Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Johnson.
Hi Crystal, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2013, I purchased my first home and had such a great experience. My agent, the Sellers and the Sellers’ Agent all made it a smooth transaction and as a first-time homebuyer, it meant the world to me. I learned a lot during the transaction and after I was moved in & settled, I told myself that I wanted to be a part of that experience again – but on the giving side. That was the start of my real estate career. I was licensed in 2015 and as a dual-career agent, wasn’t quite sure how to launch my business while maintaining my primary career. I remained an active licensee and kept my pulse on the market. I finally decided to launch in February 2019 – after the death of my Grandfather. He taught me to live life to the fullest and not to let anyone – or anything – get in my way. I have been growing my business ever since and have represented Buyers, Sellers and Investors throughout RDU.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road by any means! Being a real estate agent requires you to know the market, build clientele, advertise/market, establish vendor relationships and, importantly, remain compliant with the commission. That’s a lot to juggle and they all have their challenges. Some of the struggles along the way have been to build clientele and relationships while being a ‘new agent on the block’. I know my abilities to service Buyers, Sellers & Investors but the struggle is in marketing my business so others know too! Another struggle was implementing systems in my business: I needed to ‘touch’ my business daily. Systems allow me to understand the experience potential Clients have when they connect with me and provides a consistent, enjoyable experience for my Clients throughout their transactions. I always look for ways to improve my systems and my business.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
RDU Refined is an extension of my real estate business and started as a social media platform built to educate – and celebrate – all things real estate. We are community-based and dedicated to empowering and educating home buyers and sellers. Easy-to-read posts coupled with informative videos have allowed my audience to engage in ways that’s best for them.
I am most proud of the brand’s commitment to guide buyers and sellers through the “unknowns” of the real estate process. This is done by offering personalized educational sessions and community-based partnerships. What sets me apart is I am an investor too and invest in RDU with my fiancee. As an Investor, I can be an Agent, Buyer and Seller within months at a time – allowing me to relate to my Clients from all three perspectives in the current market.
RDU Refined is a place to go to learn all things real estate. You can go to our website and create a home search of the latest homes on the market or hop over to our IG page and learn how to maintain a happy, healthy living environment. Our goal is to empower the client so that buying & selling feels like a partnership rather than a service.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, in the early years, I was really shy. My Grandmother always told me to “speak up” and I can still hear her to this day with those impactful two words. Throughout middle & high school, I came out of my shell more by being a cheerleader and being active in my church and community. I taught Sunday school, was a Candystriper at my local hospital (with dreams of being a medical doctor) and was a part of different clubs in school. Being in these different environments helped me with building relationships, time management and being reliable – all which are important in my business today.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@rdurefined.com
- Website: www.rdurefined.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/rdurefined
- Facebook: facebook.com/rdurefined
Image Credit: Krizella de Leon
