Welcome And Meet Katie

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My name is Katie Wojtowicz, and I am with Katie Wojtowicz Homes with Samson Property. So I'm a person who helps people buy and sell houses, uh, using the least amount of stress as possible. So that's what I do. Awesome. I can't hear, I can't wait to hear some more. Yes. All right. Could you share with us your journey into real estate and kinda what inspired you to become a realtor? Yeah, absolutely. So it was a very organic decision, to be honest with you. I did property management for about 10 years- and worked for some really wonderful large property management companies where I had the opportunity to do corporate marketing, and it made me realize that I love that aspect. And after I had my daughter, my first daughter, I decided that starting my own business in

From Property Management To Realtor

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real estate was just the natural next move. I enjoyed helping people. I enjoyed seeing homes, um, go from lived in to listed and, um, it was a very natural move for me, and that happened about eight years ago, and I've been going ever since. Awesome. And after spending years, um, in property management and kinda corporate marketing, how did that experience kinda shape the way you approach serving your clients in real estate? Absolutely. So I think it's really about seeing selling your home as- Not just your home, but as selling an investment, right? So we really need to bring marketing into it and look at, you know, not only the product, but the pricing and the promotion surrounding it. Mm-hmm. Now, we can keep those things in line, and have all three boxes checked. We can, you know, sell your home, again, for the least amount of stress, most amount of money, least amount of time, and get you to the next chapter of your life.

Marketing A Home As An Investment

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So I think when I did corporate marketing, that really helped me see that each different property is going to have a different target market. Mm-hmm. And how do we reach out to those people and get the right people to see your home, and not only see your home, but love it and wanna put an offer on it. Yeah. That's awesome- Yeah that you were able to have that experience to- Absolutely have a different take on real estate. Marketing is my favorite part of it. Yeah. Well, one of my favorite parts of it. That's awesome. Yeah. And then as both a mom and a realtor, what have been some of the biggest lessons you've learned on prioritizing family versus work or work versus family at different times? Absolutely. So I feel like for me, one thing I've learned is there is really no balance in life. There's always gonna be an unbalance. Mm-hmm. Some tricks that I have learned and have really utilized in my life as a business owner and a mother would be leverage. That is number one. So if there's something that is draining my energy, a task that I don't necessarily

Working Mom Mindset And Leverage

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love doing- that's gonna go to somebody else to do, because my time is the most valuable thing that I have, and I want that time to go to spending time with my children, spending time with my clients- Mm-hmm and building my business. Mm-hmm. And of course, if there's any time left over, maybe some fun things for myself. So I truly think that leverage is the number one biggest piece to this. And then I think it's also just about every day, even if it's a hard day, getting yourself up, making yourself put on makeup, do your hair, put on a cute outfit, and if you have to take a selfie in the mirror, take a selfie in the mirror, and just push your, your best foot forward. Get that momentum going. It's always gonna be hard when you're a working mom. Mm-hmm. But you can do it. You just have to push the energy behind it. Yeah. And I think it's key to recognize when things aren't working for you, to be able to navigate around them too. Absolutely. Yes. Yeah. And you, you figure out ways to cut out things that are not bringing you joy- Mm-hmm or are wasting your time. Right. Yeah. Over the years, you've had the opportunity to be part of so many milestones in your clients' lives. Is there a particular experience that really stands out to you and reminds you why you love what you do? Yes, absolutely. So this happened just two days ago. I wanna give a shout-out to my clients, Omar and Minclaire. Um, Omar and I actually met, um... He found me on Google, right? He saw a good review, reached out to me years ago. I helped him, um, buy, sell, and then buy again this last year, uh, his last house that he's in,

