Speaker 1: 0:30

My name is Dr Keisha Catlin. I'm a principal broker as well as a speaker and an author. The name of my business is KC Realty Group. We're located in the DMV. I have an office in Virginia as well as one in Fort Washington, maryland, but I'm a serial entrepreneur. So that's who I am. I've always been this girl right for the past I don't know 35 years, right. I've always been an entrepreneur, a business woman, just kind of trying to lead the way. I guess that's me. I'm a mom two grown children. I'm a new grandma.

Speaker 2: 1:04

Oh, okay, you are a fine grandmother.

Speaker 1: 1:07

Yes, I have a little superstar. So absolutely, I'm building the legacy for her and hopefully she'll be sitting in this chair One day.

Speaker 2: 1:15

Yeah, I love that. I can't wait. Exactly and now, give us a little bit of a backstory about how you got into the real estate industry, how you became an author, a public speaker, what led you to all these journeys?

Speaker 1: 1:26

That's an interesting question, lil, and if we had three hours I could go all into it, but I'm going to shorten it just for you. That would be wonderful. I've been, like I said, an entrepreneur all of my life, right From boutique owner to day spa owner, holistic care. I've written six books in my life. I became a restaurant owner, and when I was a restaurant owner, that's when I really decided to kind of get into real estate investing. I hired all young people, right, and so it's kind of like yeah, you can't be a server forever, and if you are going to be a server, we got to turn the tip money into something like an asset. So, because I was an investor at the time, I started to kind of teach my staff on how to buy real estate, how to do the cohabitating, with different people renting the different rooms, because you don't have a lot of money in hospitality, but if you put it all together, you can build an asset.

Speaker 1: 2:19

So, as a restaurant owner, I did that for 15 years. Wow, yes, yes, 15 years, right, but within that 15 years I must have came across over three 400 millennials, right, and I said, wow, even though I own real estate, I don't have a license Right. So I myself went back and I said I, even though I own real estate, I don't have a license Right. So I myself went back and I said I'm going to study and see if I can get my license and then it'll open up more opportunities. So I did that and when I did it I passed my real estate license.

Speaker 1: 2:47

I decided I'm getting rid of the restaurant because I figured out quickly like I like to be on this side. So definitely I did that, and when I did it, it just kind of like changed my whole life, my whole outlook as well, because what I saw was the impact that I had on young people. So for my first few years as a real estate agent, literally I focused on helping young people become homeowners, and so I'm very, very passionate about giving back to the community and to individuals and it just seemed like this was my wheelhouse. This is where I belong and, as you probably know, as a business owner yourself, you can't just stop at real estate agent. I wanted to open my own brokerage, because then obviously the sky becomes the limit, right. So I did that and in my brokerage we formed property management. I hire young people to be property managers as well as real estate agents. I encourage young people to get their license, and so right now I have a small brokerage, a small brokerage firm, and I'm surrounded by young folks every day. So I love it, right. So that's how I kind of got into the real estate.

Speaker 1: 3:55

Being a speaker, I've always, always, from going to high school speaking to high schoolers, I mean I love that career day I think they called it career day back then. I did a lot of that in Anne Arundel County, just going around to different high schools being a public speaker, motivational speaker, and I loved it so I wrote. My first book is called Battling the Enemy Within Fear how to Live a Fearless Life, and that's my first book and out of all six books that I've written, six right, that first one is really the one because that book I was able to do short stories for that resonated with different people. So when you read the book, even though you're not the character, you can say that is me and it just shows a person really going through life and really battling that enemy which is fear.

Speaker 1: 4:47

We all have it sometime, but I like to teach people how to overcome it.

Speaker 1: 4:52

And so once I started doing that. That's really what I speak about. When I go and speak at different auditoriums or different markets I talk about no matter where you are life, relationship, business we all have a little fear, but this is how you can battle it to continue on your journey. So that's kind of like, in a nutshell, how I got here.

Speaker 1: 5:14

I love it, but if I went all the way back, it would be my grandmother who really instilled in me about yeah, of course you want to go on, you want to get your education, you want to do this, you want to do that, but don't forget about people. So, as you're moving forward, always reach back. Don't look back there, but reach back. Pull somebody along and help them throughout, you know, during their, their trials and tribulations, but be an inspiration. So just watching her and my mom entrepreneur, it's kind of like I love it. You know, I love being involved and I'm so blessed and thankful that they included me and taught me that. So now when I look back with my own kids and my granddaughter, I was like that's exactly what I'm doing.

