We had the good fortune of connecting with Karina P. Magalong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karina, what do you attribute your success to?
In the real estate game, they always say, “just be yourself,”but what does that even mean? To me, it’s about ditching the stereotypes and being true to who you really are, instead of playing into some preconceived notion of that Realtor you see on TV.

People think Realtors should be cruising around in fancy cars, decked out like they just stepped off the set of ‘Selling Sunset’—designer bags, killer heels, flawless makeup, the works. Dressing professionally is part of the job, but I’m all about keeping it real.

If you scroll through my social media and you’ll see the unfiltered 100% true version of me: messy hair, no makeup, sweating in the Texas heat at a construction site. What you see is what you get. My focus? Representing my clients like a champ, regardless of whether I’m in a dress or yoga pants and Crocs.

It’s not about the clothes or the car—it’s about the hustle and heart I bring to the table. By staying true to myself, I build genuine connections with clients who like authenticity over a facade.

In real estate, success isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about forming solid relationships built on trust and being true to yourself.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

What makes my business stand out is my approach to clients – I’m not about working with just anyone, if the vibes don’t sync up. If I know it’s not the right fit, rather than forcing it, I’m happy to refer them to a colleague who I think can serve their needs.

In real estate, it’s like any other relationship – both sides have to sync up to reach the same goals. Whether it’s renting, buying, selling, or investing, the trust and respect have to be there. I’m all about those connections that feel right and work for everyone involved.

My brand is “people first, people focused.” I especially love helping people who might feel like they don’t get enough attention. Whether it’s first-time homebuyers with credit issues, families with Section 8 vouchers, or those just getting back on their feet, I’m here to lend a hand. For me, it’s not just about racking up commission checks; it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives.

I get that some clients’ journeys might take a bit longer, or be more challenging. I’m there to help them every step of the way.

In a city like Houston, with 40,000 licensed Realtors, there’s enough room for all kinds of approaches. We’re not all cut from the same cloth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a New York City native, if I had a friend visiting for a week, I would love to show them all the areas of Fort Bend County to give them a taste of Houston suburban living.

We would definitely start our day at Blockhouse Coffee in Historic Downtown Richmond. The baristas are so welcoming, and there’s a peaceful outdoor patio space in the back. Blockhouse has a small town vibe that’s different from what they would be used to seeing in New York. We would then walk over to Sandy McGee’s Restaurant on Morton Street on which has amazing chicken salad, and is housed in a 120-year old building. After lunch we’d drive to Downtown Rosenberg and spend hours shopping at all the antique shops on 3rd street. My favorites include the Vogelsang Antique Emporium and the D&S Antique Mall.

There are so many gems outside the city of Houston that people have yet to discover.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes, I would like to Shoutout my friend Swati Mohan. She is multi-faceted, super talented and I would love for her to get the recognition she deserves! She studied chemical engineering, but is also a mother, marathoner, beauty pageant winner, singer, and Indian influencer, who impress me everyday!

Her email is: swastar154@gmail.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/swati.mohan15

Website: https://www.har.com/karina-magalong/agent_kmagalong

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happyspacetx/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmagalong/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karinakwsw/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@happyspacetx

Image Credits
Elizabeth B Photography, LLC

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.