When Clients Become Family

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when he announced to me that him and his wife were pregnant. Um, well, the other day, I got a text at about 7:15 in the morning, "Katy, Minclaire's going to the hospital. We're having the baby today." And, you know, and then eight hours later, "Katy, Minclaire had her baby." You know, and I just felt so touched that this person that I met and that I helped, uh, buy and sell a home, I'm now a part of their family. I was a part of that first, you know, announcement phase of going to the hospital, and I really felt a part of their lives. And, um, you know, now I'm gonna be Auntie Katy, uh- clearly, to this little boy. Um, but I was just so honored to be a part of that, and it just shows how you become woven in people's lives- Mm-hmm through these experiences, through helping them get to their next chapters. Yeah. And I think it, it's so special to be able to build those long-lasting relationships- Oh, my gosh with your clients. It's, it's the most amazing thing. It, it gives me purpose, and it gives me fuel to keep going, for sure. Right, 'cause real estate is so much more than just buying and selling homes. Like, you- Absolutely how do you create these long-lasting relationships with clients that continue after, closing the transaction? Sure. So I mean, I don't look at clients as, you know, a one-and-done deal. My clients are what I call forever clients. Mm-hmm. So they're people that are always gonna be in the picture. My very first listing eight years ago, um, was a neighbor, and we didn't even know each other that well, but I begged her to let me list her house. That same

Building Forever Client Relationships

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client I've helped on three different transactions or four different transactions now, and we actually just had dinner the other night, and we are very close friends. And I think what happens is you go through this, and for me, I love people. I love relationships. And so- First of all, I'm gonna miss you when the transaction's over, so you're gonna hear from me. I'm gonna be calling you, I'm gonna be texting you. I'm gonna be sending the Christmas card, um, following you on social media, and checking in on your life, because to me, it is important what happens after the fact, right? Right. And, um, I love just collecting these friendships as- Mm-hmm these transactions continue. It's just the most- Yeah amazing thing, and I'm really, really just so lucky to have that with my career. Yeah. And it helps you build community as well. Absolutely. Oh, yes. When you're in contact with so many different people in the area. Yes. You know? 100%. One perspective that you shared that really stood out to me was how national and even global events can influence our local housing market. Why is it so important for homeowners and buyers to understand the bigger picture when making real estate decisions? Absolutely. So, you know, again, a home is definitely a home, or a house is a home, and yet it is also an investment into your life, right? It's how y- one of the easiest ways to build wealth. So you need to be tracking that investment. And just like your stock or just like

How Big Events Shift Local Markets

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any other investment you might make, um, the global economy, the what's happening around you, the micro and the macro, is going to affect that value of that investment. And so it's really important that, you know, whoever your realtor is, whether it's me hopefully, or whoever, staying in touch with that realtor and understanding what the value of your home is doing in the micro environment, and then also in the macro. So for instance, um, if there's a current event that you see in the news be tracking that, right? Be tracking the economics of that- Mm-hmm because that ultimately is going to trickle down into your market. We don't necessarily know how, right, at the time, and that's where experts come in, um, such as myself and such as other people in this industry, who can really tap you into how that's gonna affect you, 'cause it will- Yeah 100%. Right. Yes. And I think that's so interesting to hear, because I think a lot of people have that tunnel vision where they focus on what's- Absolutely directly in front of them- Mm-hmm and they don't focus on the bigger picture, whic- which could affect everything else. Absolutely. You have to look at your forecasting- Right and as much as you can, right? Um, it's very important. What are some of the biggest changes you're seeing in the Northern Virginia real estate market, and what should buyers and sellers be paying attention to? Absolutely. So I think one thing I've seen over the last maybe two years is the volatility of the market. So we will have a couple of months where things are extremely high demand. We're seeing multiple offers. Clients are, coming in 20, 30, 40 over list price just to get a house, right? Mm-hmm. But then we'll have other months where we see homes, and they're literally

Northern Virginia Volatility And Timing

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sitting for 80 to 90 days, and we're seeing 5%, 10% price drops. And those changes can happen so fast, and again, I think a lot of it does have to do with events, right? Like, global events, current events that we're seeing in the news right now. And, it's important to be able to stay on top of those, because y- if you really wanna buy in spring but you don't have the money to, well, maybe if you wait a couple months- right, it's so volatile, you may be able to get something in your price point if you just- Mm-hmm wait a bit. So I think, again, it's very important to keep your thumb on the pulse there. Yeah. The other thing that I'm seeing is, it's very hot topic obviously, but is the use of AI in- Mm-hmm the real estate business, right? So is the AI going to replace the realtors, right? And I love it when my clients come to me and they tell me what Claude, you know- "Well, Claude told me this." Or they'll say, "Hey, Katie, what do you think about this?" And I'll say the answer, and they'll say, "Well, that's what Claude said," right? Or- And, and it's so funny to be- have those checks and balances, not only in every industry we're in, but in real estate. Um, I was joking, though, with you that, you know, at the end of the day, Claude can't replace

