Before she was closing contracts and hosting open houses, Colorado residential real estate broker Kim DeGrande was wrangling wagons full of toddlers and leading lunchtime adventures to McDonald’s.
Originally from Michigan, DeGrande, of ReMax Edge in Roxborough, opened a daycare center in the Great Lakes State in the mid-1980s and ran it for six years, caring for up to 12 children. It was a “a 6-a.m.-to-6-p.m. job,” she said — but one that allowed her to stay close to her own kids.
DeGrande said she closed the center in the early 1990s to move with her husband, Rick, to Roxborough, Colorado, for his job in the wine industry. That relocation sparked a new chapter.
“I always loved looking at houses ... So, I got my real estate license almost right away," said DeGrande.
More than three decades later, DeGrande said she is still passionate about the real estate business — and she credits her child-minding days for helping with her success. "It’s a lot about communication and learning to deal with a lot of different personalities,” said DeGrande, whose children, Angela, 39, and Dominic, 28, will soon be joining her brokerage as real estate agents. “I think that it was very helpful in that way, because you don’t know what you’re going to get ... It [was] definitely a training in patience.”
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
What advice do you have for homebuyers?
I know way too many people who have had non-smoking lung cancer that was probably caused by high radon levels in the house. And mitigation systems don’t cost that much ... Just always put radon mitigation in because it’s not worth the alternative for sure.
When did you start feeling like a local in Roxborough?
It typically doesn't take me very long. I usually know everybody in the neighborhood before too long. I love running events ... Since about 1994, I've run the events in Roxborough Park. I run [Roxtober Fest], Breakfast with Santa, the Easter Egg hunt, the July 4 bike parade and the neighborhood picnic.
What’s your favorite space in your house?
I love our great room-kitchen combination. It’s got 20-foot ceilings and rock walls, and I’ve got double islands — one is 10 feet long and the other one is 12 feet long. I cook a lot, so I have a 48-inch commercial range and every kitchen gadget you could ever imagine.
What are your hobbies?
Definitely cooking and drinking fine wine. I should write a restaurant blog because my husband and I eat out a lot ... With my husband retiring, I think we’re going to start golfing more.