We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charis Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Charis , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Home is where the heart is, where family lives and where memories are made. Home can be a single family house, condo, townhouse or maybe an acre of land where you build your dream house. My mission is to make whatever home looks like to you, come true. Owning a home is a privilege that I think everyone should be able to obtain if that is something they choose. Home ownership is available and realistic for everyone. I understand that the current economy is unstable for some and they may feel like the goal isn’t obtainable but it definitely is. There are many programs that are in place to help people and I’m here to help facilitate that.
Charis , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I spent seventeen years as a firefighter is Prince George’s County, MD, a suburb right outside of Washington, DC and retired in 2021. Being young and over cold weather I relocated to Houston,Tx, love my home town but snow and ice are not my friend. I am the proud mom of two handsome young men,ages 24 and 21; my oldest Ricardo is a chef in the US Navy stationed in Norfolk, Va and my youngest Deshawn is a senior at the University of Toledo majoring in criminal justice. My youngest also plays football at the University of Toledo and I like to make it at least 3 -4 of his home games.
Real estate as a second career was an easy choice because of the ability make my own work schedule and it allows me to be present for my family who is still on the east coast. This career also gives me the ability to help people in other ways.
My current brokerage is Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene and they are amazing. They are a great resource when it comes to finding the right answer. Being relatively new in the industry there is a lot to learn, so them having my back is a huge help. If there is something I have a question or issue with, someone is always there to help. It feels good being supported and my clients know they have a good team as well.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Real estate is a who you know business built on your network and being new to the city of Houston, my network was non existent. Eventbrite is a great resource for free networking events built, and I started going. My goal was to have at least three conversations about real estate and place my business card in as many hands as possible. There was a four card minimum rule, which means I had to give my business card to at least four people and receive at least four cards in return. It worked. I would send follow up emails, add them to a monthly newsletter, send postcards around the holidays and special events in the city.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
With the majority of people opting for digital marketing, I use post cards. I will send Astros & Texans mini calendars with my information on them, holiday cards, and market insights for that neighborhood. They post it on the fridge or in their office and when someone asks do you know a realtor, it’s right there. They look and go yes, Charis lol
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Charisjohnson.garygreene.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bhgrewithreese?igshid=ZGUzMzM3NWJiOQ==