Everyone remembers when their teacher would pick teams for sports, or group projects, and experience the sinking feeling of dread as names were called, hoping your team would be a good one, wishing you could pick your own, and wondering if you should have ‘played sick’ that day to get out of participating. Thankfully, in real estate, you have the ability to choose your team and Katie Petersen should be your first pick!

First Pick

Katie has been a star-player in the successful mother-daughters real estate team, that is a part of 616 Realty, since 2021 and has no plans on slowing down any time soon. Determined at all times, Katie has been educating herself about the real estate market since she bought her first house in 2005,

“I was so proud of myself for being able to get my first house, on my own, in my early twenties! Doing something scary, then overcoming it, really shows you how capable you are.”

But when the market took a turn, Katie had to sell for less than she paid in 2008.

“I don’t regret buying the house, it was what I needed at the time and it served as a great first home, but I wasn’t going to get burned again by not knowing more information or the right people.”

Building a team that can help you find your home is very important and it’s not always what you know, but who you know. Katie’s biggest focus is communication and education when it comes to building relationships with clients because she understands just how much time, energy and money you are putting into this decision for your life.

“While it’s important to be able to be independent, you shouldn’t have to do everything on your own.”

Building Your Team

After spending 6 years in Wisconsin, while working in the medical industry, Katie decided it was time to ‘go back home’ and rediscovered her love for West Michigan,

“Everyone is so friendly and that sense of community has never gone away! I knew immediately that this is where I wanted to raise my children.”

However, real estate is complicated and there’s a lot to know. Katie recommends:

• asking your friends, neighbors and family members what their experiences were to gather up referrals and information
• looking up the property taxes of the desired area to be able to start financial planning
• calling your local real estate office, 616 Realty, to receive helpful information
• COMPARE NOTES

“It takes a village, but how can you ask your village for help if you don’t know anyone in it?”

Katie herself spends time volunteering for local charities and homes supporting veterans, as well as supporting the Grand Rapids branch for Arts in Motion.

While considering Katie Petersen for your real estate team, please also consider checking out Arts in Motion and your local veteran home to see if there is anyone there in need of having you on their team.