Karren Winther, RE/MAX Realtor

Interviewed by Melanie Huggett

Karren Winther is a realtor with RE/MAX Aldercenter Realty in Aldergrove, BC, where she helps horse lovers realize their dreams of owning that perfect equestrian property, whether it’s a small hobby farm or a large stable facility. An avid horsewoman herself, competing in National Reined Cowhorse Association competitions, Karren knows the special requirements necessary for keeping horses that other realtors might overlook.

We sat down with Karren to find out more about her property passion and how she is helping horse lovers from across the province of BC.

PPHJ: How did you get started in the real estate business?
Karren: Nineteen years ago I wanted to be my own boss and sell a unique product that would have an impact on someone’s life. I had always been interested in real estate so the decision was easy.

PPHJ: What areas, geographically, do you operate in?
Karren: I help clients sell and purchase property from Vancouver to Chilliwack, the Okanagan, the Quesnel area, and the Yukon. I go wherever clients ask me to help them. For my clients who need help that I cannot field, I refer them to someone in my network of realtors in many areas.

PPHJ: What sets you apart from other realtors?
Karren: I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and work, and if I am asked a question I do not know the answer to, I will say I do not know (and then of course do my research and find the answer). I believe that real estate is a service industry, so if something needs to be done to show a property to its fullest potential, I will do it. If that means moving animals around for a showing to allow people to move freely on a property to see it and then hopefully write an offer, or tidying up before a showing, I do it. Everyone has busy lives and I try to accommodate ALL showings for my clients, so sometimes they need me to pitch in — we all benefit.

PPHJ: Tell us about your average client.
Karren: I don’t think you can generalize clients; they are all pretty unique, kind of like real estate. No two are alike, from the clients I help with condos, to those with a house on a lot, those with acreages or ranches (large and small), or those with a commercial property for sale.

PPHJ: Tell us about your team.
Karren: My team includes my husband, Nick Costantino, our great office front end staff, and a supportive manager.

PPHJ: What changes, if any, have you observed in equestrian and farm real estate over the past few years?
Karren: Equestrian and farm real estate has changed in price and quantity mostly over the past few years. The number of properties with indoor arenas has grown dramatically, making it easier to find that sort of property for clients. But of course, like all real estate, in general the price has also gone up. Here in the [Fraser] Valley we are limited geographically because we are bounded by the ocean and mountains.

PPHJ: What do you like most about your work?
Karren: The thing I like most about my work is the feeling I get when we find the perfect property for the client and put together their deal as easily as possible with the least amount of stress, and that same feeling when my clients who are selling are happy and excited with their sale price and terms and are looking forward to moving on. Selling or buying real estate can be stressful because the dollars are large and usually we are dealing with a product that you use every day, so it is very important to keep clients calm and focused on what we are trying to achieve.

The other part that is appealing is that no two days are the same. The variety in this job keeps it interesting, kind of like getting to ride every imaginable breed of horse at every age and size. The challenges keep me striving to achieve the goals set by my clients and our ever changing market, and the rewards are endless.

PPHJ: Is there anything else you would like to say to our readers?
Karren: Never be intimidated by real estate. It is the best investment you can ever make. Seek a professional to help you and start small. Then grow at a pace you are comfortable with. Remember, nobody rides a pony forever — there is always more. The major difference is that horses can always be made but land cannot, so don’t miss out on owning some. And ALWAYS enjoy the experience; work with a professional you enjoy working with. There are lots to choose from.

For more information on Karren Winther and her realty services, contact 604-857-1100 or kwinther@uniserve.com.

Photo courtesy of Karren Winther.