Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Roth.
Hi Courtney, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with an emphasis in Advertising and a minor in Business Management from San Diego State University in 2007. After college, I went on to work for a national restaurant corporation specializing in new property openings before landing a job with a prominent, high-end residential general contractor. There, I built and fostered relationships with many of the most notable architects, designers, engineers, and subcontractors in the industry while learning the ins and outs of luxury residential construction. While there, my love for buying and selling real estate emerged. After obtaining my real estate license, I’ve also freelanced in interior design as well as helped clients with staging needs.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road into real estate was anything but smooth. Even in ordinary times, launching a real estate career is a test of patience, financial stability and perseverance. But I entered the industry in 2020 – at the exact moment the pandemic shut down California which definitely amplified every challenge. New agents typically rely on open houses to meet buyers and other agents, in-person mentorship to learn the ropes, and office culture to stay motivated but I didn’t really have that at that time. So the sources of early-career momentum were a bit of a challenge. It was like trying to build a business with the lights off. I hit go, and then kind of ran into a wall. There were no open houses, frozen buyer activity, shifting regulations, and people were very uncertain about income. But I was able to adapt and slowly built relationships in the industry. The market definitely rebounded with record-breaking demand, but it was mostly the super experienced agents who were dominating and those benefiting from established referral networks. Luckily I had a big network and group of friends so I was able to build my sphere of influence slowly and steadily.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My background puts me in a rare category as someone who understands homes not just as sales, but as structures, systems and design opportunities. I have high-end residential construction experience, the ability to read plans and understand structural options, expertise in space planning and furniture layout, deep knowledge of finishes, materials and quality and experience with flipping homes from concept to completion. I evaluate all properties through the lens of construction, design and long-term value. My business partner Katie and I have a great referral ecosystem to share with our clients. I bring to the table vision, problem solving, technical competence and practical experience.
My business partner Katie Nelson and I met in preschool. Haha – our daughters were 3 years old and they were best friends in preschool. The teacher told us we should be friends and we never looked back! A strong friendship grew over the years. We both got our real estate license at the exact same time but went off to work for different teams and different brokerages. Finally after 5 years we teamed up, together, same team, same brokerage and we really hit the ground running. We were able to combine our individual and mutual friends so our network is bigger than ever. Katie has 4 kids and I have 2 kids, so between the two of us we are always out at a kid’s sporting event, activity and we’re both highly involved in the Encinitas community where we live. Katie’s strengths pick up my weaknesses and vice versa. We’re a match made in heaven! When I’m busy, she’s available and when she’s out in the field I’m available. Our clients can always reach one of us and together we’re a really dynamic team. We recently switched brokerages together to Compass and it’s been a great match.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Trusting my gut and staying loyal. Real estate is full of noise – opinions, strategies, competing advice and constantly changing market conditions. The moments that have mattered most are the ones where I’ve trusted my instincts: the clients I’ve chosen to stand by, the deals I’ve protected, the relationships I’ve nurtured. And loyalty – to my values, my clients, my work ethic, and my long-term vision. Also while trusting my gut to give me the confidence to make hard decisions like changing teams and brokerages. I’m finally at a place with a business partner and brokerage that align with me perfectly. Real estate can be really stressful for people, but Katie and I try to make it a fun and enjoyable process as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katienelsonrealestate.com/agents/courtney-roth and https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/6096dc00d8b96d0012a7379e
- Instagram: @rothcourt
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyrothrealtor/
- Other: https://www.compass.com/agents/courtney-roth/
