Meet Crystal Calhoun-Epps | Mortgage Expert & Realtor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal Calhoun-Epps and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Let me begin with defining an outsider:  one who does not belong to a particular group, one who stands outside the group looking in, an applicant, thought to have little chance of success. The definition compelled me to expound on my response; the most important thing about the mortgage industry most people are unaware of is that they do not have to be an outsider, because it much easier to purchase a home than they may have thought. No matter one’s situation, they can become a homeowner. Whether self-employed, starting a new business, newly divorced, after foreclosure, change in career, after bankruptcy and even recent college graduates, are well able to purchase a home. The challenge is most do not have the proper mortgage professional to educate and guide them through the process. Loan programs are simply a group of guidelines put together to provide the parameters of obtaining a loan approval. With the understanding of the guidelines, your file can be structured and packaged in a fashion to secure financing to purchase a home. In addition, there are new loan programs and guidelines sprouting every day. The value and understanding of learning the concept of owning the land, which I learned at a young age is the reason I made my passion of leading individuals and families to homeownership through real estate finance, my passion is my profession.

Please tell us more about your business. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. 

I have and currently own and operate multiple key businesses within the real estate arena. I own and operate RSA Realty Inc. – a real estate firm based in Rolling Hills, CA, where we provide white glove service, tailored to each client’s specific need. Another foundational component to homeownership is my company Tax Biz & More – a tax business that assists individuals with “how to” knowledge on properly preparing their tax returns for home ownership. We provide solutions to IRS issues, such as Tax Liens, Levy’s and settling tax debt. Finally, as a mortgage broker, I have several business partners in multiple states including CA, GA, TX, and FL. I am most honored and proud of the fact I have successfully closed over 15,000 mortgage and real estate transactions, helping families create generational wealth. 

How did you get to where you are today business-wise? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? 

I owe great deal of my success to my grandfather. A man who was a part of the great migration from the south to California in the fifties. He was illiterate, unable to read or write with only a third-grade education, but he owned more real estate than most. From apartment buildings to city blocks, he owned the land. Not only did owning the land provide for he, my grandmother’s and their ten children; he grew crops, vegetables, and fruit. What he taught me when I was young child, through his example, is by far the greatest lesson I have learned and carry professionally. I passionately believe, anything worth having is worth learning about and working for. No, my journey has not been easy. I started when interest rates were 28% and I sustained the great crash in 2008. It has never been about easy accomplishments, it is about purpose, consistency, and determination.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way? 

I have learned that I will never know it all and will always be student of the art of real estate. The industry changes, just like rates change daily. It is necessary to always stay current, as it best serves your clients. 

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

Know this, “I am more than a mortgage broker and better than just a realtor.”  My determination to exceed my client’s expectations has been constant since my first closing. There is no better feeling than giving my clients keys to a new home or closing a mortgage deal that changes my clients lives for generations to come. It is never about the commission; it is always about the client. 

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a weeklong trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc. In your view what are some of the most fun, interesting, exciting people, places or things to check out? 

When my Best Friend comes to visit Los Angeles, we enjoy shopping in Beverly Hills and that’s because she’s fancy! We frequent Rodeo Drive, Melrose, and the Beverly Center. We also enjoy the fashion district in Downtown Los Angeles, boutiques, and specialty stores. Dining options in Los Angeles are abundant and we enjoy everything from great soul food to fine dining, although she does not care for seafood. Concerts, Seminars and Professional sporting events are always a go! More often than not, we spend time together with our spouses and travel the world. Last year alone we took four international trips. During our most recent excursion to Barbados in December of 2021 the four of us committed to travel each quarter somewhere special in 2022. Experience tells me there is an entire world out there to explore, and that life is worth living! So, in my opinion new places, new people and new experiences are necessary for growth and fulfillment.   

Alright, so let’s jump right in! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So, is there a person, group, organization, book, etc. that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?
I have been in the mortgage and real estate industry for over 30+ years; and I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing clients. Each and every transaction is unique, and I attribute that to the clients! The people I assist allow me to learn something new daily and provide me the wisdom and opportunity to share a wealth of information and knowledge along the way. I would like to “shoutout” my past, present and future clients! 

Website: crystalthecloser.com – under construction until 04-24-22

Instagram: @crystalthecloser

Linkedin: Crystal Calhoun Epps – being updated

Facebook: Crystal Calhoun Epps – Crystal the Closer