer modern and advanced realty services. We aim to make the best use of every resource available to serve the people of Volusia County with devotion, passion, and integrity.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
- Attire and Lifestyle: Most days, I find myself in gym clothes, far from the glamorous image some might associate with real estate. Contrary to the perception of showcasing luxury houses in designer brands, my reality involves donning comfortable attire to navigate properties of varying conditions, attending agent meetings, and continuing to serve friends and family. There’s no need to “dress to impress” when balancing the roles of a busy mom and businesswoman.
- Role as a Therapist: More often than not, I find myself playing the role of a therapist for both my agents and clients. This profession is deeply rooted in relationships, where individuals feel comfortable reaching out to discuss anything, big or small, personal or professional. Building trust and providing support is integral to my approach.
- Challenges of Small Business Ownership: As a small business owner and single mom, the extent of my responsibilities often goes unnoticed. From managing finances and marketing strategies to overseeing document organization, IT support, office maintenance, and staff management, I am involved in every aspect of the business. Each day presents a new set of challenges that require my full attention and dedication.
- Sacrifice and Availability: I take pride in being available 24/7, a commitment that often requires sacrificing personal time. My phone is my constant companion, glued to me 365 days a year. While some mentors may advise setting boundaries, I refuse to compromise on my availability. Whether it’s 10 PM at night or during a vacation, my agents and clients can always reach me. This level of accessibility is not just a commitment but a fundamental aspect of my dedication to their success.
Pricing:
- Investment
- First Time Buyers
- Property Management
- Secondary-Homes
- Luxury Sales
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mylocalrealtyexperts.com/
- Instagram: locallivingrg
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LocalLivingRG
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo_o0sPb9mWEN3KXaKEyrsw
Image Credits
Megan Dubrasky with Megan Mary Photography and Adam Posey 386 Productions
