As my priorities changed, I took a leap of faith, knowing that as long as I was centering my life around what matters most, I would find a way forward. Becoming a mom forced me to realign my life, challenge myself, and grow in ways I never expected.

When my husband and I had our son, Carter, in 2022, our lives completely changed. In that moment, I knew my purpose in life is to be a mom. And that realization forced me to reevaluate my career. At the time, I was in mortgages for nearly a decade. But the 12- to 18-hour workdays wouldn’t work anymore. No amount of money or career success was worth sacrificing that much time with him.

When kids grow up and look back on their childhood, they don’t think about how hard you worked at your job. They remember how often you showed up for them. And I had the best example of that in my dad, Will Carter. He was at every recital, every practice, every school event—for me and my siblings. He’s been a REALTOR® my whole life, and I’d ride along in the backseat for showings all the time. It was his way to be an involved father, while still having a successful career.

It was his influence that first got me thinking about owning my own business. That’s why I went to business school, and why I got licensed in real estate when I was 19, hoping to do a few deals to help pay for college. At the time, I was juggling classes, nannying, and trying to start a real estate career. I did a few transactions, but at that age, I didn’t know how to build a business yet. So, I moved into mortgages, wanting a more stable job.

That career took off. I worked in every department, helped launch a new team from scratch, and eventually ran operations. I liked being the problem-solver. I thrived under pressure and genuinely enjoyed the work. But after Carter was born, I needed more flexibility without losing the challenge I craved.

When I quit, I returned to something I’d kept in my back pocket: real estate. I never let my license lapse. I stayed up to date on continuing education and always knew I’d come back to it one day. This time, I had a clear vision for what I wanted to build, and the experience to actually do it.

I eased in slowly. The goal wasn’t rapid growth; it was sustainability. I wanted a business that allowed me to be present for my family and still deliver an exceptional experience for my clients. My background in mortgages gives me a huge edge because I understand every aspect of the transaction. More often than not, the financial piece can be very overwhelming, so to be able to explain exactly what is happening and what my clients are signing goes a long way in building trust and understanding. 

Creating a positive, concierge-level experience is really important to me. I’ve sat on the phone with the IRS, picked up court paperwork, and helped clients follow multi-year plans to get to the closing table. I take pride in being a resource who can meet people where they are and guide them through the whole process, no matter how long it takes. 

In April 2025, we had our daughter, Quinn. She’s already been to showings, inspections, and walkthroughs with me, just like Carter was when he was younger. That’s the kind of freedom and flexibility running my own business has given me. You can have it all. You just have to build with intention and be willing to learn and grow along the way. Becoming a parent has challenged me, pushed me to adapt, and ultimately made me a better mom, a better business owner, and someone who leads from a place of real-life perspective. 

As a REALTOR®, I approach every client relationship with the understanding that this isn’t something people do every day. It’s my job to walk you through the process, help you understand what’s happening at each step, answer questions, and make sure you feel confident in every decision. I provide all the information you need, understand the paperwork you sign, and know what to expect with each step. I’m extremely detail-oriented and proactive, and I make it a point to stay ahead of potential issues before they become real problems. 

With my background in mortgages, I help bridge the gap between financing and real estate, making sure no detail gets missed and nothing feels confusing or overwhelming. Whether it’s reviewing timelines, negotiating repairs, or reading through a contract together, I fully supported you from start to finish. As a native to the Phoenix area, I also have extensive market knowledge that goes beyond the surface with insight only a local would know! My goal is to protect your best interests, help you step into the next chapter confidently, and remain a lifelong resource for anything you may need on your homeownership journey.

Sincerely,

Kaden Johnson, REALTOR®
LIC# SA641182000
Cell (602) 799-6727
Kaden@WillCarterAZ.com
www.KadenJohnsonAZ.com

“You can have it all. You just have to build with intention and be willing to learn and grow along the way.”