Karen Strain

Karen Robertson Strain, named the 2009 Women’s Council of REALTORS® Marin Chapter REALTOR® of the Year, is a second-generation San Franciscan who relocated to Marin County in 1998 for the same reasons many of her clients chose to move here: the pleasant weather, natural beauty, and acclaimed public school system. She understands what people are looking for in the area, and she loves helping clients find their own piece of Marin.

After entering the real estate industry in 2007, Karen became a partner at Front Porch Realty in 2008. She has earned her Performance Management Network designation from the National Association of REALTORS® and her broker license. She is past President of the Marin Chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®. Taking charge in these roles has solidified her reputation for trustworthiness and loyalty. These values are at the core of her every interaction, and building strong relationships with others in the industry has kept her up to date with the latest innovations and connected her with people who can forward her clients’ goals.

Karen learned the power of communication when she worked in the medical industry prior to entering real estate. Both careers involve listening carefully to identify problems, finding solutions, and taking care of people. However, communication is her No. 1 priority: It’s the key to building relationships and ensuring transactions are smooth and beneficial for everyone concerned. And, understanding that time is precious, she makes sure she uses her clients’ time effectively when consulting with them. Her drive to assist others is what past clients value and why they refer her to friends and family.

Karen makes time to better the Marin community. She has served on the board of North Marin Community Services since 2014 and has been chair of several of their major fundraising events. She is a current board member of the Novato Women’s Network and its past President. Karen is a volunteer advocate for the Prisoner Advocacy Network in San Francisco and a CPR and first-aid instructor in the Bay Area. Karen’s thrilled to be an “Oma,” a grandmother, to young Fiona. But when she’s not spending time with family, Karen relaxes by reading, knitting, and walking with her poodle or rocking out by singing with The Hubs of Marin.