Krista, a seasoned property manager with over 13 years of experience, recently celebrated the first anniversary of her independent venture, Star Realty. What began as a leap of faith has quickly turned into a success story, with Star Realty managing an impressive portfolio of 174 properties within its inaugural year. Krista attributes this rapid growth to her hands-on approach and dedication to personalised service.
For Krista, the decision to break away from larger firms stemmed from a desire for greater control and a more personal touch in her client interactions. Located in a tight-knit community, she emphasises the importance of genuine connections and clear communication with both landlords and tenants. This approach, she believes, sets her apart in an industry often perceived as solely transactional.
Central to Star Realty’s strategy is a robust landlord handbook that not only outlines services but also educates clients on the complexities of property management. Krista ensures transparency by leveraging technology—using platforms like PropertyMate to provide owners real-time access to property details, inspection reports, and financial updates.
Remarkably, Star Realty has achieved its growth without traditional marketing spends. Instead, Krista relies heavily on local networking, community engagement, and social media, particularly Facebook and Instagram. By showcasing properties through organic posts and engaging directly with prospective tenants, Krista has cultivated a high-demand market presence, often filling vacancies within days of listing.
In an era dominated by online listings, Krista’s approach challenges conventional norms. She opts out of expensive property portals like realestate.com, focusing instead on direct engagement and visibility within her community. Her strategy includes personal visits to local businesses, hosting open events, and leveraging Facebook Marketplace for rental listings—a cost-effective alternative that has yielded impressive results.
Krista’s success underscores the power of grassroots marketing and personalised service in property management. By prioritising transparency, community involvement, and innovative use of social media, Star Realty has not only thrived but has also redefined what it means to manage properties in a small-town setting.
Reflecting on the challenges of distinguishing reputable services from potential scams, Krista emphasises the importance of transparent communication. “It’s about making your offerings clear,” she asserts, “so clients know exactly what to expect.” Her approach includes personalising listings with photos and detailed descriptions, a practice aimed at building trust and legitimacy in a competitive market fraught with dubious operators.
Beyond navigating marketplace pitfalls, Krista’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through her journey of growth. Starting with a small team and expanding to two offices within a year, she credits her success to setting achievable goals and maintaining a positive mindset. “Back yourself 100%,” she advises aspiring entrepreneurs, recalling moments of doubt overcome by sheer determination. Her methodical approach to goal-setting, from short-term targets to year-end milestones, underscores the importance of strategic planning in business development.
Krista’s resilience extends beyond professional challenges. A survivor of domestic violence, she rebuilt her life and career from scratch, driven by a commitment to her daughters and a steadfast work ethic. “There were days when I struggled,” she admits, “but with unwavering support from loved ones, I pushed forward.” Her story resonates as a testament to overcoming adversity and finding strength in adversity.
Balancing a demanding career with family life, Krista advocates for setting boundaries to maintain personal well-being. “My phone goes on ‘do not disturb’ after 7 PM,” she shares, highlighting the importance of self-care amidst business demands. Her holistic approach to leadership extends to nurturing a supportive team, where each member contributes unique strengths to the company’s success.
Krista’s journey is not just about business achievements; it’s a narrative of personal triumph and resilience. Her story inspires others to pursue their dreams with courage and tenacity, knowing that with dedication and a supportive network, anything is possible.
Connect with Krista Going
krista@starrealtyqld.com
https://starrealtyqld.com/
