We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kari Monk a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kari, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

I worked for corporate America for most of my career, but never felt fully satisfied. I was behind the scenes, and didn’t really get to see the fruits of my labor. I also just felt like a warm body doing a job that paid the higher ups a bunch of money while I was held down by their thumb. When I had my daughter, I quit corporate America making a decent amount of money, and shortly thereafter started with the small family like Title office. Having a baby is not cheap, but I risked the financial piece for a more satisfying position that allowed me flexibility to be able to be present in my family life! It gave me the balance I needed which I couldn’t obtain in corporate America.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been in some form of Real Estate since 2000. I started in Title when I lost my job at a Credit Union and was handed a computer and phone with absolutely no proper training. I am completely self trained which seems to be the norm in this industry. Scary, right!? Today I am in a position of management, training, and customer service running and leading a Title Company office in Keller, TX, and I take none of those positions lightly. I believe what sets myself and my team apart is exactly that. As a client of ours, you are not just a paycheck or a number. We truly want to be as helpful as possible and guide you to a successful closing. My team is properly trained by me, with the power of why we do what we do! One of the largest complaints in the real estate world is communication and I feel we directly head this on in a more positive light. My team is phenomenal in resolving problems before they become a problem. Being proactive rather than reactive is huge for me, and I feel this gives us a leg up on our competition. I also have no problem “firing” those that do not work along side us with a similar moral compass. I refuse to intentionally do wrong by others just to make a dollar.

Ultimately we treat ever customer like family, like we would want to be treated.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Our clients come from many sources, but what most people don’t know is that the homeowner or buyer may choose any title company you want; you don’t have to use a company selected by a real estate agent, builder, or lender. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) actually prohibits sellers from conditioning the sale of their home on the use of a specific Title Company.

Beyond homeowners and buyers, new clients come to us in many forms. Primarily real estate agents and brokers are our friends, but outside the norm we love to partner with estate planning attorneys, divorce attorneys, investors, and even funeral homes. When a major life change is present, there is usually real estate to be sold and/or purchased. We are investor friendly and also do Title work and closings for commercial clients as well. When a life change is not necessarily a positive change, let us partner with you to help in the transition you are facing.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

I have spoken at a few investor seminars and meetups, but one in particular stands out to me. An investor whom I met at this particular event grilled me with questions. I have never been asked so many great, thought out questions at any of the events I have been a part of until this day. Shortly thereafter, this investor sent me a $1,000.00 contract to purchase which was unclosed by 2 previous Title Companies already. To date, this is the most difficult transaction I have personally been a part of, but after a few months and a lot of persistence, we got this deal closed! Needless to say, I won over this particular investor and we have since closed many deals through the Title company, we have become friends, and have done some deals investor to investor (my side hustle)!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.KocianTitle.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TexasTitleKocian