My Journey to Real Estate
Sometimes I laugh out loud at how God orchestrates our lives. It may have been 8 or 9 years ago that I first wanted to become a Realtor. I was stressed about the length of time I would have to be in class after working all day. I stressed about it, but decided it was really what I wanted to do. I went to pay my tuition and was told the class did not have enough people so it would have to be cancelled. Well, of course I took on more responsibilities at work, my children needed me to take them to swim basketball practice and when it was offered again, I didn't have time.
In 2023, as I completed my 25th year as a public educator, I wanted to write a memoir about how to manage finances in the Lord. Once it was written, I struggled to give it a title. Then when I had a title, the title was a truth I didn't want to share. 5-Figure Financing. Yes, I am in the 5-Figure income bracket, but through faith, obedience, prudence, and lots of prayer, I've been blessed to be able to maintain excellent credit and purchase of 3 homes. This was a story the Lord wanted me to share to give others hope that He will lead them in the same manner.
I published 5-Figure Financing in 2024, then as the year wore on, I was experiencing undue frustrations with work, so I decided that I needed to become serious about finding a new job. I was praying that the Lord would lead me to my next endeavor. As I had dome many times, I looked at the schedule of real estate courses to see if I could manage work and class. I decided on a weekend class and paid my fees. I paid for in-person classes, but the day before the class was to begin, I received an email that my class would be virtual. I was upset and considered asking for a refund. Instead, I decided, the Lord knows best, and I should take it online. Good thing, because my grandson decided to be born a week early, and I was able to complete the final weekend of class in the hospital lobby on Zoom.
On the same day I paid for the real estate courses, I applied for a job at our local technical college. A few hours after my grandson was born, I received a phone call from someone at the College that I had worked with, previously. He explained that my application and resume had crossed his desk, and while it didn't appear that I would proceed to the next stage for the job I applied for, there was another job that wasn't posted that he thought would suit me well. He wanted to know if it was okay to recommend me for this unposted job! Absolutely! Long story short, they had to post the job for the minimum time and they did hire me. During the next month, I was finishing out the school year, completing the real estate courses, taking my real estate exam, and loving on my newborn grandson! One of my responsibilities, I realized early in my new job, is that I am in charge of the College's real estate courses! Look at God!
In 2023, as I completed my 25th year as a public educator, I wanted to write a memoir about how to manage finances in the Lord. Once it was written, I struggled to give it a title. Then when I had a title, the title was a truth I didn't want to share. 5-Figure Financing. Yes, I am in the 5-Figure income bracket, but through faith, obedience, prudence, and lots of prayer, I've been blessed to be able to maintain excellent credit and purchase of 3 homes. This was a story the Lord wanted me to share to give others hope that He will lead them in the same manner.
I published 5-Figure Financing in 2024, then as the year wore on, I was experiencing undue frustrations with work, so I decided that I needed to become serious about finding a new job. I was praying that the Lord would lead me to my next endeavor. As I had dome many times, I looked at the schedule of real estate courses to see if I could manage work and class. I decided on a weekend class and paid my fees. I paid for in-person classes, but the day before the class was to begin, I received an email that my class would be virtual. I was upset and considered asking for a refund. Instead, I decided, the Lord knows best, and I should take it online. Good thing, because my grandson decided to be born a week early, and I was able to complete the final weekend of class in the hospital lobby on Zoom.
On the same day I paid for the real estate courses, I applied for a job at our local technical college. A few hours after my grandson was born, I received a phone call from someone at the College that I had worked with, previously. He explained that my application and resume had crossed his desk, and while it didn't appear that I would proceed to the next stage for the job I applied for, there was another job that wasn't posted that he thought would suit me well. He wanted to know if it was okay to recommend me for this unposted job! Absolutely! Long story short, they had to post the job for the minimum time and they did hire me. During the next month, I was finishing out the school year, completing the real estate courses, taking my real estate exam, and loving on my newborn grandson! One of my responsibilities, I realized early in my new job, is that I am in charge of the College's real estate courses! Look at God!
I Love Homeownership!
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I wanted to buy a home straight out of college. I couldn't fathom the idea of paying rent to no-end vs. paying a mortgage and building equity. Yes, even as a 22 year-old, I had these thoughts! Homeownership is a tangible investment that meets an immediate need. Homes grow in value with small updates, and just with time! Homes sell for more than they were purchased, and that's money the homeowner can use to move to a larger home, or a home all on one level, or whatever the need or desire is at the time. There's a saying: When is the best time to plant a tree? 20 years-ago! Sure we can go to the nursery and buy a tree and plant it at any time, but it's basically a few twigs, a young tree does not give the benefits of shade, and it's certainly not a habitat to wildlife. A 20 year-old tree, however, is strong, beautiful, offers shade, shelter, and wood - if needed! It's the same way with a house. The best time to buy a house was 20 years-ago, or 40 years-ago! They cost less then, they might be paid off now! If you didn't purchase then, the best time to purchase is NOW! In a year, the price will be more! Home values tend not to keep up with incomes! The home you see in the picture was built in 1979. It was sold in 1994 for $117,000. It was sold again in 2018 for $240,000. It was purchased in 2021 for $302,000. Now, in 2024, it's valued at $460,000. It would have been much better to have purchased it it 1994, right! It's the same house! If you are looking to become a homeowner for the first time, I am excited to help you find exactly the home that will meet your needs. Let's make 2025 your year! If your family is growing and you need more space, I can help you find the perfect accommodations! If you realize the scarcity of land and you want to purchase some because you know it's the best investment - call me, I am your land agent, too! |
Photo from Zillow.
I had always wanted a fixer-upper, but wasn't sure how much fixing my 5-figure income could support. God knows the desires of our hearts and He knows what our budget can accommodate. I saw the home in the top picture on Zillow and with some paint, a pressure washer, and of course the change from winter to summer, it has become the home at the bottom! Don't be discouraged by the photo you see online, Realtors are not always the best photographers. Once the home is yours, you can make it picture perfect!
Whatever your real estate need,
I can help you achieve it! |
5-Figure Financing
Kimberly Griffith Anderson, 2024
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I read this book and loved it! The Scriptures and the testimony helped me and blessed me! I learned a lot and got some good advice. I don't make much, but I am going to pray more and ask God to show me how to increase my funds, use my talents, and pay my tithes. Thank you for all of the advice! ~S. Barnette 5-Figure Financing is a must read! You gain knowledge for everyday life and spiritually! This book also changes the perspective on how to conduct your finances and not think your income is too small. Using wisdom and discernment will take you far when you are a good steward of what you have. To whom much is given, much is required. Your timing is now! ~B. Hovis |
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Rarely are 5-Figure incomes the topic of conversation, but 5-Figures are reality for most working people. I am no different, as a public school educator. This book represents my 25+ years of financial decision-making. In this time, I’ve purchased homes and seen my credit score increase, dramatically. Read to learn how prayer, work and prudence can influence your financial life for the better.
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