San Antonio Real Estate Agents

Broker / President

My name is Chanda. Not many can pronounce my first name - so I have been known to use my middle name, Leigh, in my professional life as well. So, please, call me what you like...heck - you can call me Al if you prefer!

I have been emersed in all things Real Estate as long as I can remember. I was a Mortgage Broker for 10+ years (I owned Kingwood Mortgage for at least 5 of those years) and then the market took the big dive and I decided to take a job in Corporate America for the stability and insurance. I spent 5 years as a Risk Analyst for a Real Estate Investment Trust and earned my chops handling large property insurance claims for my employer (Weingarten Realty - who owned large grocery store anchored strip centers along the US coast) after Hurricane Ike.

I got my Real Estate License in October of 2010 - thinking that I would make use of it handling real estate transactions for just my friends and family - then secured my Certified Risk Management designation with the intention of moving up the ladder at Weingarten. At the end of year 5, it became clear that my chances of moving up depended on my Risk Director taking a job elsewhere (no chance of that I discovered) and I took a position as the Contract Risk Manager with a Oil & Gas Services Company. Once hired, they quickly discovered that I had corporate insurance and real estate experience...and handed all of the above to me. I became the Global Risk & Real Estate Manager for TAM International, Inc. and handled ALL contract negotiations globally, ALL global insurance placements, and developed industrial real estate for the company around the world...keeping my Texas Real Estate License in play the entire time. Texas Real Estate was simply a side-hustle...and I did A LOT OF IT in the 7 years I was with TAM. So much so that I was able to leave the grind to do this full-time at the end of 2019...and I am FINALLY exactly where I belong.

Kari brings enormous energy and drive to her profession. She pays close attention to the details most important in helping her clients achieve their goals. Her background and knowledge is multi-faceted, first in tenant representation in Commercial Real Estate where she played a significant role in expanding her previous brokerage's initiatives by launching FOCUS Innovation Studio, a co-working space for start-ups, scientist, and entrepreneurs. Working closely with tech companies, venture capital firms, and daycare businesses Kari was able to provide guidance on how real estate can impact their growth. This paved the way for her to optimize her skills in consultation services, negotiating offers, marketing listings, client representation, and project management. Kari then pivoted her real estate focus into the residential market when she moved to Texas. She firmly believes every place called home is where memories are made and cherished. As a mom and understanding her own family's lifestyle and needs, Kari knows choosing a home is a significant decision. She has built her business based on strong communication, dedication, and determination in support of her client's real estate needs.

A proud alumnus of Texas A&M University, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Development in 2002. This foundational education has uniquely shaped my approach to the real estate industry, infusing it with a deep understanding of agricultural landscapes and development strategies. Since 2004, I have channeled this knowledge into a successful career as a seasoned real estate investor, specializing in uncovering hidden value in over 250 properties within the vibrant Houston area. Having obtained my real estate license, my current objective is to leverage my expertise in the real estate industry and assist land and ranch buyers and sellers in achieving their goals. The fusion of my academic background and hands-on experience sets me apart, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between land use, development, and optimal property outcomes. My keen eye for value on either side of the transaction is not just a skill; it's a result of a specialized education that aligns perfectly with the needs of clients in the land and ranch sector. In addition to my real estate endeavors, I am the hands-on owner and operator of Saltgrass General Contractors LLC, a company I founded in 2008. Specializing in all aspects of real estate construction, including land clearing and demolition, our services are enriched by my agricultural development background, ensuring a holistic approach to property utilization. Beyond my professional life, I am a proud husband and father of three. Our family's passion for the outdoors has led us on numerous adventures. We've traversed over 35,000 miles and explored over 30 states and Canada in our motorhome, immersing ourselves in the diverse landscapes of North America. Our love for travel extends beyond the continent, as we have also journeyed throughout Central America, embracing the rich cultures and landscapes that region has to offer. This collective experience of travel has become a cornerstone