It was a crucial turning point in my life—everything was on the line. Real estate wasn’t just a career choice; it was the best way for me to create the life I wanted for myself and my family. 
 
When I became a single mom, I was juggling the demands of motherhood with the responsibility of providing for my children. For several years, I worked as a real estate agent part-time while also working at a title office. It took time to build a client base. Yet, as I faced the reality of raising my kids alone, I realized that real estate offered something no other career could: the flexibility to be present in my children’s lives while also providing the financial security we needed. 
 
The decision to lean into real estate wasn’t easy. I had always valued stability, and the thought of diving into a commission-based industry full-time was intimidating. But I knew that a traditional 9-to-5 job wouldn’t allow me the flexibility to be there for my kids the way I wanted to be. Real estate was my best chance to build a life that balanced both my professional ambitions and my role as a mother. 
 
My background had already equipped me with the skills I needed to succeed. Before moving to Florida, I had run a small restaurant in New York, where I honed my ability to manage a business, make quick decisions, and thrive under pressure. I also am a competitive athlete, participating in marathons and triathlons for years. These experiences taught me the importance of endurance and resilience—qualities that would prove essential as I navigated the challenges of building a career in real estate while raising my children. 
 
 I took on every opportunity I could find, learning the ropes and slowly gaining confidence in my ability to succeed in this field. Since 2008, I have worked extensively in real estate in title work and in fixing and flipping properties I invested in. I also became a licensed contractor and own my own construction company. This hands-on knowledge allowed me to see potential in properties that others might miss and to guide my clients through every step of the process with confidence. With these skills, I can provide a level of expertise that makes a significant impact on my clients and the outcomes we achieve! 
 
Over time, as I grew more comfortable in the real estate world, I began to see the fruits of my labor in the form of clients who trusted me and happily referred me to friends and family. This level of trust is something I value deeply. Whether you're buying or selling, these decisions can have a profound impact on your life, and I take that responsibility very seriously. 
 
This journey has been about more than just building—it's about setting an example for my children. I want them to see the value of hard work, perseverance, and staying true to their passions. As James Baldwin said, “Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” I hope that through my experiences, they’ll be inspired to pursue their own dreams with the same determination, knowing that they, too, can create the life they want. 
 
 In 2023, I married Josh, who has been a huge asset as I continue to grow my business, helping me as a licensed REALTOR® and partner in the construction company. When not working, we love quality time with our children, Liam, Parker, and Brody. With four dogs of our own, Maggie, Bean, Murphy, and Boston, I am passionate about supporting the Animal Refuge Center (ARC) and the book, “PT Runs Free,” which tells the inspiring story of a close friend’s three-legged dog named PT. Proceeds from the book go to Bella’s Heart of Southwest Florida, helping other animals in need. I believe in the importance of sharing stories of resilience, like PT's and even mine, to inspire one another and show that overcoming challenges is possible for us all. 
 
What I bring to the table is more than just knowledge of real estate transactions; it's an understanding of the entire process from the ground up. I know what goes into building a home that buyers will love because I've been involved in every step of the process. This expertise allows me to guide my clients in ways that many other real estate agents can't, offering insights into the potential of a property, the quality of its construction, and the possibilities for future improvements. 
 
But beyond the technical aspects, I genuinely love working with people! I understand that buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions someone can make in their life, and I take that responsibility seriously. I pride myself on balancing professionalism with empathy, ensuring that my clients feel understood, supported, and confident throughout the entire process. For me, it's not just another transaction—it's about making a positive impact on people's lives. 
 

Sincerely, 
  
 
 
Katarina Thornton 
REALTOR® | LIC# SL3508381 
Direct Call/Text: 239.247.4546 
katarina@katarinaswfl.com 
thekatarinacollaborative.com