From the uncertain depths of a crashed real estate market to opening Katora Realty, my journey proves that with persistence and passion, even amidst challenges, you can embrace new beginnings and bring dreams to life.
The decision loomed large in front of me, an uncharted path ahead. Should I open my own brokerage? An established builder in Bradley Beach found a great commercial space and suggested I open my own real estate office. In that moment, I reflected on the entirety of my real estate career spanning 20+ years—I knew in my heart what I needed to do.
Growing up, I was immersed in the world of entrepreneurship. My parents immigrated here and built their own business, a grocery store, from the ground up. They worked tirelessly to provide a great life for me. Every weekend, I worked at the store with them, developing my work ethic. Witnessing their tenacity and success instilled in me an entrepreneurial spirit. It also taught me why persevering through ups and downs was worthwhile.
My passion for design led me to attend the Parsons School of Design in New York, where I studied fashion design and built a successful career in technical design and textile sales. However, life took a turn when I became a single mom. Real estate emerged as the perfect avenue for building my own business while prioritizing my daughters.
By the time the market crashed, real estate was my full-time job. It was devastating to see the industry crumble. My background in fashion and retail became my saving grace, giving me stability during such uncertain times. After building a strong foundation for my business through relationships, trust and integrity, everything came to a screeching halt. I had to do a lot of soul-searching to decide if real estate was the right path to continue down. It could be incredibly challenging, but the opportunity to help people is infinitely rewarding.
Combining my passion for design with helping people, I love finding the best way to showcase a listing or highlighting the pros and cons of a potential home for buyers. Even in moments of doubt, when I faced challenges, I knew deep down real estate was the right path for me. As I worked in retail, raising my daughters and sending them off to start their own lives, I always kept my feet in real estate.
In 2019, fate presented an opportunity for a new chapter. While working in real estate, I continued to forge a successful career in retail. As a manager, I helped bring a low-producing location to the highest percentage of sales in the company in just a year and a half. While witnessing the impact of my efforts was fulfilling, a persistent desire lingered within me—I longed for my hard work to contribute directly to the growth of my own business.
Presented with the opportunity to open my own real estate office, I knew I had to take the chance. This leap of faith was a continuation of my passion for real estate over 20+ years. Opening Katora Realty symbolized all I had overcome, the dreams I relentlessly chased and stood as a testament to my genuine love for the industry. Taking this step proved to be the best decision of my career.
Despite the challenges of starting a business during the onset of the pandemic, the business not only weathered the storm but thrived. The fulfillment I experience each day as I wake up to pursue what I love is beyond measure. With a growing team of agents, I've maintained a commitment to a smaller, family-oriented environment with a focus on personalized service. Being hands-on in my approach, I take on the role of a mentor, sharing the ups and downs and the realities of the industry and providing guidance to ensure the success of each team member.
My journey has taught me that it is never too late to chase your dreams, embrace a fresh start and build something meaningful!
When I sit in our office, surrounded by big windows filling our space with sunshine, I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. This journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, has culminated in the creation of a unique, boutique-style real estate experience. Every day, I get to engage with our clients and community, running a business that reflects my vision—a space where personalized attention meets big ideas.
My strength lies in being an attentive listener and offering unique solutions tailored to each client. I pride myself on being intuitive and stepping into my client's shoes to understand their aspirations and needs genuinely. For me, the real estate journey is more than just a transaction—it's about building connections and understanding the intricacies of how a home fits into someone's life. Envisioning a family’s dynamics in a potential home and being an intuitive matchmaker are the skills that define my approach. Katora Realty is continuing to grow, allowing us to reach even more people and help them through their buying and selling journeys. It is my goal to be a positive resource within our community, fostering lifelong relationships with those we serve!
Sincerely,
Katora Yim