Karen C. Johnson’s appetite for leveraged income started when she owned a franchise at EXIT Realty back in the early 2000s.
“I understood the power of passive income years before joining eXp and it was fantastic,” said Karen of her years with EXIT. But, during the housing crash of 2008, she dove headfirst into community redevelopment, which led her to founding her own independent real estate firm, Advanced Realty Concepts, with her business partner Bilal K. Shareef.
“We helped investors and local municipalities buy, renovate and sell properties. But we quickly realized that we were only as good as our last transaction. We also realized how expensive owning an independent firm really was.”
>Read why independent brokers are flocking to eXp Realty
Through her involvement with the local National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), she got to know Calvin and Terri Gleaton, who she respected deeply and were moving their brokerage to eXp Realty. After “asking a billion questions and talking with eXp leaders,” they decided to join eXp in March 2018.
“I must admit initially it was hard. We felt we were losing our identity. The company had approximately 8,000 to 10,000 agents at the time. I didn’t truly plug into the system until about 18 months ago. Now, I am ALL IN! I LOVE EXP REALTY! The training, revenue share, equity and culture are all unmatched! Coming to eXp is the best decision I’ve made in my career!”
Learn More About Karen C. Johnson:
Years in real estate: Agent since 1988; broker in 2006
Brokerage history:
- eXp Realty (March 2018-current)
- Advanced Realty Concepts (Feb. 2015-March 2018)
- Peachtree Communities/Century Communities (Jan. 2013-Oct. 2018)
- APD Solutions (Sept. 2009-Jan. 2013)
- EXIT Realty Source One (Feb. 2005-Sept. 2009)
- RE/MAX Cascade
Main territory: Metro Atlanta.
Main focus: New construction/builder services, single-family homes, investment properties.
Number of people on team: Business partner: Bilal K. Shareef and a transaction coordinator
Accolades, accomplishments & awards:
- Top Sales Associate – Community of the Year 2015
- Appointed as Chair of the Fulton County Board of Zoning Appeals
- Empire Board of Realtists®, Inc. “Broker of the Year” Award 2008
- Empire Board of Realtists®, Inc. “Active Life Million $ Club” Award – 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
- Empire Board of Realtists®, Inc. “Million $ Club” Award – 1999, 2000, 2001
- Metro Brokers GMAC “Century Club” Award 2008
- RE/MAX of Georgia “President’s” Award – 1997
What makes eXp special to you?
“What I noticed and appreciate most is the culture. Everyone shares knowledge, encouragement and positivity with each other. We all want everyone to win! If we are all killing it then the company’s value continues to soar. It’s so exciting!”
Is there a significant experience you can share since you joined eXp?
“My husband went through a very hard battle with cancer. I didn’t truly work for 18 months. My eXp family was so supportive but most significant; my revenue share payments were exactly what I needed to stay home and take care of my husband while he went through radiation and chemo treatments. It was a hard and long journey. “
What is one thing about eXp that surprised you?
“The high level of training that’s offered to all eXp Realty agents and brokers. I’m constantly surprised to see the great educational offerings each month. I’m also amazed at the growth of the company’s value and agent count. Its growth has been shocking!”
What kind of collaboration have you experienced at eXp?
“I was attracted by Calvin and Terri Gleaton who founded a training and coaching platform that they call “The Wealthy Group.” We all collaborate to coach and train everybody in the group. I’m witnessing agents go from closing a few deals a year to closing $5 to $10 million per year.
It’s wonderful to see those in our upline cheerfully and genuinely want to help everyone grow! Tony Camelleri and Kendra Pack have been so supportive. Tony flew down from Detroit to support a launch event we hosted with 200 attendees. The collaboration is amazing!”
Best tip to share with other agents:
“Everyone is a potential client! Add EVERYONE to your database and stay in touch. You never know when they’ll need your expertise.”
10 Fun Things Karen C. Johnson
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Vacationing on a sunny beach with my loved ones without a care in the world.
Who is the person you most admire?
My mother! She was an entrepreneur and a fantastic real estate broker. She exposed me to the business. She was extremely knowledgeable and successfully ran a full service real estate firm and mortgage company while being a phenomenal wife and mother!
One thing you can’t live without?
My cell phone.
One trait that has led to your success?
I never meet a stranger
What celebrity would play you in a movie or TV show?
Queen Latifa! She’s fierce yet still beautiful!
Pet peeve?
Judgmental people
Little known fact about yourself?
I played the clarinet
Song you never tire of?
“Break of Dawn” by Michael Jackson
Favorite meal?
Blackened salmon
Your epitaph will say:
She loved and she lived!
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