I'm Katherine "Kat" Johnson, a Southern California Realtor(R) with 26+ years of professional experience and a passion for helping people achieve their real estate goals. My mission is to make the buying and selling process approachable, stress-free, and rewarding for every client I serve.With a strong background in negotiations, local market expertise, and personalized client care, I specialize in:First-time homebuyers - guiding you step-by-step to homeownership.Probate and trust sales - navigating sensitive transactions with compassion and precision.Senior relocation and downsizing - helping you transition smoothly to your next chapter.Residential sales and purchases - delivering results with integrity and professionalism.I believe real estate is more than a transaction--it's about building lasting relationships and creating a comfortable, welcoming experience. Whether you're buying your first home or selling a family estate, I'm here to provide expert guidance every step of the way.Let's connect! I'd love to help you turn your real estate goals into reality.Trainer/MentorGreen AgentShort Sale Foreclosure SpecialistSenior Real Estate SpecialistsCertified Probate Real Estate SpecialistRelocation Certified SpecialistCertified Military Specialist Office ManagerA portion of all my transactions goes to one of the many charities that I contribute to:St. JudeAlzheimer's,Epilepsy Active member of R.T.Fields Black Bar Association
Read More About Katherine
Credentials
LICENSE
Real Estate - California - # 01205852
Designation
SFR (Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource)
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Licensed Realtor
Military Relocation Professional
REALTOR
Specialties
Sellers
Buyers
Rentals
Residential Property
Mobile Homes
Awards
Other Awards
Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist
View All Awards
FAQ
1. What advice would you give a buyer trying to purchase a home?
1. Get Fully Pre-Approved — Not Just “Pre-Qualified”
A real pre-approval: Verifies income, credit, and assets This makes your offer stronger and can put you in front of sellers (not behind other buyers) In multiple-offer situations, this can be the reason your offer wins.
2. Buy for Your Future — Not Just Today
Think beyond: Bedrooms, Paint colors, Countertops
Think about: Resale value, School districts, Commute, Neighborhood growth, Rental potential. Your first home is often your launchpad to wealth, not just a place to live.
3. Don’t Fall in Love Too Fast. Emotion is what causes buyers to: Overpay, Waive protections they shouldn’t, Ignore red flags, Remember a calm strategic buyer always wins more.
4. Understand Your REAL Monthly Payment
Your purchase price is not your payment. Your payment will include : Taxes, Insurance, HOA (if any) and Mello-Roos.
5. Inspections Are Your Shield — Not an Obstacle
Inspections protect your money. They help you: Renegotiate price( if necessary) Get repairs or a credited ,Avoid money pits. Never skip this step unless you truly understand the risk.
6. Your Offer Structure Matters as Much as Your Price
It’s not just about what you offer — it’s how you offer. We win deals by: Shortening timelines, Strengthening terms, Positioning buyers clean and confident, That’s leverage.
7. Choose an Agent Who Negotiates, Not Just Opens Doors, A strong agent can:
Save you thousands, Spot problems, Keep your deal alive when others fall apart.
2. What advice would you give a seller trying to sell their home?
1. Price It Strategically — Not Emotionally
2. Prepare It Like a Product — Not a Memory
3. Marketing Matters (A Lot More Than People Realize)
4. Timing + Exposure = Leverage
5. The Highest Offer Is NOT Always the Best Offer
6. Work With a Negotiator — Not Just a “Sign in the Yard”
3. What types of clients have you worked with?
? The Clients I Proudly Serve ?
Your Real Estate Journey — Supported at Every Stage
Real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all — and neither is the care I give my clients. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of guiding families, individuals, and seniors through some of life’s biggest milestones with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
Here’s who I proudly serve:
? First-Time Homebuyers
Helping you step into homeownership with education, strategy, and peace of mind — so you feel confident from offer to keys.
? Move-Up Buyers & Sellers
When your lifestyle grows, your home should too. I help families transition smoothly into their next chapter.
? Downsizing Buyers & Sellers
Simplifying life, maximizing equity, and creating freedom — with a gentle, guided approach.
?? New Construction Buyers
From lot selection to builder negotiations, I protect your interests every step of the way.
? Senior Relocation & Reverse Purchase Clients (SRES)
Assisting seniors who are downsizing, relocating to senior parks or housing communities, and using reverse purchase programs to buy safely and securely — with dignity and care.
?? Out-of-State & Cross-Country Relocations
Helping sellers move across the country with confidence, coordination, and zero guesswork.
? Probate & Loss-of-Loved-One Sellers
Compassionate guidance for families navigating probate when a home was not in a trust — ensuring the property is sold properly, legally, and respectfully during a difficult time.
4. Describe a recent transaction you are fond of. How did it go?
My client wanted to find and purchase a brand new home within 45-60 days. His wife which is in the military was due home 65ish days. He wanted to give her a home for christmas. We were able to find,inspection,fund and record with time to spare. They are currently expecting their first child.
5. How did you get started in Real Estate?
32 Years ago we moved to the Inland Empire from Gardena. At that time I worked in Century City and my husband in Santa Monica. After months of a long commute I decided to leave the entertainment industry and try something new. I love people and real estate. I took the exam and passed with 92% and have NEVER looked back. Making DREAMS of Home Owner Ship a Reality is my passion. 28 years in business this year.
6. Do you have any special education or training that will benefit your clients?
I am a Senior Real Estate Specialist , Relocation Specialist ( I can relocated you anywhere in the world) Military on the Move Agent, Probate Certified. one time I was Green Agent Certified.
Note: Reviews may include other agents on their team
What clients say about this agent....
Professional
Responsive
Communicative
Attentive
Trustworthy
Loribufka
Review for Member: Katherine Johnson
September 21, 2020
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
I had an out-of-state transaction for my mother with dementia. Katherine handled all aspects of the sale for us, including locating an estate sale company. She is knowledgeable, professional, responsive, and a pleasure to work with.
AnitaGodinez4
Review for Member: Katherine Johnson
October 28, 2019
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
The house I was renting was being put up for sale. Mrs Johnson stepped in and helped me and my son purchase it. She walked us through the process explaining everything along the way. I never knew I could own a home. Mrs Johnson was there to answer all our questions and we mattered to her. We were not just a number! I would recommend her to anyone wanting to purchase a home!
Sacentares
Review for Member: Katherine Johnson
June 24, 2019
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Katherine was an exceptional agent always professional and punctual explaining things in detail, but most importantly was a one of a kind person. She demonstrated that she cared for us especially towards the end when usually an agent grows apart. She was by our side even until after escrow closed. If we have a housewarming event, we plan on inviting her over!
Baileyro1
Review for Member: Katherine Johnson
February 10, 2017
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
First impressions are very important and Katherine did not disappoint. I had other realtors show up late for pre-arranged appointments but Mrs. Johnson was on time for every appointment we had. She was very professional, knowledgeable, and always prepared to answer any questions we had. She worked with our specific requests for buyer traffic and provided detailed paperwork for every step we took in the selling process. Everyone was impressed with the virtual tour of our home and any repairs we needed she gave us the necessary contacts to have the work completed. She made our selling our home a pleasant and easy experience.
Ejanelle008
Review for Member: Katherine Johnson
February 9, 2017
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Katherine Johnson was is an amazing realtor who truly cares about her clients. She is very patient and listens to your wants and needs to provided the best service possible. Katherine took us out to view several homes. She understood that we wanted to keep looking until we found the perfect home and we did! Thanks to Katherine, we found a home that had everything that we were looking for. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is ready to begin the home buying process.