Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Hatcher
Karen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Thanks for having me! I’m a wife, mother, investor, developer, steak lover and friend. I’ve been a licensed real estate professional for 17 years, since 2007, and my passion is managing and growing real estate investment portfolios. This led me to scale my development opportunities beyond just single-family infill projects. I’ve created a scalable business by combining my deep real estate analysis and property management expertise with my development skills.
My expertise has been honed through years of practical application in the industry and academic achievements such as a B.A. in Finance, an MBA with a concentration in Real Estate, and the CPM® Certified Property Manager designation. Development is the next step in my journey to scale. I am currently participating in a developer cohort in Atlanta with top development leaders. The shared information enriches my knowledge and provides an opportunity for future scale and collaboration.
I am passionate about ensuring that future generations have access to housing by developing inventory for the moderate to middle-income market. I have a special affinity for working with teachers, whom I view as integral to society and the education of our future leaders. Unfortunately, most cannot afford to live in the communities they teach in. As the saying goes, ‘It takes a village.’ I recognize the importance of building strong communities.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, the road has absolutely not been smooth. I’m an entrepreneur! You have to fall in love with the journey – the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s all part of honing the skills that make you an expert. You must be ‘Ford tough’ and built for this.
But I’m grateful for the lessons and challenges, and I turn them into opportunities. As my college professor once said, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” This quote has always resonated with me. I apply that mindset to the real estate market and the challenges of running a business. It’s a reminder that the real gold is often unearthed during the toughest times. It takes courage and determination to keep pushing forward, to find the silver lining, and to emerge more resilient than before. I try to ask myself, “What can I learn from this? How can I adapt and come out even stronger on the other side?”
There’s always a lesson, and you can find a deal in any market.
We’ve been impressed with Sovereign Realty + Management , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My company, Sovereign Realty & Management is a full-service real estate investment management company serving Metro Atlanta since 2008. We have expertise in four divisions of real estate investments: sales, property management, HOA management, and developer services. We are uniquely positioned in the market as award-winning, top-producing experts, housing advocates and leaders. We also happen to be a 100% Black-owned and woman-owned business.
Across our Sovereign companies, we are fully vertically integrated, comprising Sovereign R&M and Sovereign Construction & Development, founded by my spouse. Our vertical integration enables us to offer unparalleled expertise and streamlined services across the real estate investments and commercial development sectors.
We pride ourselves on being technicians and experts in our field. We understand that every client goal is unique, and we tailor acquisitions to meet their specific needs and goals. What sets Sovereign apart is our commitment to excellence, our dedication to our clients, our deep understanding of our communities and our ability to leverage our vertical integration to provide comprehensive solutions. We are more than just a service provider – we are a trusted partner for our clients, and we strive to build long-lasting relationships built on trust, integrity, and mutual success.
I am most proud of what our brand represents. Our hashtag is #LIVESOVEREIGN, reflecting my personal motto: ‘You deserve a life full of sovereignty – a full command of living your best life the way you’ve always dreamed.’
We believe real estate ownership starts you on your journey to freedom and living sovereignty.
At Sovereign, our motto is “Improving Lives, Transforming Communities”, the LIVE SOVEREIGN way.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The COVID-19 crisis has indeed brought to light several crucial lessons for rental property investors and managers. Firstly, the importance of unit mix and floorplan has become even more pronounced. In the pre-COVID urban market, a one-bathroom unit would still attract renters and command competitive rents. However, the shift in priorities post-COVID has made that second bathroom a key amenity. This is likely due to the increased time spent at home, which has heightened the appreciation for extra space and privacy. Investors would be wise to prioritize two-bathroom units to rent more quickly and at higher rates.
Secondly, the crisis has underscored the need for innovation and adaptation in a rising cost environment. Many aspects of the rental industry remain antiquated and are ripe for a digital transformation. By moving processes online, property managers can enhance the user experience, increase efficiency, and ultimately protect their margins. While there may be a learning curve for some HOA communities and renters, the long-term benefits in cost savings and convenience make this a necessary shift.
Lastly, the importance of staying connected and informed cannot be overstated. The rapid changes in laws and regulations post-COVID can quickly leave property managers exposed if not navigated properly. Active involvement in industry groups, ongoing education, and staying current with the latest news and updates are critical for avoiding pitfalls and ensuring compliance. The initial investment of time and dues is well worth the protection it affords your business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sovereignrm.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sovereignrm/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SovereignRealtyManagement
- Twitter: https://x.com/SovereignRM
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sovereign-realty-and-management-atlanta
Image Credits
ERIKA KRUPANSKY PHOTOGRAPHY
