Check Out Karen Nielsen’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Nielsen.

Hi Karen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Karen Nielsen, and I am a licensed AZ Realtor® with Realty One Group. I am originally from New York, where I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in package design and an Associate’s Degree in Advertising Design and Interior Design.

In 1996 I met my husband while we were both living in Hawaii. Since then, we raised 3 boys and a black lab and have moved with them from South Dakota to Washington, back to South Dakota, and finally to Arizona. This is where I learned firsthand the importance of timing and logistics when moving. Whether it was down the street or across the ocean, my exceptional organizational skills helped relieve many of the stresses of moving and allowed us to instead enjoy the journey of the move.

While in Washington, I became a certified ASP home stager, running a very successful staging business while also being a licensed real estate agent. During that same time, my husband and I created NextStage Furniture. The patented flat-pack furniture was designed specifically for the real estate and staging industries and featured in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and A&E’s Sell This House.

After selling NextStage Furniture, I began working in China, designing holiday and home décor for importers and big box stores. The experience of working directly in the factories designing was an amazing one, but after the pandemic hit, I decided it was time to stay closer to home and return to real estate.

I recently got my RCS-D designation in divorce real estate. I help divorcing homeowners make an informed decision about their marital house. I also help family lawyers complete the case file regarding secured house debt through enhanced house due diligence.

My energy, dedication, and vast work and life experiences allow me to provide my clients with outstanding service and insight. So, whether they are moving down the street or across the ocean, they need a “Karen” in their corner. Lost Our Home Pet Rescue, The Humane Society, and St. Jude’s hospital are charities close to my heart, and a portion of each of my commissions will go directly to one of them.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
Not at all. I am fairly new to Arizona and fairly new to real estate. The quick market turnaround hasn’t helped, as some people are generally nervous about the pricing and the economy. Even though interest rates are still fairly low and there aren’t insane over-asking multiple offers, some people are still skittish.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an RCS-D designee, I help divorce couples achieve maximum equity in their marital home sale so they can purchase a right-sized residence. We have a unique approach to helping couples during the discovery period and before mediation.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Well, I would say that I try not to think of it as good or bad luck. I try to play the card that is dealt to me. I am flexible enough to roll with it. I had no intentions of leaving my design job in China, but I couldn’t have predicted a pandemic that would change my outlook on travel. I think keeping an open mind and trusting my gut helps me navigate the winding road of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/knhomeaz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knhomeaz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KNHomeAZ
• Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/AXjxfjtDxfHy4KIS5moU_A