Karen Thomson is a Realtor with Keller Williams Signature in Cypress, TX
What was your first job in the realty industry?
Real Estate Agent at ERA in San Diego in 1986.
Where did you grow up?
Born and raised in St. John’s Newfoundland, graduated from the University New Brunswick in 1986 before moving to San Diego that same year. Living in Houston since 1998 and still growing up!
What is your favorite free-time activity?
Free Time Activity? If I had free time, I would be sailing and rowing.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Walk/run, speak with my sister or friends, anything that may distract and put me in better place for a few minutes.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
I wanted to start out as a pageboy in the Parliament in Ottawa and considered law, but didn’t after I received my degree in Business.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure(living or not), who would it be and why?
The Dalai Lama. To be in the presence of peace and beauty and experience all he teaches, loves and is.
Where is your favorite place to hang out?
Home, or any park, preferably by water.
What do you love most about the industry?
Naturally it started with helping families in their largest investment decisions. Now that everyone has an interest in real estate and the generational gaps are narrowing with social media and internet accessibility, information has become infinitely widespread. The challenges in staying up-to-date and ahead has been a blessing to my business as I feel younger everyday! I love the daily education I receive.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
I believe I keep it simple for people and with communication and follow-up with relevant information. I am able to smoothly move clients to the next stage of the transaction. I love what I do, and I do it well. Being neighborhood specific and knowing my client helps me excel.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Ugh, the paperwork. I am currently looking to hire an assistant to take care of the tasks that allow me more time with people.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients?
Houston meet-ups and networking groups in my area. As well as the gym, the park, and the grocery store provide great opportunities for meeting people.
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
On a personal level, raising two beautiful children and seeing them successfully carry on in their adult lives with great happiness. Getting my sailing captain’s designation. Helping families make their move to their next adventure.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read?
My favorite (last) movie was “Saving Mr. Banks” with Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson, a very heartwarming and gentle movie which gave rise to the reflection of my own life and how it could be portrayed in the future.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Ah! My favorite of all time is HOME. Nobody cooks any better than I, and the time spent in preparation, cooking and serving is timeless and self-rewarding.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Houston?
I love Cathedrals, the history and stories they represent. The calm silence of victories and defeat.
What kind of car do you drive?
2013 Toyota Venza.
Smartphone or paper?
Smartphone, but I am a pen and paper girl. I doodle most conversations.
What is your favorite city after Houston?
San Diego.
What is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Learn by doing. Write an offer and a listing twice a week and follow-through the transaction. Preview at least 10 homes in your market area every week in person! Also, look at every new listing online as they roll out. Know your market.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
HAR.
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