Speaker 2: 5:57

So I feel like I'm like doing the right thing. That's awesome. You're so lucky to have had those two powerful women in your life. Right, Absolutely.

Speaker 1: 6:04

Absolutely. I don't know what I would. Who would I be right? You know we're all would be somebody. But it's like I had a role models to look at and to say, oh, I feel good right here. I had a role models to look at and to say, oh, I feel good right here, I like it. And it feels extra great right now just to be able to live in my purpose.

Speaker 2: 6:21

Yes, right, yes so thank you so much for sharing that. Um now, your team specializes in residential and commercial sales and management. Yeah, how do you ensure that your clients receive tailored expertise throughout their real estate transactions?

Speaker 1: 6:36

Yes, that's a really, really great question, lil. The number one thing, my philosophy at the brokerage and with any realtor that I bring into my brokerage and it is people first. You know everybody's an individual right, so we have to first look at them as an individual right. And once you do that, obviously in the real estate industry we have all the regulations, we have all the rules and stuff you have to follow. And that's going to be number one right. But number two, a really close number two of that is really knowing your client. You know everybody's in a different place. There's first time home buyers, there's third home buyers, you know. So some people are well versed in how to do it and some really need that direction. So at my Brokerage we believe in starting where you are yes, starting where you are and then helping, not leading the way, but walking the way with you. So it's a clear partnership and at the end, is that golden ticket that we all want and that is the set of keys right, no matter what. And when we hand those over, we then become partners for life. That's what I call it Partners for life.

Speaker 1: 7:38

People say to me all the time oh my goodness, how do you do you cold call? Do you do this? And I'm like no, literally it's like I have partners for life. So when they get the keys, I don't leave them there. I'm always calling what's going on? How is the kids? What's happening? How's the yard? Did you need a maintenance person? You know? Oh, by the way, I have my annual summer jam. Are you coming? You know the crab fees. It's like bring the whole family. So when you become a partner for life in any business that you're in, you're always, you're always going to have clients. You're always going to have referrals. You're always going to have that because you lead from authenticity. So when you're authentic and transparent in your business and you role model, this clients just kind of like. They're like I love it here, yeah.

Speaker 2: 8:24

And you providing just that extra touch, not just like okay, here's the keys, it was great. You're like by the way, I noticed that too Did you want somebody to help you with that, Because I know a person Just going that Did you want somebody to help you with?

Speaker 1: 8:34

that, because I know a person Just go in that extra step Absolutely. And even with doing that, the real reason I learned in business is that you have to create your own database of partners that are kind of like. Their philosophy is just like yours. You're like you have a zhuzh. You're like yummy. You're like peanut butter and jelly yes. So it's like I'm going to share my peanut butter and jelly yes. So it's like I'm going to help, I'm going to share my peanut butter and jelly with you. I love it, you know. So it's like, yeah, you can find all kinds of plumbers, but is it yummy? You know you have to be yummy. You have to be my peanut butter, I have to be your jelly yes. And then when we do it, we share it with my clients, and that so long in my life.

Speaker 1: 9:16

I find that, yeah, my little database is small, but it's very powerful because they are in alignment with who I am and I'm in alignment with them. So, even though we're partners for life, they're my partners for life too. So I just love. It's like a win-win. You lead from a win-win. You cannot lose. No, you cannot.

Speaker 2: 9:30

There are no losers, right? Yep, I love the peanut butter and jelly analogy.

Speaker 1: 9:34

That was great, making me hungry over here.

Speaker 2: 9:38

And you emphasize personalized service, treating each client as a priority. Can you share a memorable experience where this approach significantly impacted a client's real estate journey?

Speaker 1: 9:50

Absolutely. I have so many stories because everybody is essentially different, right, and you, as in real estate, we start off like, oh, it's all, happy, happy, and then we get into the midst of it and anything can happen. You know, I've had clients get all the way to the end and something happens. Maybe they need a document, or maybe the home inspection didn't turn out the way they thought it would be, you know. But even with that, it's all in how you deliver the news, it's all in how you maneuver the situation and I probably could share with you so many different reviews. My clients could come and be like live right now. They would say we never knew when there was really a problem, because she always smiled, she was always upbeat, and I believe in that Whenever.

