Thanks to a series of pivoting panels, the Geneva apartment can be reconfigured for remote work or parties: “We only have one door, and that’s our front door.”

Selecting the right title company is a crucial step in the real estate transaction process. The title company plays a key role in ensuring that the property's title is clear, and the ownership transfer is smooth. Here are some steps to help you pick the right title company: Research Local Options:Start by researching local title companies in the ar...

A 2023 house in Palm Springs, a hillside home in Malibu and a hacienda-style retreat in Sonoma.

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In episode 6 of The Millionaire Real Estate Agent Podcast we welcomed Kristan Cole, a real estate powerhouse who has built an empire of over 1,500 real estate agents spanning 45 states. From humble beginnings to navigating the challenges of an industry in crisis and emerging as a leader, her journey is a testament that market conditions don’t have to dictate your success.

After graduating from the University of Arizona in 1984 with dual majors in real estate and finance, Kristan quickly realized that traditional education had not prepared her for the practicalities of selling real estate. Understanding that relationships are key, yet lacking modern CRM tools, Kristan constructed her database from scratch, leveraging word of mouth and “farming” in an area closer to her home with higher sales prices. 

Despite the challenges of the market in the ’80s, with soaring interest rates and a massive recession, Kristan’s dedication to her work and family set the foundation for her success. Where others saw roadblocks, Kristan saw opportunities, and she forged a blueprint that distinguished her from her peers. 

Be solution-oriented.
During the recession, Kristan recognized that banks needed help managing the influx of repossessed properties, so she pitched her services and secured contracts with institutions like First National Bank of Alaska. By positioning herself as the solution to the banks’ property management challenges, she not only survived the recession but also established enduring partnerships.Don’t sacrifice family time.
Juggling her real estate responsibilities with her children’s events, Kristan adopted an unconventional approach to time management. Her kids became integral to her business, helping with tasks like putting labels on postcards in the car and contributing to the family venture.Manage your life to your decisions. 
When faced with skepticism, Kristan simply made her decision and diligently managed each day in alignment with that choice, making her aspirations a reality. She effectively used her adversity to power her decisions and build a big life.

Kristan’s journey from new college graduate to real estate magnate offers valuable insights into resilience, adaptability, and the power of a solution-oriented mindset. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that success often lies in seeing opportunities where others see challenges.

When serious health issues, including dementia, make sharing an apartment building difficult, there are resources available to consider.

When serious health issues, including dementia, make sharing an apartment building difficult, there are resources available to consider.

A harried super at a five-building co-op in Westchester County carves out some time in the morning to return to his easel and oil paints.

This week’s properties are a six-bedroom houses in Weston, Conn., and Bronxville, N.Y.

This week’s properties are in Chelsea, on the Upper East Side and in Hollis Hills

This week’s properties are a six-bedroom houses in Weston, Conn., and Bronxville, N.Y.

A new study examines fuel costs, weather and other factors to find which U.S. cities are the most challenging to heat.

Rather than accept a rent increase, a downtown denizen went looking for a studio he could afford to buy. In the end, he discovered, it all ‘comes down to neighborhood.’

Creating comprehensive neighborhood guides is an excellent way for realtors to showcase their knowledge of the local community and provide valuable information to potential buyers. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create effective neighborhood guides: Choose Target Neighborhoods:Focus on neighborhoods that are popular or have unique characteri...

The neighborhood, known as New York’s first suburb, is a place where ‘people want to stay forever.’

The historic neighborhood, known as New York’s first suburb, is a place where ‘people want to stay forever.’

A midcentury-modern home in Sheffield, a two-bedroom condominium in Chicago and an Italianate townhouse in Richmond.

Realtors, like professionals in any field, may encounter various challenges in their day-to-day operations. Some common issues faced by realtors include: Market Fluctuations: Realtors are highly dependent on the real estate market, and fluctuations can impact their business. Economic downturns, changes in interest rates, and housing market trends c...

A Hallmark Channel screenwriter shares her secret for prevailing over all-cash offers: “Maybe what I do for a living gave me a little bit of an advantage.”

A Hallmark Channel screenwriter shares her secret for prevailing over all-cash offers. “What I do for a living gave me a little bit of an advantage.”

A Hallmark Channel screenwriter shares her secret for prevailing over all-cash offers. “What I do for a living gave me a little bit of an advantage.”