AI In Real Estate Plus Limits

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me coming and making sure you look at the neighbors and making sure- they're not junk, d- have junk in their yard- Right or there's a weird smell in the house. So no one's gonna replace that part of it. But I do feel like that is bringing in a new, um, just a piece to our industry- Right and, and how people are electing to buy homes. Yeah. And I think especially with the access to different information online, and including AI, it's so important to get a a professional- opinioned. Absolutely. Yeah. Right, because AI's pulling national data- Mm-hmm sometimes even international data- Right to give you answers. And so you really need somebody who knows, like again, like the Virginia market. Mm-hmm. The northern Virginia market is very volatile. AI may not know that. Yeah. Maybe now they do. But, but you know, it is, it is definitely important to have a real person to help advise you. Right. Just like you want a real person to help advise you in, you know, your financial planning. Mm-hmm. Or you know, any of the decisions. As a mom, you want real advice on how to- Right be a mom. You don't al- Right you can't always use Claude or AI for that, and then what do you think truly sets an exceptional realtor apart in today's market? Hmm, that's a very good question. Um, to me, I think It is persistence. Okay? And I mean that by it is very easy in this industry to give up, right? Uh, we talked about volatility in the market. You have a listing one day, it goes in three days, you have a listing in three months, and it may sit, right? You wanna look for in an agent somebody that is not going to give up. And same thing with home buying, okay, on the other end of things. You may have clients that just can't seem to find that right house,

What Sets Great Agents Apart

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right? And you need an agent that isn't gonna give up on you, that is gonna continue to give you that energy, that motivation, that accountability to move forward, and I think that definitely sets apart agents, is persistence. And then I'll and not in a negative way, but in like a motivational sense. Mm-hmm. And then I also feel like professionalism, right? Mm-hmm. Um, unfortunately in our industry, there is a very small barrier to entry. You take a test, you pay some money- Mm-hmm you get your license, right? I think that professionalism is very important, and checking those online reviews of people, and making sure that who you're about to do one of the biggest transactions of your life with- Right does have the, that credibility. Yeah. Super important. Yeah. Absolutely. And then what are some steps that individuals can take to find the right realtor for them? Sure, sure. So, depending on where you live, me. That's how you know. No, I'm just kidding. But also, reaching out to me. I mean, honestly, even if you hear this podcast and you are in, uh, you know, Charlotte, North Carolina, well, guess what? I have a realtor in Charlotte, North Carolina, that I can help you. Mm-hmm. So finding someone you trust in your own market who you can rely on to give you that opportunity. I'm not licensed in DC, right?

Finding A Realtor You Trust

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So whenever I have clients who are looking in DC, I have amazing realtors that I can refer you to- Mm-hmm that I know are gonna do just as good a job as I would do for you. Right. Um, so I think it's, that's a really great way. Looking people up. Unfortunately, now the algorithms do tend to drag you into who pays the most money on pay-per-click ads on Google. Mm-hmm. So again, I do think that word of mouth, that, that grassroot, Mm-hmm you know, referrals are, are the way to go. Right. Absolutely. And I think that goes back to building connections and community as well. Absolutely. Yeah. Yes. That's awesome. Yes, 100%. As you've grown your business over the past eight years, what have been some of the biggest lessons you've learned about entrepreneurship and building a successful real estate business? Sure. So I mean, I think for me, personally, I absolutely love being an entrepreneur. It is my, it's my spaghetti sauce, so to speak. Um, I love getting to be creative, and I think if you lean into what you love about it, more love will come back to you. Right. So