Speaker 1: 10:38

It's that fear thing again, yes, whenever, because clients get fearful, especially first time homebuyers. They get put through the wringer so they don't know what to expect. They have the guideline, but they just when they get the phone call from the lender, they don't know. But I always tell anyone in every situation it's like don't be afraid. Literally, we're going to win. Because in my mindset it's like, even if you don't get this house, you are still a winner and from the beginning that's what I instill in my clients. So one good situation would be a first-time homebuyer and I must have took her. She probably seemed like I know a good maybe 20 houses, 20 condos and it wasn't because she didn't like anything, it's because of the way her lending was going to work is like one moment she was approved, the next moment something happened. It was a program that she was in and it was a really strict program and even I was like, oh my goodness, I don't know if I could like survive in that program.

Speaker 1: 11:40

It's so stressful. Could like survive in that program either. It's so stressful. But I remember being under contract with her and literally she had used her credit card to get some gas I'm talking like 10, $15 in the program was kind of like you weren't supposed to use your credit card, even though she paid it off, but literally she had to start the process all over again. It was devastating for her and literally I remember waiting like six or seven months. You know you kind of have to let people get through their emotions. And I remember saying to her one day I said so it's been like six months and I know you really like that, condo, are you still in the program? She was like, yeah, I started all of it because you got to start the process over. So I said, hey, let's get back out, let's do it again. And I made a joke. I said and let me hold your credit cards, call me when you need gas.

Speaker 1: 12:29

But when we're sitting there waiting to go through, she found another place and she gave me the credit cards. I literally have a picture of me have a credit cards in my office and she literally called me for gas and I literally paid for this gas because you know that was thing, and she ended up with the keys. But it's that thing. It's like some agents wouldn't do it, but for me I wanted to take a bad situation for her and make it into something funny. Yes, at the same time, knowing that I'm helping her because that was her habit. She paid for gas, groceries and it's sometimes it's tough to break a habit. If you she's older, you're used to doing it. But that very moment she was like my relative, really really made the experience so fun, because I was so down and out, I was so fearful that I couldn't do it and she literally bought my gas. So it's like a good story to tell, because even for me I couldn't believe I was doing it. But at the end I said, wow, it taught me a lot about myself and it's kind of like it's not even about me. I'm like this lady. She deserves that condo and she deserved the program, because I'm a stickler too, if you can receive grant money, if you can.

Speaker 1: 13:39

She had student loans, that's what it was. So she had to do a certain program because she was getting her doctorate. So you have thousands, hundreds of thousands of thousands of student loans. So it's hard to get a traditional loan right. So this program helped her. They didn't include it, right. It was through Bank of America Awesome program, but just strict. So I said she deserves it, she's gone to school, she's getting her education, she's gone to school, she's getting her education, she's a beautiful person. And so, yeah, working hard, yeah, let's do it Right. So that's one of the stories that resonate with me. You know, and that just shows, kind of like, who I am as a person, is something that I didn't even think twice about it. I just felt like I don't know, it was just credit card, I don't know who cares, right.

Speaker 2: 14:19

That's so wonderful.

Speaker 1: 14:20

Partners for life, and so today I must have sold like maybe 10 or 14 of her friends' properties.

Speaker 2: 14:25

Oh, my gosh, look at that. Just instant Word of mouth. You know From that experience, one of a kind, that's what happens when you give out good.

Speaker 1: 14:30

Good always come back to find you, yes, without even looking.

Speaker 2: 14:33

Yes, I agree 100% with that. Right there and now it sounds like are just top notch with your clients. You definitely prioritize them when it comes to marketing. So it's a lot of word of mouth, but are you doing anything online, like making videos, content? What's working, what's not working for you?

Speaker 1: 14:53

So I have a huge social media following that I love social media. So people like they get on there and they're kind of like not authentic. And sometime my manager she says, oh my God, did you really put that? I'm like, yeah, because people love to see who you really are. Yes, okay, have I sold a house from social media? No, but have I sold tons of books? Yes, because people want to know who is it. Who is this person? So I love social media. My following is pretty big. I have over 250,000 followers Right On Instagram alone is about 134,000 followers and I love Instagram because on Instagram you don't have to say a much. People love to see the pictures and the videos and stuff like that. So I love it. I love everything that I do all day.

