As a real estate professional, I've embraced a holistic approach in my practice. This philosophy, commonly linked to health and medicine, is also incredibly effective in real estate. I, Kristy Woodford, a broker at Windermere Real Estate/Olympia in Olympia, Washington, have seen firsthand how this approach benefits my clients.

My clients often choose me for my unique approach. I believe that my focus on my own mind, body, and soul's health creates a calm and supportive environment for them. This was particularly evident in a complex transaction where a seller faced significant challenges due to structural issues and an unreliable lender. Despite not getting his asking price, the seller, guided by my holistic approach, maintained a positive outlook and even left a heartfelt note for the new homeowners. This, to me, is the magic of holistic real estate - finding joy in the journey, regardless of the challenges.

In my view, being a holistic agent means guiding clients through the real estate process while caring for their overall well-being. This involves navigating what can be a stressful process with a focus on the physical, mental, and emotional health of all parties. I believe that this approach not only helps in making better decisions but also in finding joy and improved health in the experience.

Incorporating holistic principles into real estate isn't just about the transaction; it's about the entire experience. I apply this philosophy to every aspect of my business:

1. Mind: I combine traditional intellectual approaches, like market analysis and legal updates, with a deeper understanding of life's other elements. This combination maximizes the potential of our minds by integrating the wisdom of our bodies and acknowledging the spiritual or unknown aspects.
2. Body: I teach my clients about "body intelligence." For example, when making an offer on a house, I advise them to pay attention to their physical reactions to their thoughts. This helps in understanding deeper, often subconscious, reactions to important decisions.
3. Soul: For me, holistic real estate is about reducing stress and increasing joy and health. Wonderment and awe are key. I strive to make the process as fun and stress-free as possible for my clients, often relying on some form of faith, even if it's just in the statistics.

Looking ahead, I'm planning to propose the idea of a certification or training for holistic real estate to Windermere’s education department and the National Association of REALTORS®. I believe this would be an invaluable resource for agents who want to understand and apply a holistic approach in their work.