Entrepreneurship Lessons And Daily Work

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for instance, I tell I'm, I'm, I'm actually a mentor with my company, and I have mentees that work with me, uh, who are just starting out, and my advice is always, "You need to show up every day and do the work." The results may not come back to you though in what, you know, way you put the work in, right? But they will come back to you in a different way. So for example, you may go out and deliver flyers to your neighborhood one day, right? And you're trying to let the neighbors know how much their homes are worth and ultimately create some listing opportunities You don't see anything come from that. But then the next day, your cousin Joe reaches out, and he says that he's looking to sell his house, right? Mm-hmm. So you see it come back to you. You just have to continue to do the work and set goals. I'm very goal-oriented. Mm-hmm. So I think for me, being an entrepreneur is wonderful because I get to set goals and see those goals actually come to fruition. Right. Yeah. And that's very rewarding for me. You were recently featured in the Washingtonian as an elite producer. Congratulations on that. Thank you so much. What did that recognition mean to you, and how has it reflected the work you've put into building your business? Absolutely. So speaking of goals, that was one of my goals. I have even bigger goals this year, which hopefully I'm back next year and we can talk about those, right? Yeah. But it was a goal for me, and i- it... The awards don't mean as much to me as like I w- the story I told earlier about- Mm-hmm the, the client who included me in his, basically when

Recognition Goals And Credibility

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his baby was being born. Yeah. I mean, that's so much more to me. Mm-hmm. And yet, I love being featured just to show people who may not know yet my credibility, okay? Right. Because then that allows me to help more people- Mm-hmm because they have the confidence to call me or to text me or whatever. Um, so that was huge, and I think also just being a mother, getting to show my little girls the magazine. Yeah. They were so proud. They actually made me buy them Aw a magazine each to keep in their room. And they are, like, they wanna bring it to school and show their friends, like, "My mommy's in a magazine." Yeah. And that to me is just so incredible, 'cause I know I'm raising two strong little girls. Right. And they're getting to see an example that you can do anything- Right that you set your mind to. It doesn't matter if you're, a girl. Mm-hmm. You can still become a badass, basically. Yeah, exactly. Whatever you wanna be. That's right. Absolutely. Anna, looking ahead, what are some goals you're most excited to accomplish or pursue in the future? Oh, let's see. So I wanna continue to grow my business. Um, I am looking to start a team in the very near future. Okay. So sh- it's a secret, but- not that secret, 'cause a lot of people know now. Um, so I am beginning that process of just- Mm building a very strong foundation to attract like-minded women, moms, who want to- Yeah join my tribe, and, you know, continue to conquer the Nova real estate

Future Plans Team Growth Health

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market- Love one house at a time. So that's on the goal list. Um, and honestly, just to continue to have a happy and healthy life. Mm-hmm. That is so important. And sometimes we take that for granted. Mm-hmm. It takes work. It's not easy to build a happy and healthy life. Mm-hmm. Um, so those are both very big goals of mine. I also have some volume goals that I'll keep to the side. Yeah. But, but those are happening. And to continue to make people feel happy. Yeah. And take as much stress- Off of people by sharing my knowledge of- Right how to buy and sell houses. Yeah, super exciting. So that's, that's leading with purpose, and that's what I wanna continue to do. Mm-hmm. And for anyone looking to buy, sell, invest, or simply learn about the Northern Virginia real estate market, where can they connect with you? Absolutely. So I actually have a brand-new website. It's beautiful. It's kwojohomes.com. Um, they can absolutely go to that website and, and check me out and see all of my portfolios and, um, reviews, and even set up a home buying search, home value search. Also, you can literally just text me or call me. Um, I'm sure the number will be somewhere around this, this podcast.

How To Connect And Get Started

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Um, I'm usually always available as long as I'm not putting my kids to bed. So any of, any other time, I'm usually available to pop on a call, 15-minute call. Even if you're not thinking about buying or selling until two years from now. Mm-hmm. It's still a good time to get started with a professional because, again, that volatility. We wanna track. Right. We wanna make sure you're in a good place. Awesome. And as we wrap up, is there anything you'd like to mention that we haven't touched on today? I don't think so. I just wanna put some positive vibes out there. And to anyone who's listening that thinks there is a goal out there that is just too much for them, whether it's buying your first house, or selling a home that you're very emotionally attached to, or becoming a realtor, or starting your own business, whatever that is, um, just know that you can do it. It is 100% possible. You just have to tell yourself

Final Encouragement And Closing

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it's already done. And that's how you do it. Oh, love that advice. Thank you so much, Katie, for joining me on the podcast and sharing your knowledge and inspiring story with us. I wish you the very best in all that comes your way in the future. Absolutely. Thank you so much for having me. It's been an absolute pleasure.