Speaker 1: 15:40

I think of the social media manager I have. She must post maybe like six or seven times a day, so they send her stuff all the time. Because I'm like I want people to see my world when I'm cooking, I want them to see it. I want them to see me when I'm beautified. I want them to see me when I'm just going to the mailbox. That's me. So I love it. But I started with Facebook and it's interesting because my daughter is kind of like nobody does Facebook. I'm like all of my folks do, you'd be surprised girl.

Speaker 1: 16:07

Listen, I'm 51. Everybody I know is on Facebook. Gosh you look so good. Thank you, I have that. That's like the most engagement because I resonate to people in my generation. On Instagram I kind of got to keep it fun and light, right, because I got like the hip people over there, but I love it because the hip folks is what keeps me young, because I'm always scrolling through to see oh, what's new, what's going on right. And TikTok is something that I love, too, do you dance.

Speaker 1: 16:35

Okay, here's the thing I believe that I'm a great dancer, but when it comes to following how to dance, I might have a problem with that. Right, but when it comes to following how to dance, I might have a problem with that. It'll take a lot, like a whole lot of different tries to get it right, but I think that's the funnest the funnest thing to do. On TikTok so yeah, I love social media. I mean, when they try to ban TikTok, I was so confused that morning.

Speaker 2: 16:58

I was like what's going on? I want to see my videos, Right.

Speaker 1: 17:00

So I love it. I think people should embrace it. You know, and share what you want to share. You know, some people share everything. Some people just share what they want, and there's some amazing realtors and brokerages that really hone in to the social media sphere and they really do well. So if you looked on my timeline, Instagram, you will see my thing says real estate and lifestyle.

Speaker 2: 17:25

That's the headache. Yep, I love it.

Speaker 1: 17:27

Because I'm like I want you guys to see everything and have fun with it, right?

Speaker 2: 17:31

So, yeah, I love it that is awesome, thank you so much for sharing that because I know a lot of people don't embrace social media. They want to kind of not, but in this day and age, now you've got to put yourself out there, everybody's looking at their phone.

Speaker 1: 17:41

Yep, even when I'm at my iPad, I'm literally like click, click. I'm like looking to see what's going on. I mean, it's there right.

Speaker 1: 17:49

And we should utilize it. And it's free? Yes, right. So free marketing. Because I remember having a restaurant. I paid for my marketing Back then. It was like four or five thousand dollars just to talk about happy hour, and you know what I mean. Like, really, for the half off drink. Really, I'm paying for this, yeah, right. So when social media came around, started to get really big, I remember like some of my servers were like Miss Keisha, you need to get on Facebook. You got to put the restaurant on and I was like what? And it grew big because I was like oh, people really are using social media. And it was free and check out the savings. Yep, I quickly got rid of the advertising. I was like I don't need you anymore. I got the young people to do my stuff right, right, yep.

Speaker 2: 18:33

So I love it, I love it and I love how you erase it, like you said. So kudos to you on that. I don't think I've followed you yet. I may have stopped you, but not followed you, so let me go ahead and do that.

Speaker 1: 18:43

Yeah, check it out, yeah.

Speaker 2: 18:44

Thank you. And then your home buyer handbook is a valuable resource for clients. What inspires you to create this guide and how has it benefited your clients in making informed decisions?

Speaker 1: 18:55

So that's probably the biggest download that I have from my real estate website is because people need a guide. Everybody needs a map in life. So if you are trying to open a business, you need a map. If you want to buy investment, you need a map. If you're a first-time home buyer, you need a map. Because it's called empowerment.

Speaker 1: 19:17

I believe people should empower themselves and one way to do it is to be a reader. So readers are leaders. If you read it, if I read something, I can kind of lead my way and along the way I can ask questions. So I believe in that. Even when I do seminars, I'm like people say oh, do you always do a map? I always literally a map, because I was like I do a ton of podcasts but you never know what to expect, where to park who, who am I going to see? What does she look like? You never know. So I really appreciated that in the.

Speaker 1: 19:51

So the home buyer booklet. I love it. It's it's short because tension spans are not that long, because we're competing with social media, right. So it's very short, very to the point and it allows for questions.

