Katja Classic

A COMMUNITY WARRIOR

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Tracie Seeley with Downriver Real Estate Photography

Photos taken at Cranbrook Custom Home at Montcaret in Northville

Katja Classic is a fierce woman who lets nothing stand in her way of meeting her goals. When she is faced with a challenge, she embraces the obstacle with enthusiasm, optimism, vigor and determination.

When it comes to real estate, community service, and health and fitness, her tenacity is the driving force that has made her into a warrior in each field.

As a native of Germany with no previous real estate experience, education or industry connections, Katja was intent on creating a positive impact with her work. “When I moved from the other side of the world to start a business in 2016, I did it from scratch, and it was quite a challenge,” Katja shared. “I basically started as a complete nobody in my community and steadily grew my business. I feel very accomplished, and I am beyond grateful.”

When Katja joined the team at RE/MAX Classic, they fully embraced her enthusiasm and provided her with support and mentorship, which prepared her to master the fundamentals of running a successful business. The brokerage presented a stellar network of thriving agents who were willing to share their secrets to success with Katja.

Additionally, to help build her network, gain further knowledge and establish a professional support system, Katja immersed herself as a board member and volunteered with the Southeastern Border Association of REALTORS® (SEBAR). “I was immediately connected with top-producing, like-minded experts in the trade,” she said. “As real estate professionals, we share common goals, so it only makes sense to lift each other up as a group so we can develop and grow as individuals.”

In her first year in the business, Katja won RE/MAX Rookie of the Year, followed by Agent of the Year. She earned the Executive Club award and 100% Club award - RE/MAX of Southeast Michigan and RE/MAX International. Katja also was the 2021 president-elect of SEBAR (Downriver Chapter) and is currently a regent director.

As important as knowledge and skills are in establishing a clientele, Katja fully understands the value of authenticity by remaining true to herself in her relationship building. “Naturally, my clients trust my expertise, but more importantly, they believe in me as a human being,” she explained. “There’s an important — often overlooked — social element within real estate, which is to be genuine and compassionate. As an agent, you are part of an experience that can be filled with so many emotions depending on the scenario of the transaction. Of course, getting married or having a baby are happy times, but there are dark moments like death or divorce. Therefore, I am always professional, coupled with an awareness that’s on a personal level.”

In her personal life, Katja has an impressive athletic resume. She’s a fitness instructor and has coached cross country for St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Academy in 2020. She’s an accomplished triathlete, completing several Olympic-distance triathlons, a 70.3-mile Ironman, a 13-mile Spartan race and a 10k Tough Mudder. “Finishing my recent 70.3-mile triathlon was one of the toughest physical and mental challenges I have ever completed in my life,” Katja recalled. “I wanted to set an example to my community, friends and family that even somebody like me — who’s not a super athlete or anybody special — can do the impossible by working hard and being consistent.”

Katja’s friends and family have joined her in previous triathlons, including her children Juliana, 14, and Colin, 10, who taught her that “no” is not an answer — rather, it’s just another opportunity to negotiate. “My husband, Mike, and I have raised our children in a healthy, active environment,” Katja said. “We are all very athletic and love to participate in and attend sporting events.” On occasion, Katja will have her kids help facilitate her fitness classes. Furthermore, the whole family is very involved in community service and helps support organizations such as local schools, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and many other local groups.

From starting out as a self-proclaimed “nobody” in the real estate business to becoming a top-producing agent, Katja’s hard work, dedication and consistency has paid off. She attributes her success to her commitment of continuing education, her availability to her clients and the genuine support of her family, business partners and brokerage. “You can’t properly help a client without knowing the latest market trends, having a sense of urgency for their concerns and surrounding them with a strong professional support system,” she shared.

Not surprisingly, Katja’s favorite aspect of her work is the daily challenges that come with each transaction. “I welcome the hard work and find fun in tackling unique ways to do business,” she said. “Real estate never gets boring, and I am able to explore my full potential. I love the social interactions and cherish every client who shares their story and allows me into their life.”

NATURALLY, MY CLIENTS TRUST MY EXPERTISE, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, THEY BELIEVE IN ME AS A HUMAN BEING.

AGENT ON THE RISE Katja Classic from RE/MAX Classic