Episode 054: “Care First, Closing Second” Meet Realtor Kristine Edens in McKinney–Melissa–Princeton

 


Meet Kristine Edens: “Care First, Closing Second” in McKinney–Melissa–Princeton

If you’re house-hunting (or thinking about selling) in the Princeton, McKinney, or Melissa corridor of North Texas, you’ll love this episode of Between Two Doors. I sat down with Kristine Edens (JPAR Realty)—a Realtor who’s built her business around something buyers and sellers can feel immediately: you’re not a transaction to her.

Kristine and I originally met for coffee in Melissa… and what was supposed to be a quick chat turned into nearly two hours. That’s usually a sign you’re talking to someone who listens deeply, thinks strategically, and genuinely cares about people.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/rIt2yLPRDz0

All Your Favorite Podcasting Platforms: https://www.betweentwodoors.com/54  

Kristine’s “Why”: She became the agent she wished she’d had

Kristine’s real estate story starts the way a lot of meaningful careers do: personal experience.

She was buying and selling homes and realized she didn’t feel represented the way she needed to be—like she was “a number” instead of a person. So she decided to build a different kind of service:

  • The kind that answers the phone

  • The kind that calls you back

  • The kind that explains the process clearly

  • The kind that says: “This is about you—your next steps, your life, your peace.”

That mindset shows up in how she guides first-time buyers, how she coaches sellers, and how she supports families through major transitions.

Her best advice for buyers (especially first-timers)

Kristine lit up when we talked about first-time homebuyers. Her approach is simple, practical, and encouraging:

  • Start with your finances. Know where you stand before you fall in love with a home.

  • If you’re not quite ready yet, that’s okay—let’s talk anyway.

  • She’ll connect you and me so we can create a real plan—whether you’re buying in 30–60 days or you need a longer runway.

That “team” approach matters. A strong Realtor + a proactive lender can help you avoid expensive surprises and keep your purchase on track.

A North Texas snapshot: McKinney, Melissa, Princeton

Kristine has worked all over North Texas, starting in Dallas County (Addison area) and becoming increasingly hyper-local up in Collin County along the 75 / 121 / 380 corridor.

Here’s how she described the three main cities:

McKinney

  • Thriving, beloved… and more landlocked now (less room to expand).

  • That often means tighter inventory and (generally) higher price pressure.

Melissa

  • Rapid growth, popular for families.

  • Pricing can run higher due to land costs.

Princeton

  • Still one of the most affordable “front doors” into Collin County.

  • Also dealing with the very real “growth pains” that come with exploding demand.

And Princeton’s growth isn’t just a feeling—it’s been verified nationally. The U.S. Census Bureau’s Vintage 2024 estimates listed Princeton, Texas as the fastest-growing city (by percent) from 2023 to 2024, at 30.6%.

Commute reality (the honest truth)

We laughed a little when I asked about the commute—because every growing suburb has “the commute conversation.”

Kristine’s straight answer: during peak rush hour, getting from Princeton into areas like Addison can be around 45 minutes, depending on your route and traffic. And yes—locals get very good at finding those back roads.

Lifestyle wins: why people love this area

One of my favorite parts of the episode was hearing Kristine talk about quality of life—especially McKinney:

  • Dining + patio culture that keeps getting better

  • Shopping and entertainment options

  • Parks, trails, and outdoor time (she specifically mentioned Erwin Park)

  • A downtown scene that feels genuinely alive

We even got into the “secret” spots—like a speakeasy entrance that looks like a Coke machine (you’ll have to listen for that part).

And for frequent travelers: the region’s airport story is evolving. The City of McKinney announced that Avelo Airlines signed the first Airline Use and Lease Agreement tied to commercial service at McKinney National Airport, with more details on routes and timing expected closer to the terminal opening.

What’s coming: McKinney’s Sunset Amphitheater

If you love concerts and big outdoor events, this is worth watching: Sunset Amphitheater is planned as a large outdoor venue in McKinney.

The City of McKinney’s project page describes a 46-acre site near US 75 and SH 121, with a planned capacity up to 20,000, and notes a construction timeline aiming for the 2026 touring season.

Service matters: Kristine’s CASA work

Kristine also shared something that says a lot about her heart: she’s served as a CASA advocate (Court Appointed Special Advocate), supporting children who’ve experienced abuse or neglect and helping ensure their best interests are represented in court.

National CASA/GAL’s mission centers on volunteer advocacy so children can be safe, find permanence, and have the opportunity to thrive.

How Kristine helps sellers win (and why “5 seconds” matters)

Kristine’s seller strategy is both practical and powerful:

  • Price realistically based on today’s market (not yesterday’s headlines).

  • Presentation matters immediately. Her “5 seconds” rule was unforgettable:

    • Seconds when buyers pull up

    • Seconds when they open the door

    • Seconds when they step inside
      Buyers decide fast—so preparation is everything.

And then there’s marketing.

Getting your home “on TV” with MoveTube

Kristine is now using MoveTube Studio on her listings—because it gives sellers something most people aren’t doing yet: streaming-TV style exposure and listing video marketing tools.

MoveTube Studio describes itself as a platform that combines streaming TV and AI-driven marketing tools (like listing videos/trailers and digital property assets) designed to help listings stand out.

That’s the kind of modern, differentiated marketing that gets attention—especially when buyers are scrolling fatigue-style on tiny screens.

Kristine outside real estate: dogs, garden, horses… and a sloth

Kristine is an outdoors person through and through:

  • Two dachshunds (her walking buddies)

  • Gardening time

  • Two horses: Charlie Brown (thoroughbred) and Richie (a rescued “Heinz 57” mix)

  • Favorite coffee: cappuccino

  • Dream pet add-on: a sloth (easy to catch, apparently)

It’s these details that make her easy to trust—she’s professional, but she’s also real.

One more specialty: Divorce real estate

Right at the end, Kristine shared an important niche: she specializes in divorce real estate, and she works alongside strong family attorneys and mediators.

If someone you know is navigating a major life change, having an experienced professional who understands the nuance and emotions can make an enormous difference.  We are going to host a podcast covering this topic in depth.

How to reach Kristine

If you’re buying or selling in McKinney, Melissa, Princeton, or anywhere around North Texas, connect with Kristine here:

  • Website: https://www.kristinesellstexas.com

  • Email: kristine.edensrealtor@gmail.com

  • Phone: 940-597-7503

  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristine_edens_realtor/

  • Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/EdensRealtyGroup

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-edens-531b25108/ 

And if you need a lender to build a clear mortgage plan (whether you’re ready now or need a step-by-step path), I’m here for you.

About Between Two Doors

Between Two Doors is a podcast where I talk with Realtors about their journey, aiming to connect home buyers and sellers with agents on a more personal level. I ask "right brain" questions that go beyond transactions, focusing on the experiences, values, and passions that make these professionals great at what they do.

Listen to more episodes at: https://www.betweentwodoors.com

Sponsored by:
Premier Lending, Inc.
https://www.natecarver.com

NMLS Numbers:
NMLS: 2004738
Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI). Equal Housing Opportunity.
https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.com

📞 Contact: 972-832-5761

Follow Us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateCarverTheMortgageGuy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natecarver/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathanC90662223
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateyourfavmortgageguy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betweentwodoors

Location: McKinney, TX, USA

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