Speaker 1: 20:05

So some of my first time home buyers today, like we, I do like a, like a virtual, so I'll get them all on there. They start at the same time most of the time and I'm like it's called 100 keys, that's what I call it. So I try to touch 100 first time home buyers every year. So I try to do 25 a quarter right, so they start the same time and they all get the same booklet right. And then what happens is then they all kind of get into different levels.

Speaker 1: 20:32

Some need credit improvement, some need to have more savings, some are right there. So they're just, you know, glazing through. But it allows for the roadmap. So when they're going through it, when we do the virtual, I know exactly where you are, cause they're like oh, we're working on that credit, we're doing this, and I saw in there, if we use these letters, we can send them in. It's that roadmap. So that's probably the number one download I have from, not just for some home buyers, but from parents that maybe want to educate their college student on buying a property. They download it so it's for everyone.

Speaker 1: 21:09

And it's free, it's free, and it's on your website. It's on my website, keishacatlinrealtygroupcom. That's what it is.

Speaker 2: 21:18

Beautiful. That is awesome. So you guys heard that if you need a resource, need some help, check it out and download that, thank you. And then, in addition to real estate, you run an online boutique called Phoenix. How do you manage these diverse business interests and do you find synergies between them? That's interesting.

Speaker 1: 21:36

So Phoenix was a restaurant, was going to be a restaurant. It turned into a catering business actually, so that has since closed.

Speaker 2: 21:44

But I do have several businesses.

Speaker 1: 21:47

One is KC Speaks that is me motivational speaker. I have property. Kc Realty Group is the brokerage. I also have a property management division and in the property management division it's not just residential, it is commercial and we do asset management as well. So we do a lot of work with different banks in the area for real estate owned properties. So that's a big piece. And then I guess, if I wanted to talk about what's coming up, I will be opening up a construction firm.

Speaker 1: 22:15

Okay, yes, you know you have to empower yourself, right, but what it is in the real estate industry, every single realtor out here have run into needing construction or contractor or something right. And so I have my wheelhouse of vendors anyway, and all the time they always say to me you know, if you had a construction company, literally we would align with you because you are just awesome company. Literally we will align with you because you are just awesome. The business that I share and I pass along to them is like into another stratosphere, right. So I said, wow, I'm going to go ahead and do that. You know, when I look at the Turner Constructions in DC is inspiring to me because it's like, wow, one day my name will be on that building, you know, and so I can see it already. So it's like why not do the work? Why stop Right? You should always continue to move forward in your life to impact others.

Speaker 2: 23:12

So yeah, I love how you're always dreaming so big and you're like all right time to the next venture, let's go.

Speaker 1: 23:18

Like this is good, let's just keep moving Right. This is good, let's just keep moving Right. When, when folks go to my personal website, which is drkeishacatlincom, they can see so much about me right, exactly who I am, my books, they see so many things, but Most importantly, they see inspiration. Because it's like listen, I started just like everybody you know, and when I'm starting a construction company, it's just like starting a new thing. I don't know Listen, I know my vendors, but you have to know about the business.

Speaker 2: 23:47

Right.

Speaker 1: 23:48

So I'm willing to do that work and I encourage people. Whatever is in your heart, whatever you think your purpose is, don't even listen to other people. Really sit down and be intentional about you, you know, and just go out and get it.

Speaker 2: 24:01

So yeah, when can we expect that to open or?

Speaker 1: 24:05

debut? Yeah, I would say probably in 2026. Okay, because you know, with construction you have to get certain licenses as well. And I do believe in doing the work. I do believe in just really studying and really get what I need and in doing the work. I do believe in just really studying and really get what I need and building the right team, you know. I believe, it's some time to build the right team. It takes time, you know. Tell me about that journey.

Speaker 2: 24:27

How did you get, how do you have your current dream team and what did it take to get there? Talk to me about the ups and downs about that.

Speaker 1: 24:34

Yes. So I always tell people this it's okay to clean out your trunk. So if you go out and you open because my life partner, he has a clean trunk there's absolutely nothing in it. And I'm like, how can your trunk be clean? Like, who does that With my trunk? I have so much stuff in it. But he said to me one day he was like you know, you should clean your trunk out in your life, in your business. Clean it out, and when you clean it out, you're going to see that the items that are left that's what's good for you. And so literally when I went through cleaning them out my trunk one day, I had a lot of stuff in there.

