While her hands-on approach is appreciated by her clientele, Karina acknowledges the support of an extended team of industry specialists whose commitment to excellence rivals her own. “When it comes to buying or selling a home, consumers should expect nothing less than the best,” she asserts. “My business model supports that in every way.” Karina has aligned herself with a great group that includes lenders, escrow and title personnel, insurance agents and home service providers such as termite, home warranty and home inspection. “Everyone I work with is as dedicated as I am to getting the job done,” she says. Karina’s clients are a loyal bunch; she notes that her business is thriving thanks to referrals among friends, families and colleagues. “I love that my clients feel confident about my services,” she smiles. “I know I’m doing a great job when they share their success stories about working with me.” Her successful business, she adds, ties into her core values and beliefs. “I don’t work for recognition,” she says. “It all comes from doing what I enjoy: making people happy!” For Karina Veliz, real estate is much more than a business; it’s her passion. The accomplished agent owns a successful office, manages a thriving clientele, and constantly explores opportunities for professional advancement. The ambitious agent has earned accolades from clients and colleagues alike for her unwavering commitment to excellence, and she continues to elevate her approach. She was born in Lynwood, California to parents of Mexican descent. Karina’s multicultural upbringing afforded her a unique appreciation of the differences – and similarities – in others. An entrepreneurial spirit guided her move into real estate, and shaped the vision of success that would define her career. From the onset, she says, she aspired to stand out among other agents. “I started as a franchisee, but knew that I wanted to run my own business one day,” Karina reveals. With lasersharp focus she thoughtfully honed and refined her business, acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary not only to provide her clients with stellar representation, but to also expand her business model. Today Karina is the proud owner of Veliz VIP Realty, an Excellence franchise. The office reflects her commitment to quality with buyers, sellers and investors throughout the Counties of Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange, as well as her solid relationships with regional colleagues and business partners. Every day, Karina strives to add value through her value-added services. As a listing agent, Karina specializes in effective marketing techniques that yield maximum results. She is empathetic, connecting with each client’s unique wants and needs to facilitate an experience that is as smooth and stress-free as possible. “I put myself in my clients’ shoes and ask what I would want if someone was representing me,” she reveals. “This keeps the focus on accomplishing each client’s personal goals.” Karina’s listings are showcased to enhance curb appeal. “I use my interior design skills as part of a complementary service to my clients,” she says. “We look at interior and exterior colors, flooring options, and possible upgrade ideas that will help the home stand out to potential buyers.” From simple staging techniques to insight on how remodeling may increase a home’s value, Karina provides sound suggestions designed to help a home sell. Once homes are ready for the market, Karina ensures that they are accessible to a large pool of prospective buyers. She creates professional-quality marketing collateral and networks extensively with agents, clients and contacts. Karina’s creativity is on full display in her comprehensive advertising campaigns, which have been showcased online, in radio and TV spots, and in a number of print publications. She has even branded herself with a U-Haul wrap image. The investment is significant, but Karina sees real value in her efforts. “I want to expose my properties and let my customers see exactly what I am doing to handle their transactions,” she says. “This way, they know exactly where and how their homes are being marketed.” Karina details her actions in open and consistent communication, which keeps all parties up-to-date on the status of a given transaction. “Feedback is really important,” she observes. “My clients know that I am available to answer their questions and address their concerns.” When working with buyers, Karina excels in finding the homes that will meet their criteria. From savvy investors to first-time buyers, she tailors her approach to each individual. Her philosophy is that in order to make their dreams come true, she must first understand what those dreams entail. “I meet personally with every client,” she explains. “Establishing good relationships from the start allows me to tap into my experience and intuition.” It’s not uncommon, she smiles, for her to identify wants and needs before they are spoken. “It ties into my client-for-life philosophy,” she states. “My goal is to exceed my clients’ expectations by bringing them value, incredible customer service, ongoing communication and updated market information designed to help them with their ongoing goals.” Her aim – to be each client’s REALTOR® for life. Her personal approach is enhanced by Karina’s solid professional repertoire. An astute negotiator, she is focused and detail-oriented throughout the course of every transaction. “The truth is, when I become involved with something, I stay on top of it,” she explains. “I’m proactive and don’t like to delay what I can accomplish immediately. In an industry that is becoming more sophisticated and challenging every day, it is critical that consumers choose an aggressive professional who understands the business and is always looking to stay ahead of the game.” Karina maintains a thorough knowledge of industry trends and changes through professional networking and community involvement as well as continued education. She has earned Graduate Realtor® Institute (GRI), Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), and Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designations, as well as a certificate of interior design from the Interior Design Institute. She continues to ply her skills and acquire information through her ongoing work with residential buyers, sellers and investors. Karina’s efforts have earned her not only the loyalty and respect of her clients, but of her peers as well. The top-producing agent has won a number of awards within the Century 21 franchise, and was recognized as a “Top Thirty Under 30” in her profession.