Christin Bracken

When Life Imitates a Career

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Jessica Laine Photography

Christin Bracken has learned how to find solutions, overcome obstacles and navigate through a myriad of life events. When she was stranded on Mount Rainier for 10 days — trying to find her way out — the opportunity to learn a life lesson was one thing she did not lose.

Before she and her husband were engaged, they went to Washington for her work and decided to add a little adventure to their trip by taking a well-planned hike. However, when a storm set in, they became disoriented and struggled to find their way off the mountain. By working as a team and using each other’s strengths, they found their way out. The experience brought to light their remarkable ability to rise above adversity as individuals and, together, as a team. While getting lost on a mountain was an unimaginable event, Christin found an appreciation for each day and an inner strength that has continued to guide her in her career and through difficult situations.

In 2005, after working and traveling for years as a manufacturer’s representative for heavy-duty equipment in the restaurant industry, Christin was ready to find a career that would produce quicker results. “It was time for me to find a job where I could control my outcome,” Christin explained. “I wanted to reap the rewards of my hard work and have the freedom to grow my business in ways that worked for my life.”

With encouragement from her husband, Christin considered a profession in real estate because of her passion for helping others, her interest in looking at home listings and her attraction to remodeling and design. She was ready to invest in herself and realize her dream. It was around this time that Christin also found out she was pregnant. Knowing this, Christin was fueled with added enthusiasm to pursue her goals in real estate. Her family was growing, and her lifestyle was changing — she was moving in the right direction.

Within a year, Christin had earned her real estate license, launched a new career and became a first-time mom. Since then, she has continued to grow her business and her family. While her husband often traveled for his job, Christin managed to balance her responsibilities of raising three children, exceed her sales goals and deliver impeccable customer service to her clients. “I would have to say one of my greatest personal accomplishments would be continuing to grow my real estate career while having three kids,” she shared. “The balancing act could drive someone to quit; however, it made me develop my multitasking abilities and enhanced my prioritizing skills.”

With every child, Christin was able to take three-six months off of work to enjoy precious moments as a mother. “There aren’t many other jobs that would allow that type of freedom,” she said. “I fully appreciate the work/family flexibility that real estate has offered me.”

Now, with over 15 years of experience in real estate, Christin is a team leader at More Real Estate Group, which operates out of two offices at Real Estate One. She has a career volume that totals over $66 million and achieved her personal best in 2020 with a volume of 47 units and $14.5 million in sales. “Above everything else, I love helping others realize their dreams,” Christin said. “Buying or selling a home is a dramatic event in people’s lives, and I want to give the best experience possible. When I succeed at that, it’s just like Christmas to me. I’m a giver at heart, so it means everything to me to see someone light up when I can find the right home.”

Christin’s determination was the driving factor that led her to be the only college graduate in her family. To reach her goals, Christin relied on her competitive nature — with a sprinkle of stubbornness — to be her best. She also acknowledged that her success was motivated by those around her. “My godfather was a business owner who was very inspiring to me as I was growing up,” Christin recalled. “I would often consult him through my business careers; he was an excellent guide that steered me in the right direction.”

Christin’s mother also played a very influential role in her life by showing her the importance of taking care of others. “My mother is probably the most giving person I know,” Christin said. “She is a wonderful Christian and a great friend to so many people. To this day, she still randomly asks others if there are things she can do for them or if there are any needs she can provide.”

Photo by Eli Green Photography

Christin’s influence of hard work and compassion has been poured into her clients and her business. Her dedication is evident in her sales achievements and her growing firm. “Right now, I’m most passionate about growing my business,” she said. “I want to fine-tune my processes and finally treat myself to an assistant!”

Given Christin’s kindhearted personality, her greatest fulfillment from work is not only helping homeowners realize their dreams, but it’s also helping new team members build up their business. When Christin co-founded More Real Estate Group, there were only two agents covering each other’s business when they were on vacation. Over the years, the friendships grew and the teamwork expanded. They now have 14 agents across two Real Estate One offices in Troy and Milford. “We can easily cover Western Livingston, Oakland, Macomb and Wayne Counties because of where our team members live,” Christin explained.

Photo by Eli Green Photography

In addition to Christin’s dedication to her work, her family remains paramount to her daily life. Together with her husband Marc, their three children and two German Shorthair Pointers, they enjoy camping, rock collecting, fishing, painting and swimming at the lake. “We find what is exciting wherever we go,” Christin said. “My boys are very active in scouting, and Marc and I are both scout leaders. My daughter plays volleyball, and I’m happy to say, I’ve never missed a game.” As a result of COVID-19, the Bracken family took advantage of their extra time together and decided to enroll in karate. They recently all earned their green belts.

Along with her family, Christin also dedicates her time to nonprofit organizations such as Smile Train, The Village Elves and Habitat for Humanity. “Children pull on my heartstrings,” Christin said. “I will be forever grateful to have three healthy, happy and intelligent children. I give to the Smile Train to help those with cleft lips and The Village Elves to help those in the Huron Valley School system that need assistance during the holidays and, most recently, all year long.”

Christin wants to be remembered for being kind. “We only get one chance on earth,” she said. “You don’t know why you meet who you do, but there is a reason, so always be kind, listen and see where it leads.”

Christin attributes her real estate achievements to those who influenced her as well as life events that shaped her. “I learned that being consistent, going the extra mile and listening to others — and your gut — will always lead to success.”

Agent Spotlight - Christin Bracken