I walked away from the stability of a 9-to-5 job to be present for my kids—because missing their lives wasn’t an option.

 

It’s not that I disliked my job—but I felt trapped. It was as if the system was designed to make me choose between earning a living and being a mother. Couldn’t I do both?

 

From a young age, independence was instilled in me. I was raised in Southern California in a family where money was tight, so I started working at 14 and never stopped. I worked all through high school and college, determined to finish my degree in business management and create a stable future for myself. That work ethic eventually landed me a job in the recruitment department at the University of Phoenix, where I stayed for seven years—

 

I settled in Sacramento with the goal to start a family. Becoming a mother had always been my greatest dream and guiding purpose. I felt a deep sense of belonging here—this was where I was meant to plant roots. I was eager to build a stable, grounded life where I could focus on being the best mother possible. 

 

When we welcomed our first son, Luca, I was overjoyed. Unfortunately, our time with him was tragically short, as he passed away at birth. Losing Luca was the most devastating moment of my life. It split everything into “before” and “after.” The grief was immense, but I knew I had to keep going. 

 

Nevertheless, the loss gave me a deeper sense of purpose and a desire to help others walking similar paths. I got involved with “Gone but Not Forgotten,” a nonprofit that supports grieving parents and orphans. Giving back in Luca’s memory became part of my healing.

 

Eventually, I welcomed two daughters, Lola and Lexi, and they became my world. As they grew, I realized I didn’t just want to provide for them—I wanted to be there for them. I wanted to be present at games, school events, milestones—things I often missed due to my demanding job. 

 

I tried moving into the insurance industry to gain more flexibility, but the hours only grew heavier. As I struggled to find peace between career and motherhood, I reached a breaking point. I wanted to set an example for my daughters—an example that one must follow their passion with bravery.

 

That’s when I turned to real estate—a natural fit given my passion for homes and helping families. I didn’t come from generational wealth, and I wanted to help others achieve financial stability through real estate. 

 

So, in 2020––inspired to teach my daughters by example––I took a leap of faith, and got my license. My career as a REALTOR® finally felt right. Real estate gave me more than a profession—it gave me a platform to connect with people and serve them in deeply meaningful ways while having a flexible schedule to be present for my children.

 

Today, Lola is 9 and Lexi is 6. I’m proud that they’ve seen their mom follow her dreams, even when it was scary. That’s the legacy I want to leave them. 

 

I’m not the kind of agent who puts myself first—my clients are always my top priority and are as important as family is to me. My clients become family. And like family, I focus on what’s best for them, both now and in the long run, because real estate is a powerful tool that can generate income over time. I look after my clients by pointing out red flags, steering them away from risky investments, and never pressuring anyone into a decision that doesn’t feel right. Thanks to strong relationships with other local agents, I give my clients a competitive edge during negotiations, helping make closings as smooth as possible. 

 

I’m a fierce negotiator who consistently fights for my clients' best interests, securing the most favorable outcomes for both buyers and sellers. I have a natural ability to connect with a wide range of clients, understanding their unique needs and guiding them forward with solutions tailored to their specific circumstances. There’s no one I can’t help. I’m especially passionate about supporting first-time homebuyers and serving my communities—including families and single women navigating the process on their own.

 

One of my favorite parts of this job is the opportunity to connect deeply with clients. I love hearing their stories, getting to know their families, and building long-term relationships. I’m in their corner and celebrate every milestone with them. Helping people reach their goals—with joy and confidence—is truly the heart of what I do.  

 

Regardless if this is your first home or tenth home, my specialty is educating you on the process and the ever-changing market.

 

Sincerely,

 

Kristen Donlinger

REALTOR® | DRE# 02109634

909.649.4315

kristen@kindandkinproperties.com

realtybykristen.com