The Journey of Carolina Allen: Building Success in Creative Real Estate
Carolina Allen’s journey into real estate investing is one of perseverance, learning, and a deep-rooted passion for helping others. From a stay-at-home mom to becoming an executive coach for the Subto community, Carolina’s story highlights the transformative power of creative real estate investing.
A Humble Beginning in Real Estate
Carolina’s real estate journey began in 2019 when she and her husband attended a three-day mentorship event. Initially skeptical, the experience opened her eyes to a world beyond traditional buying and selling as a real estate agent. Despite challenges, the Allens invested in mentorship and pivoted to virtual wholesaling, eventually recovering their initial investment and gaining valuable knowledge.
From Wholesaling to Creative Financing
After achieving success in wholesaling, Carolina recognized the potential in holding properties rather than passing on every deal. Her first rental property, acquired during the early days of COVID, became a proof of concept. With a 2.875% fixed interest rate, this long-term rental in Montana demonstrated the power of creative financing and the importance of finding win-win solutions for homeowners in tough situations.
One notable deal involved helping a seller in foreclosure. Carolina structured a creative solution, paying $20,000 in arrears and providing $3,000 at closing, ensuring the seller avoided a credit hit. By implementing a “mirror wrap” strategy, Carolina added an extra layer of protection for the seller while wholesaling the property to a trusted buyer.
The Role of Community Leadership
Carolina’s natural leadership emerged as she organized local meetups and Zoom calls, fostering collaboration within the Subto community. Her proactive approach eventually led to her appointment as a regional leader. Carolina’s emphasis on face-to-face interaction, combined with her genuine desire to help others, has earned her a stellar reputation among real estate investors.
Her Facebook page, “Squad Up with Carolina,” serves as a hub for mentorship and support. From one-on-one guidance to sharing her personal experiences, Carolina embodies the go-giver mentality, a principle championed by Subto founder Pace Morby.
Key Lessons for New Investors
Carolina’s advice for aspiring investors is rooted in her own experiences:
1. Mindset Matters: Real estate investing is simple but not easy. Developing a resilient mindset and embracing rejection is critical.
2. Trust the Numbers: Avoid making emotional decisions or forcing deals that don’t align with your investment criteria.
3. Education is Essential: Take the time to build a solid foundation of knowledge before diving into deals.
4. Keep Your Job: Maintaining financial stability while building your portfolio helps avoid desperation and ensures better negotiation outcomes.
Balancing Family and Business
A mother of three, Carolina values the flexibility that real estate provides. She prioritizes family time and emphasizes the importance of carving out moments for what truly matters. For her, real estate is a means to an end—creating financial freedom and securing a legacy for her family.
Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations
Carolina’s vision for the future includes establishing two charities: one focused on feeding children in need and another dedicated to mental health services. Her dedication to building long-term wealth aligns with her desire to create a meaningful impact both within and beyond the real estate community.
Connect with Carolina
You can find Carolina on Instagram or Facebook under the handle @CaroleenaAllen. Whether you’re seeking guidance in real estate or looking to join the Subto community, Carolina’s expertise and passion make her a valuable resource.