Greater purpose: Why you should build community through real estate and service  by Kristi Badolato for HousingWire

HousingWireHousingWire

When I first started in real estate, I thought my job was solely about helping buyers and sellers. As time went on, the desire to go beyond that struck me. Real estate agents have the privilege of guiding people through one of their biggest life decisions. We agents can also strengthen the communities we serve. When you root your business in purpose, you create something far more valuable than transactions. You build trust, relationships, and a lasting impact. 

For agents looking to give back, I want to share what has worked for me, and how you can integrate meaningful service into your career.

Start with what matters to you 

Giving back can go beyond hosting large events or raising thousands of dollars—though that’s certainly an incredible goal. The best place to start is with what truly matters to you. Ask yourself: What causes resonate with me? What issues in my community do I feel passionate about solving? When you align your efforts with your passions, your work feels less like an obligation and more like a natural extension of who you are. 

For me, I’ve always been drawn to helping children and those in need. That’s why I’ve directed my time toward fundraising for organizations like Kindness Conquers and the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth. Once I knew where my heart was, everything else fell into place.

Find ways to integrate giving into your business 

Most agents don’t know how to fit volunteering into their busy schedules. The key is to weave service into what you’re already doing. Here are some examples: 

• Volunteer as a team: Encourage your brokerage or office to set aside time for group volunteering. Whether it’s serving meals at a shelter or organizing a toy drive, collective efforts create a bigger impact. 
• Host charity-driven client events: Instead of a traditional happy hour or client appreciation party, turn it into a fundraiser. At my brokerage’s annual event, a $25 donation gets attendees a meal, a drink, and a raffle ticket, with all proceeds going to charity. It’s a great way to bring people together while making a difference. 
• Partner with local businesses: Collaboration is key. If you’re hosting an event, ask restaurants, boutiques, or service providers to donate a portion of their home sales revenue to a cause. Most local businesses are eager to support a meaningful initiative. 
• Use your network for good: As real estate professionals, we know a lot of people. Leverage those connections to rally support for local causes. A simple email or social media post can bring in unexpected contributions. 

The ripple effect of giving 

Prioritizing giving back changed my community and my business. Clients feel a deeper connection when they see you genuinely care about the place they are moving into. Colleagues are more inspired to get involved when they see the impact firsthand. 

The desire to help others has been part of who I am for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I watched my mom and aunt dedicate themselves to serving others. They never saw giving back as an obligation; it was simply a way of life. Their example taught me that giving back isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about showing up and making a difference whenever and however you can.

Make It a habit, not a one-time effort

Giving back isn’t about checking off a box once a year. It’s about consistently looking for ways to contribute. I schedule my community work the same way I schedule showings and closings—because it’s just as important to me. 

If you’re an agent wondering where to begin, my advice is simple: Start small, start local, and start with what matters to you. You don’t have to do everything at once, but taking one step can create a ripple effect that changes lives—including your own.  

Kristi Badolato is a Realtor for Huntington & Ellis.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HousingWire’s editorial department and its owners.

To contact the editor responsible for this piece: zeb@hwmedia.com.

​