We sat down with Women to Women Network member Kristen Stewart, of EXP Realty, and here’s what she had to say…

Who are your clients/customers?

I work with anyone who is looking to buy or sell a home or would like a consultation to consider selling. I also give advice on how to redecorate or remodel. Part of my business is staging, and a lot of those clients find me through other realtors. You can hire me as a stager, a realtor, or both!

How do you help your clients/customers?

I give my clients my undivided attention during a transaction and I bring a calm and centering energy to what can be a stressful situation. I’ve been in real estate for the last five years, but I also have the personal experience of buying, selling, and decorating my own homes for the last 30 years.

What brought you to this line of work?

My husband and I bought our first house at age 23. After painting, wallpapering, and fixing it up we sold it just a few years later with a 30,000 dollar profit. That lit a spark for us. We enjoy the whole process and always talked about pursuing real estate. When my youngest son was ready to leave home it felt like the right time to get my real estate license.

When I realized that there is a market for staging homes, I knew I had to be a part of it. I became certified as a stager and went to design school to incorporate staging into my business as well.

What brings you the most joy in your business?

Staging incorporates my favorite parts of real estate—the fun stuff—accessorizing and putting the lipstick on the home! The staging side of real estate is all joy for me. It gives me a great excuse to go to Home Goods!

No home is perfect. Most homes have quirks and it’s my job to turn those quirks into positive points. Staging can draw the eye away from challenges and present the potential instead. It helps people to see themselves living in a space. Staging and real estate is the perfect marriage for me.

What defines you/your business?

Integrity is important to me. I want people to feel like I took care of them, their needs were met, and that I was sensitive to the situation. There are a lot of emotions that come with buying or selling a home. I am really empathetic to that.

What is the most important thing you want people to know about your business?

I want people to feel like I am approachable and I would love to talk to you, whether you decide to hire me or not.