Local Realtor – Libbie Johnson

Tryon Horse Country Homes, Libbie Johnson Reator — Photo Credit:Jules Buckman

Tryon realtor, Libbie Johnson describes herself as a “lifelong horse lover.” Her love and passion for horses began at the early age of eight when she organized a fan club for ‘61 Derby winner Carry Back. Her first horse arrived by way of a lost truck on its way to a slaughterhouse.

Libbie has always been active in her local horse community from equine rescue organizations to orgznizing the very first National Equine Economic Summit. She serves on several equine-related boards, including USPC (United States Pony Club), ELCR (Equine Land Conservation Resource), NC Farm Bureau and the NC Equine Study advisory board. In the private sector, Libbie has been the owner of Johnson-Powell Public Relations for almost 20 years. Libbie understands the need for expert handling of client needs including branding, market analyisis and sales.

Having been a leader in local, state and national horse organizations, Libbie has contacts throughout the equestrian world. As former Polk County Economic Development Director, she has a unique understanding of our area’s government, schools, businesses, healthcare and other important resources affecting Tryon Horse Country.

Whether you’re thinking of selling or looking for the perfect home, farm or land, put Libbie’s Tryon Horse Country real estate knowledge, and passion to work for you.

Call or email Libbie Johnson today: 828-817-3753 | libbiejohnson@gmail.com

Local Realtor – Kim Karaman

With more than 20 years as a real estate professional, Kim brings to the table a wealth of experience and an intuitive understanding of the needs of buyers and sellers. Known for her vivacious personality, unsurpassed follow-through, and stellar negotiation skills, Kim takes time to listen to the needs of her clients to gain insight on how to best serve them. Specializing in residential and investment properties, Kim’s personal experience as a developer and real estate investor provide a solid background for assisting clients with property sales or acquisitions. As co-owner, Karaman Properties, Inc. Owner, Landrum Antique Mall, Inc. in historic downtown Landrum, Kim has diverse business interests. Her years of experience with contract negotiations in the oil and gas industry provide Kim with an in-depth expertise in negotiating real estate transactions.

To further her professional development, Kim has earned the esteemed designation of Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), the most widely-recognized professional designation in the real estate industry. The GRI program requires 90 hours of curriculum work on such topics as real estate law, contract law, professional standards, risk reduction and finance. Graduate Realtor Institute designees have made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services to their clients.

Career Experience: Real Estate Professional for 16 years. Real Estate Investor in North Carolina, South Carolina and Ohio. Showroom Manager, British Traditions, High Point Furniture Market. Petroleum Landman and Land Manager in the oil and gas industry in Oklahoma, Texas, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. Community Service- Administrative Director, Blue Ridge Barbeque Festival, Tryon NC. PTO President, Tryon Elementary School, Tryon NC. Co-Chair for the Tuesday School pre-school in Polk County, Tryon NC. Education Committee for Polk County Community Foundation, Tryon NC. PTO President, South Asheboro Middle School, Asheboro NC. Girls’ Volleyball Coach, Jackson Friends Youth Association, Canton OH. Board Member, Randolph County Youth Theater Company, Asheboro NC. Chief Judge for the Randolph County Board of Elections, Asheboro NC and election worker Polk County, NC. Board Member, Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce. Board member – Highwood Apartments Polk County, NC. Kim maintains the following professional affiliations: National Association of Realtors, North Carolina Association of Realtors – Hendersonville Board of Realtors, South Carolina Associations of Realtors – Greater Greenville and Spartanburg. Designations – Graduate Realtors Institute (GRI), Strategic Pricing Specialist (SPS). Licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Call or email Kim Karaman today: 828-817-2965 | kimkaraman@gmail.com

Active with equine land conservation, she is a proponent of wise land use, especially in historic horse communities like Tryon Horse Country. Co-Author of “Tryon Style” a stunning coffee table book capturing the history, heritage and unique ambience of the area called “Tryon Horse Country” All proceeds of each book sold go to benefit TROT, a therapeutic horseback riding program for special needs adults and children. Founder & Publisher of tryonhorsecountry.org, the preeminent online source for all things equestrian in Tryon Horse Country. Founder & Publisher of “This Week in Tryon Horse Country” – a weekly e-newsletter source for local equestrian news and events embracing all disciplines. Founder of “Horse Country Tours”, Libbie knows the who, where, when, and why of Tryon Horse Country in history and community.

Libbie founded “Boots & Breeches” – In a horse town, there are plenty of merchants, large and small, that appreciate the business of horse people. Boots and Breeches are Always Welcome, is an identifying logo that lets equestrians know what local businesses appreciate their patronage. FYI: The name, “Tryon Horse Country”, refers to an area in the Carolina foothills of the southern Appalachians. This area is also known affectionately for more than a century as “horse heaven.”

As a realtor local to Tryon, Libbie has mountains of experience

As a long time resident of Tryon Horse Country, I am familiar with the opportunities that await. As a horse owner, I know the technicalities of buying an equestrian property:

What size are the property’s horse stalls?
How well have the pastures on the property been maintained?
Where is the nearest access to the trail system?

As your realtor, we are a little bit different. You get our undivided attention and we listen to you and your needs.

Our services to you, the seller, include preparing a finely crafted marketing package — not a template. We use professional real estate photographers to capture the beauty and uniqueness of your property. We market not only on two MLS systems and local advertising, but also through a social meeting and an extensive network of contacts.

And finally, as a new resident to Horse Country, we are here for you after the sale to introduce you to the community and be a resource in those months as you are getting settled.

