Karen Williams

WHEN HARD WORK DOESN’T FEEL LIKE WORK

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Tracie Seeley with Downriver Real Estate Photography

For over 17 years, Karen Williams has been making a living by doing what she loves: meeting new people and helping them through the homebuying and selling process. “I did not get into this business expecting to make a living, let alone a good living,” Karen said. “I love what I do, and I love all of the people and experiences that I get to have along the way. My job honestly doesn’t feel like work; it’s just like getting together with people I enjoy!”

A real estate agent at Clients First, REALTORS® in Canton Township, Karen has a robust client base built on referrals and lifelong friendships. She has also earned numerous awards within her brokerage and has a career volume totaling more than $60 million.

However, it wasn’t until a few years ago that Karen was able to turn her full attention to real estate. For years, Karen juggled her position as a real estate agent with her full-time focus as a mom and part-time work as a meat and seafood clerk at Kroger. “Growing up, I watched my mom raise four kids, finish college and become a registered nurse,” Karen recalled. “Through her, I’ve seen what hard work can accomplish, and I was inspired to do the same for myself.”

As a young girl, Karen watched her parents complete projects around the house, and soon, her love for homeownership, building, remodeling and decorating developed. “My father built our three-bedroom lake home simply by reading books and putting my siblings and me to work,” Karen shared. “I’ve always had a passion for real estate and often thought it would be the path I would take, but it wasn’t until a close friend and neighbor told me that she had just gotten her real estate license that I was encouraged to finally go for it.”

YOU ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS THOSE YOU SURROUND YOURSELF WITH. I ALSO HAVE SOME PRETTY FANTASTIC CLIENTS WHO MOTIVATE ME TO BE MY BEST.

Karen’s interest in meeting new people and helping them through the buying and selling process is what she finds most rewarding day to day. “Beyond that, I get to go into so many homes and see some pretty amazing things,” she said.

A key factor to Karen’s success is her commitment to education and to continuous learning. “It’s important to feel comfortable with knowing what you’re doing, and education is the gateway to accomplishing that,” she explained. “When I first launched my career, I was consumed with acquiring as much knowledge as possible, and still now, I end up pursuing way more continuing education than is required because I love to be smart with my business and be fully equipped for my clients.”

While Karen mainly operates her business independently, her real estate path has been defined by a supportive broker, office managers and staff. “You are only as good as those you surround yourself with,” she said. “I also have some pretty fantastic clients who motivate me to be my best. Through them, I am making a difference in people’s lives.”

When she’s not working, Karen enjoys time with her husband, Chuck. They have been married for 35 years, and together, they have three grown children. Their oldest daughter, Julie, recently entered the real estate business. Their son, Daniel, is a clinical nurse specialist, and their youngest daughter, Jennifer, has her own cleaning business. Karen and Chuck have also been blessed with seven grandchildren ranging in ages from 2 to 23 years old — Joshua, Addison, Skyler, Michael, MJ, Ella and Sloane. “It’s pure delight when we can get together, often for dinner,” Karen said.

Beyond spending time with her family, Karen has a longtime love for horseback riding. “I owned a horse when I was younger, but I do not get to do it very often anymore,” she said. “I also love working in my yard — planting flowers, herbs and water plants in my koi ponds.”

Karen’s advice to anyone considering a career in real estate is to love what you do and to never stop learning. “Learn all that you can from classes and from others around you,” she said. “Never think that you know it all, because this business is constantly changing and it’s important to stay current.” Karen also emphasized the importance of having solid relationships. “I consider myself pretty good at keeping in contact with past clients, family and friends,” she explained. “My best referrals and future business comes from having trusting relationships — I honestly care about my clients. For me, my work is definitely not about the money — that’s just added value. My success comes from helping my clients meet their goals. I have always told new agents, ‘if you love this business, you will be successful and good at it.’”

MY JOB HONESTLY DOESN’T FEEL LIKE WORK; IT’S JUST LIKE GETTING TOGETHER WITH PEOPLE I ENJOY!

Karen Williams - Agent Spotlight