What do Mickey Gilley, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, John Michael Montgomery, and Randy Travis all have in common? They all had Karen Kraft open for them! Karen Kraft was dancing at the early age of three, and her parents quickly noticed in the early days that she could sing.  Out of the gate, Karen established herself as a top-performing artist, and her dad wisely put a band behind her.  

At the age of 12, she remembers every weekend being consumed with performance gigs, and Karen loved the work.  “I realized that I was having to learn how to sell/promote myself, which was really helpful later in my professional life,” she remembers.  In her Senior year of high school, Karen signed a professional contract, and the next few years were filled with performances at fairs, festivals and many different types of events including corporate functions.

Karen later met and married Russ Burris, who was a pilot.  He accepted a position with UPS, so Karen took a break from singing, disbanded the band, and spent more time raising a family.  In time, Karen wanted to return to her professional efforts, but she was concerned about what would happen if she lost her voice.  She pivoted her attention to other industries.  “I had never had a day job before.”  She started with a leasing company and worked in sales; she performed well but said she did not understand the business a lot.

Kraft next turned her energy to a vending company in Bowling Green and then to a trucking company.  Her work in selling to large companies taught her a great deal about how to work with top executives. When her last boss decided to sell his company, he told Karen something that many had told her over the years: get your real estate license.  He kept her employed until she did, and after passing the exam the first time, Karen Kraft put the mic aside and picked up her phone to work in luxury real estate (2008).  She loves working with savvy clients, and she says that luxury is not as hard as many make it; it is just more square footage and details.

Karen started with a brokerage that gave her great training. Once, her boss told her to spend the weekend knocking on doors.  She took three promotional packets from the office and set out to find business.  When she returned to the office on Monday morning, her boss asked her how many clients she had found. “Three,” she replied.  He had expected her to say none, but Karen just does not think that way. She went on to win the recognition of National Rookie of the Year – 2009, with Keller Williams, which was a phenomenal feat for someone in Louisville, Kentucky. 

With stops at another brokerage, Karen is now with a company that boasts many resources that are available to agents nationwide.  Her company name is Kraft Fine Homes brokered by eXp Realty. Much to the surprise of no one, Karen is one of the top agents in the area with an average sale price of approximately $750k.  She even has her own TV show on WBNA -21 called Kraft Luxury Showcase. One might be tempted to think her success came easily, but Karen explains that when she first started, she called 60 people every day, especially FSBO’s.

Karen loves her work.  She has always loved to help people, and she is unafraid to help clients even if she must tell them what is needed but not what they want to hear.  She will show them clutter and let them know the honest list price, especially if the home has some unchangeable and/or unwanted features.  Nevertheless, clients love her tenacity and ability to help them through challenges.

Kraft says that the best agents are honest and dedicated.  They are always available, and they put the needs of their clients first.  She operates under the mantra that “what’s meant to be is meant to be,” and she often tells people that there is no such thing as a perfect home; there is always another home that will work.

Karen and Russ have a lot of fun with her two children: Kirstie and Conner and now three grandchildren: Isabella Rose, Mason Lee, and Hudson Lee.  Karen loves the water (skiing, boating, fishing), and she enjoys her lake house on Dale Hollow.  She has a Karaoke system set up in her basement, so she often has friends over to sing.  She still sings occasionally for special events.  As a number one high school tennis player, she is really interested in Pickle Ball too.

Karen Kraft trusts that someday, people will remember her as someone who put family first, who lived life to the fullest and was always honest. She has laid the foundation for an excellent start!

Website:  Karenkraft.com