What makes Katie Jarrett with Keller Williams Johnson City a good neighbor?

The real estate industry is constantly evolving, and staying informed about current market trends and misconceptions is crucial for both buyers and sellers. In a recent episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast of the Tri-Cities, host Skip Monty sat down with Katie Jarrett, a successful realtor with Keller Williams Johnson City, to discuss her journey into real estate and shed light on common misunderstandings in the industry.

Katie's path to real estate was unexpected but ultimately fulfilling. Despite graduating with honors in marketing from Western Carolina University and initially securing a position as a patient experience manager at a hospital system, Katie found that the corporate world wasn't the right fit. Her career took an unexpected turn when COVID-19 hit, eliminating many job opportunities. This challenging period led her to a position as an Internal Sales Agent (ISA) at a local real estate agency, where she discovered her passion for the industry. Katie has now been a full-time agent for nearly four years and considers it her "forever job." Throughout this journey, her father had consistently encouraged her to pursue real estate, proving that sometimes parents really do know best.

One of the most significant topics Katie addressed was the misconceptions surrounding real estate commissions, particularly in light of the recent NAR (National Association of Realtors) settlement. Many buyers express concern about signing buyer's representation agreements before being shown homes, while sellers question whether they must pay commissions to buyer's agents. Katie clarified that buyer's representation agreements actually protect buyers by contractually obligating agents to represent, negotiate, and advocate for them. Regarding commissions, Katie emphasized that nothing has fundamentally changed – commissions have always been negotiable. The only difference now is how information is presented between realtors. She illustrated this with a practical scenario: if a buyer is considering two similar homes, but one requires an additional fee to cover the buyer's agent commission, the buyer will likely choose the property where this cost is already included. This demonstrates why sellers should remain competitive with commission structures.

Marketing plays a vital role in successful real estate transactions. Katie implements comprehensive marketing strategies for her listings, including placement in the MLS system, professional photography, direct outreach to agents and potential buyers, open houses, and flyers. She works with diverse clients but particularly enjoys helping first-time homebuyers navigate the exciting milestone of purchasing their first property. For sellers, Katie leverages her unique background in construction to provide expert guidance, especially for new construction properties. This multifaceted approach to real estate is further enhanced by Katie's experience managing rental properties and running a custom home construction business with her husband Cameron.

Beyond her professional life, Katie balances her career with family time, particularly enjoying moments with her almost two-year-old son. She and her husband enjoy exploring local restaurants, breweries, and wineries, often with their son in tow. Katie also has a passion for horseback riding, having grown up barrel racing in her hometown of Robbinsville, North Carolina – a small town near the famous "Tail of the Dragon" road. These personal interests add depth to Katie's character and illustrate her connection to the region she serves as a realtor.

To learn more about Keller Williams Johnson City go to:

https://katiejarrett.kw.com/

Keller Williams Johnson City

(423) 483-1830