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Real estate success isn’t built on trends or predictions—it’s built on judgment, discipline, and relationships that compound over time. In this episode of Real EstateAF (And Finance), we sit down with Kimberly Howell, San Antonio native, veteran real estate broker, relocation expert, and long-time industry leader, to break down what 40+ years in real estate reveals about the next market cycle.

Kimberly shares her journey from construction sites and research environments to founding and scaling her own brokerage—and why, after more than two decades of independence, she chose to return to Keller Williams Legacy as an owner. The lesson is clear: relationships outperform rates, and trust—earned through consistency and transparency—outlasts every market headline.

We dive into hard-earned lessons from the 2008 housing crash, including a holiday-weekend closing that never funded after a lender vanished. It’s a reminder that deals aren’t done until the wire clears—and that fear-driven media narratives often lack the context professionals must provide. Kimberly also unpacks the growing complexity of estate sales, family dynamics, and the quiet counseling work experienced agents do behind the scenes while navigating grief, conflict, and financial stress.

Instead of generic market commentary, this conversation focuses on precision education: addressing the exact fear a buyer or seller brings—interest rates, appraisals, job security, timelines—rather than reacting to noise. We also explore high-stakes corporate and professional sports relocations, and what true white-glove service looks like when privacy, speed, and trust are non-negotiable.

Looking ahead to 2025–2026, Kimberly outlines a practical roadmap for agents and consumers alike: return to fundamentals, use technology as leverage (not a hiding place), prioritize conversations over content, set realistic showing windows, price honestly, and communicate clearly about condition and expectations. On timing, the guidance is grounded—buy the right home when it fits, improve the rate later if possible, but never force a bad decision to chase a market headline.

For long-term wealth, the conclusion is firm: real estate remains one of the most accessible and durable wealth-building tools available—when approached with patience, education, and integrity.

If you value substance over sizzle and want real insight into real estate market cycles, hit play.
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00:00 – Why “Getting Better Every Day” Still Wins in Real Estate
02:15 – Kimberly Howell’s Path into Real Estate (Before the Internet Era)
06:40 – Building a Brokerage & Choosing Independence
11:10 – Why Kimberly Returned to Keller Williams Legacy
15:20 – The 2008 Crash: Lessons You Only Learn the Hard Way
20:05 – When Closings Don’t Fund (And What Agents Miss)

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Key Factors Podcast is Powered by LoanBot.com
Host: Mark Jones | Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 513437
If you would like to work with Mark on your next home purchase or as a partner visit iThink Mortgage.