David Karras

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make. As a seasoned REALTOR® and military relocation expert, here’s my top advice for any buyer preparing to enter today’s housing market: Get Pre-Approved First Before touring homes, speak with a trusted mortgage lender to get pre-approved. This helps you understand your true budget, strengthens your offers, and prevents surprises later. Know Your Needs vs. Wants Make a list of must-haves (e.g., number of bedrooms, school district) and nice-to-haves (e.g., pool, gourmet kitchen). This keeps you focused and avoids emotional decisions. Understand Local Market Conditions Real estate is local. Work with an agent who knows your area’s pricing trends, inventory levels, and competitive offer strategies. Don’t Skip the Inspection Always get a professional home inspection, even with new construction. It can uncover costly hidden issues before you commit. Factor in All Costs Beyond the sale price, budget for closing costs, homeowners insurance, property taxes, and future maintenance. Hire a Trusted Real Estate Agent Your agent should be more than a door-opener. Look for someone with local expertise, negotiation skills, and client-focused service who can guide you from pre-approval to keys in hand. ? Pro Tip: If you’re military, first responder, teacher, or a community hero, ask me about special closing cost credits and VA loan strategies designed specifically for you.

Selling your home is more than just putting a “For Sale” sign in the yard — it’s about strategically marketing a valuable asset to the right buyers at the right price. Here’s my top advice for homeowners preparing to list: Price It Right from Day One The first few days on market are critical. An overpriced home can sit too long and lose momentum. A comparative market analysis (CMA) from a local expert ensures you price it to sell and protect your equity. Enhance Curb Appeal First impressions matter. Fresh landscaping, clean walkways, and a welcoming front door can increase showings and perceived value. Declutter & Stage the Interior A clean, neutral space helps buyers envision themselves living in your home. Consider professional home staging or follow expert staging tips to highlight your home's best features. Invest in Pre-Sale Repairs Fix obvious issues — leaky faucets, peeling paint, loose handrails. These small improvements can dramatically improve your home's presentation and reduce buyer objections. Use High-Quality Photography & Marketing Your listing’s first showing happens online. Professional real estate photography, drone footage, and digital marketing can attract more qualified buyers and boost your sales price. Work With a Trusted Listing Agent Your agent should have a proven track record, strong negotiation skills, and a powerful marketing strategy. Look for someone who knows the local market and can create demand for your property. ? Pro Tip: If you're a military family, teacher, or first responder, ask me about our Community Heroes Program, which helps reduce seller costs and gives back to those who serve.

I’ve had the opportunity to represent a diverse range of clients — each with their own goals, timelines, and challenges. My job is to adapt, educate, and execute with precision no matter the situation. Here's who I serve: First-Time Home Buyers I specialize in educating first-time buyers, walking them through every step — from pre-approval to closing — while breaking down industry jargon so they feel confident, not confused. Military Relocations (PCS & ETS) As a veteran and former Air Force dependent, I know the urgency and complexity of military moves. I help active-duty and retired service members buy or sell with confidence — often while managing timelines across multiple states. Out-of-State Buyers & Sellers I regularly assist clients relocating to or from Texas. Whether buying sight-unseen or coordinating a remote listing, I use virtual tools and clear communication to make long-distance real estate stress-free. First-Time Sellers Selling a home for the first time can feel overwhelming. I guide my clients through pricing, staging, marketing, and negotiations to help them sell quickly and profitably. Experienced Home Buyers & Sellers Whether it’s upgrading, downsizing, or making a strategic move, I help experienced clients navigate competitive markets and negotiate the best terms possible. Executors & Estate Sales I understand the emotional weight of managing an estate. I work closely with executors and heirs to handle probate listings, coordinate timelines, and ensure a respectful, market-savvy sale. Real Estate Investors I work with investors seeking rental properties, fix-and-flips, and long-term portfolio growth. I help analyze cash flow, identify value-add opportunities, and navigate 1031 exchanges and property management strategies. ? Pro Tip: Many of my clients — especially military families, educators, and first responders — qualify for my Community Heroes Program, which helps reduce closing costs and give back to those who serve.

One recent transaction that really stands out to me involved a seller referral from a close friend. I had been speaking with the seller — the father — for several weeks, helping him prepare his home for market. During our conversations, he shared that his son had also been trying to sell his own home, but it had been on the market for over six months with no success. The father was so impressed with the strategy and attention I gave his listing that he encouraged his son to reach out to me — especially since the son’s listing agreement was about to expire. After connecting with the son, I scheduled a walkthrough and quickly realized the home needed some key updates to improve its appeal. Unfortunately, the son had already moved to California, and the extended time on market had left him financially stretched — he was covering two mortgages and had depleted his savings. Rather than let that be a roadblock, I rolled up my sleeves. I purchased and installed a few items out of pocket to improve staging, and I hired a local painter to neutralize some of the bold-colored rooms. These small but strategic changes made a huge impact. Within just 8 days of relisting, the home was under contract — after sitting stagnant for over six months with another agent. I’m especially fond of this transaction because it showcases the difference that skill, care, and proactive problem-solving can make. When my clients trust my guidance and we work together as a team, we get real results — fast.

My journey into real estate wasn’t just a career move — it was a calling rooted in my own life experiences. I grew up in extreme poverty, and there were times when coming home to a guaranteed roof over my head wasn’t something I could count on. After serving in the U.S. Army, I took a job with the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, working with public housing and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. That job changed everything for me — I found purpose in helping families like mine avoid housing instability and secure safe, affordable homes. When I retired from the Army, I knew I wanted to keep helping people — this time through real estate. But for me, it's not just about buying or selling a house — it’s about achieving goals, building futures, and changing lives. Every client I serve is unique, and I always start with the same question: “What are your real estate goals?” Then I build a strategy tailored specifically to them. Over the years, I’ve: Helped families avoid foreclosure by negotiating solutions before it was too late Worked with veterans in difficult situations to resolve housing challenges Guided grieving families through the emotional process of selling a loved one’s home Celebrated with young adults buying their first home Helped growing families sell their starter home and find the next chapter That’s what I love about real estate. Everything else — the awards, the numbers, the recognition — is just icing on the cake. The real reward is in helping people move forward, one home at a time.

I’ve invested heavily in my education and skill development to ensure my clients receive top-tier service at every stage of their real estate journey. I hold numerous professional designations and certifications within the real estate industry that focus on key areas like staging, listing strategy, marketing, and negotiation techniques. These certifications give me an edge in competitive markets and allow me to provide a higher level of service, guidance, and results to both buyers and sellers. In addition to my real estate training, I bring valuable technical skills that most agents don’t. I’m experienced in: Professional photography Videography Licensed drone operations These creative services are fully integrated into my marketing strategy — from stunning aerial home tours to beautifully staged photos that capture attention and help homes sell faster and for top dollar. This unique blend of formal real estate training and creative media expertise allows me to showcase properties at their best and negotiate from a position of strength — all while delivering an exceptional client experience. ? Bonus for Sellers: My listings don’t just go on the MLS. They’re strategically staged, filmed, and marketed with the same level of care as luxury properties — no matter the price point.