Speaker 1: 25:08

And then I started to just look back in my life and say, yeah, when you're a restaurant owner, a bar owner, you have a lot of stuff in your trunk. And when I started to just really hone in and clean it out and really start to have real relationships because I call them real relationships we have relationships. But then there's real ones, yeah, there's ones where they sit around the table with you and they're not afraid to say, keisha, you're doing too much and you have to receive that. You got to have that. You got to have that Right, receive that. You got to have that. You got to have that Right Versus everybody on the same page, yes, you know.

Speaker 1: 25:40

So it took some time to really just go through and figure it all out, but I encourage it. As a matter of fact, I did a seminar I had to be like 10 years ago and it was essentially that how to clean out your own trunk Right. And from that seminar the women that were in there they were like this was so amazing because they didn't know what to expect from it. But really it's resonated with your life and with your business, with your career. Whatever is happening, you have to first have a clean trunk and then you put in only what you need, yes, and always, on a continual basis, go back and revisit and clean it out Right.

Speaker 1: 26:20

So that dream team I always tell people is there, there. You just have to take a moment to determine who it is and what you need, and not only what you need, but what do they need? Right, because a dream team also doesn't stay forever. I learned that with the restaurant business. So many people came into my life to help, different consultants to give different advice, and you get tied to them but then you realize they weren't supposed to be here for like ever. They were here for a season or a chapter and it's good to turn the page sometimes to go to the next chapter.

Speaker 1: 26:55

Like what's next. So I learned that and I always lean heavy on the restaurant business, because the restaurant business is a very hard business, but it's a business where you only have relationships. You can you're going to sing or swim. That's why you're so prepared. That's it Right, that's it so, yeah, the dream team, I love it. And so when I look at the construction business and really formulating that I said to talk to Chris, I was like we're going to keep it nice and small, but, most importantly, I'm going to get mentored by someone that's doing it. Yes, so right now I'm in a process of sending out proposals for me to be mentored by other CEOs of construction companies, and for free. I just want to get in their sphere and I just want to learn what they know, that's it, you know and be a part of their celebrations, right, and hopefully in return, they will celebrate with me in 2026.

Speaker 2: 27:54

Right, yes, so that is a great plan. I'm rooting for you. It's going to be amazing and another nice venture and journey for you. Yeah, I'm looking forward to it Definitely Awesome. Is there anything that I have not touched on that you would like to share with our listeners or your audience?

Speaker 1: 28:10

I guess if I want to share anything, it really wouldn't be like any business venture coming up because I just talked all about that. I guess if I wanted to share something, I would just say listen, I want to be the example for everyone. You know, I want people to see the authentic Keisha whatever look on my page, see whatever you see. But just know this I was very intentional about where I wanted to go and I really, really want people to know that when you have good intentions for yourself, your life, and it's okay to choose you like, choose you right and when you choose yourself and be very intentional about it, you will find that people will gravitate towards you because of who you are. That is right. There will eliminate a lot of folks because when they don't resonate with you, they won't even approach.

Speaker 1: 28:59

Yes, you know, but when we're in tune mind, body and soul we're walking in our own light. Believe me, nobody can stop you. If you put the work in everything that your heart desires, you will definitely have this. So that's one thing I want to leave people. So that's one thing I want to leave people with. Anytime I have a platform to speak to anyone, whether it be podcasts, radio TV or just online, I'm always encouraging people to like do not be fearful. Like I know, you don't even know what's around the corner, but go ahead and cut the corner. Yes, you know, go and do it, whatever it?

Speaker 1: 29:34

is, you can get through it, just be intentional about it.

Speaker 2: 29:41

Man, you gave some great nuggets of wisdom here.

Speaker 1: 29:43

I really appreciate you being here. I appreciate you. I love everything about this Alamon. I love everything about it. From your video. I love your space. It feels so Zenful, you know, and some podcasts are a little rigid when you go in or warehouse style, but this is so beautiful and you were really beautiful, Lil, and thank you so much for having me, tisha.

Speaker 2: 30:04

Thank you, I appreciate it. Oh my God, you're amazing. Thank you, thanks.