Realtor FAQs

(About Libbie Johnson)

Q: How long have you been a real estate agent?
A: Since 2014. Previously, I owned a public relations firm, served as a social worker, and managed an art gallery.

Q: Has your entire real estate career been focused on Tryon Horse Country?

A: Yes. Prior to becoming an agent I was very involved in Tryon Horse Country serving as the county’s economic development director and directing resources to our primary economic driver – horses. I have also written a book about our horse country as well as coordinating several campaigns to promote the area.

Q: What do you love about being a Seller’s Agent?

A: I know most of my Sellers personally and so selling their property is a joy. I am appreciative that they’ve chosen me to handle one of their family’s largest transactions.

Q: What do you love about being a Buyer’s Agent?

A: First off, I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and most of our buyers are newcomers. Secondly, I love the hunt for the perfect fit.

Q: Are you ever a Dual Agent?

A: I try not to do that. I would prefer to represent one side’s interest.

Q: What real estate organizations are you a member of?

A: I belong the National Association of Realtors, the NC and board and Hendersonville regional board.

A realtor with great reviews!

         Posted on Google  
   
   William Kelly 
 December 11, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Libbie was a major help to me in the sale of my home. Her attention to all the details of the process was over the top, her help to me on focusing on what was really important probably made the sale happen, plus it was a pleasure working with her. If I have another sale, I would again want her as my REALTOR.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jennifer Hiers 
 September 16, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Very pleased to have worked with Libbie in finding my dream home. She is extremely knowledgeable about the Tryon area and had our own tour guide along the way. The home buying process was easy and there were no surprises along the way. I would highly recommend Libbie for your next home purchase!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mike Shank 
 March 25, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We had been looking for just the right place for over a year. Then we engaged Libbie Johnson and found that place the first day! She really knows this area and was very helpful in setting up last minute showings when we had a chance to visit NC. She is also a consummate professional - knows her trade and did an excellent job teaching us about the real estate market, buying a home in NC, the differences between real estate laws in NC and our former state and walking us this every step of the process. She has great contacts, helped us arrange so many things before we got here for closing, and was/is incredibly helpful getting us situated and introduced to the area. If you have horses, you can multiply all those statements by ten! Highly Recommended! True, Good Professional Real Estate Agents can be hard to find. FInding one like Libbie who is all that and who puts your interests first made all the difference for us in this area! HIghly Recommended!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   dot moyer 
 March 17, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I highly recommend Libbie Johnson.  She was patient with our year long property search, and always concerned about what was best for us.  She arranged all inspections and other requirements, making the process very easy for us.   She was highly organized during the entire process and process and made sure that everything went smoothly.  When inspection issues arose,  she advocated for us and made sure that we wanted to go forward without any pressure on us to close.  Her professionalism, honesty, integrity and attention to detail was unmatched in my experience with real estate agents.  I have recommended her to friends who also have been happy, and will certainly use her again,.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Meghan McKechnie 
 February 10, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Libbie is the BEST!!  All around the most wonderful home buying experience!  She is plugged into the area on every level, answered all my questions and was able to provide information I didn't know I needed, but absolutely did.
Not only is Libbie an amazing realtor, but she is also an amazing human.  When people ask who I used as a realtor, every person smiles and responds with kind words about Libbie.  That speaks volumes to me!
Libbie is an honest, kind, no nonsense person that will close the deal on your dream property.  While also providing insight into the area, resources and quality recommendations.
Thank you, Libbie, Tryon Horse Country Homes for making our dreams a reality!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   John Herbert 
 January 19, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Libbie is absolutely one of the best and most professional and knowledgeable Realtors we have ever had the pleasure of working with! She knows her market inside and out and was always responsive and available when we were going through the house-hunting and closing process. We HIGHLY recommend her.

John and  Melanie
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jill Pettit 
 December 22, 2023.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Libbie Johnson was our agent in our search for a horse property in Polk County NC. We chose Libbie because she is well versed on the area, the local real estate market, and very well connected in the local horse community. She has great communication skills(very prompt in answering emails and texts!) and can provide numerous contacts for trades people in the area. But best of all, she helps you network with your community and fellow horse lovers. We have met numerous “horse people” through Libbie!  She will be a lifelong friend!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rebecca West 
 August 9, 2023.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I could not have hoped for a better service from my realtor, Libbie Johnson at Tryon Horse Country Homes. She worked diligently to help me find the right property. She has a wealth of knowledge about the local area; and, in particularly, the horse world in Tryon and the surrounding area, which was also extremely helpful. I very much enjoyed working with her and am thrilled with the property I bought.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Susan Taylor 
 April 28, 2023.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  As a Marylander shopping for a house in Tryon I knew I needed a local realtor that understood the housing market/options, could explain NC real estate practices, as well as taking the time to get to know me and understand what I was looking for in a house. Libbie did all of that and more. My partner and I did not always agree on house priorities, and fortunately Libbie is as great a mediator as she is a great realtor. She took my/our wishes to heart, and managed to pull off a coup of securing for us an adorable, funky, eclectic Tryon charmer before it even hit the market. She walked with us every step of the way. She showed us houses in every inch of the Tryon countryside, helped us arrange the inspection (and every found a last minute inspector when our original inspector was injured) and introduced us to all the local service providers to make the move a painless as possible. Libbie is as warm, welcoming and supportive as the Tryon community itself. I highly recommend her whether you're coming from out of town, are already a resident or selling your home.
  
 
 
  
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