What ties my career together is a love for creating exciting, memorable experiences. That love (and training) shapes how I approach real estate to this day.

 

Have you ever been in a season of life where, no matter how hard you try to fit into an industry, it just doesn’t feel like the right fit? That’s exactly where I found myself in 2008 while working for catering companies. I loved crafting experiences for people but the leadership and work culture didn’t align with my values. I felt undervalued and stretched thin. That realization became the catalyst for yet another pivot—this time into real estate.

 

My beginnings actually started in sound engineering. I was a high soprano in high school, and music became my anchor during formative years; I knew that I wanted to be part of the music industry. After graduating, I enrolled at the Art Institute of Seattle to study audio engineering and production. I still remember interning at the Gorge Amphitheater in 1999, where I worked the B stage, setting up sound systems, ran monitors, and prepared gear for artists like Ben Harper and Steve Miller Band. It was exhilarating!

 

That internship led to an eight-year career at Muzak producing on-hold and in-store advertising. I worked with some of the best voice talents in the industry, managing recording sessions, and ad-copy production.  Over time, my role evolved into Account Executive. Suddenly, I was responsible for hitting daily business targets, making cold calls, and building relationships.

 

Then the industry changed overnight with the arrival of the internet. Music became downloadable and businesses were less and less interested in paying for services.  Unfortunately, this all unfolded in 2008, right in the middle of a major economic downturn, and I was laid off. Leaning back into hospitality, I went back to work at one of the top-rated restaurants in the city.

 

I loved hospitality and thrived in a fine-dining, high-energy, theatrical atmosphere and loved creating for guests. I eventually moved to a catering sales manager role for several catering companies, and the work itself energized me, but behind the scenes, the environment was difficult. The culture felt disloyal, aggressive at times, and unsupportive. The pay was poor, and there were moments when I relied on picking up additional wedding planning and catering gigs just to get by. Eventually, I hit a breaking point and admitted, I have to do something different.

 

I earned my real estate license in 2014—while juggling four additional jobs. I was fortunate to connect with a generous REALTOR® who became my mentor and helped me get started. That season marked a true turning point. I ended an old relationship that had been weighing me down, changed industries, and stepped into an entirely new chapter of my life.

 

Real estate is hard work, but it’s deeply rewarding. Clients appreciate the care, effort, and guidance they receive, and for the first time in a long time, I felt valued. I do everything I can to make the process smooth and to protect my clients from unnecessary stresses. The part of me that loves crafting experiences naturally shows up in my work. Small, thoughtful details matter.

 

Outside of work, I love cooking and baking everything from cookies, caramel, to homemade ice creams. My partner and I recently adopted a dog named Pressley, and I stay connected to music by singing and dancing whenever I can.

 

Looking back, the hardest seasons of my life taught me resilience and radical self-honesty. Today, I get to serve people during pivotal moments, protect their peace, and help them feel cared for in a process that can feel overwhelming. This work isn’t just a career—it’s the result of choosing myself, honoring my values, and building a life that finally feels aligned.

 

I moved to Seattle when I was 17, and over the years I’ve come to know the city and area intimately—neighborhoods, streets and the best views. That local knowledge allows me to match clients with areas that truly fit their lifestyle, not just their budget. When evaluating a home, I carefully scan the property, paying close attention to finishes like flooring, tile, and overall condition to assess its true value while also identifying potential issues before they become problems.

 

For sellers, I believe first impressions are everything—you only get one chance to make them. I make sure homes are properly repaired and prepped before they ever hit the market. I work proactively, anticipating challenges and addressing them early. Ultimately, I respect that it’s my client’s decision where and how they move forward. My role is to guide, advise, and advocate for them throughout negotiations and the entire process. Buying or selling takes energy, and I bring a proactive, hands-on approach to get the job done.

Sincerely,

 

Kari Rae Davis