BONNERS FERRY — Kirsten Madden has lived in Boundary County for most of her life, but never really thought that real estate would be in her future. But then, after being raised on a farm in Porthill, she worked at the recorder’s office before taking a job at a title company handling real estate closings. 

After the business closed in 2008, Madden decided to get her real estate license because of her strong relationships with local real estate agents. It’s a decision that has benefited her and her employees. 

“There’s no doubt it was my niche, and it gave me an opportunity to serve the community and to serve the people here in an area that I knew and loved,” Madden said. “So yeah, it was a very natural transition for me. That being said, I went in during the very worst time regarding the crash of 2008.” 

During that time, she learned how to effectively help people dealing with housing difficulties. 

“You’re trying to help those people navigate where they’re at, maybe doing a lot of short sales so they could get out from underneath those mortgages and not have to go through a foreclosure,” Madden said. “I think you definitely learn a lot about how to navigate with people.” 

“Real estate is most commonly, at least for the homeowner, the largest investment they’ve made in their lives,” Madden said. 

After two years in the business, she was faced with a decision: go all in or get out of the industry. She decided to stay. 

“That’s when I decided to get my broker’s license,” Madden said. 

Madden worked at Century 21 for Mike Peterson before taking over the business in 2018. 

“When Mike was going to retire and sell the business, I made the leap to buy into the business,” Madden said. “Honestly, that was the scariest thing.” 

Madden’s business, Century 21 Four Seasons Realty, focuses on building human connections. 

“My favorite part of the business is the people,” Madden said. “My business strategy is about connection. It’s about getting to know people.” 

She hired several individuals who have become the core of Century 21. 

“Shortly before I bought the business, I brought on another agent to join us,” Madden said. “Her name is Darci Price, and she’s still with us.” 

“We also have Adriana Rice and Joanna Rice,” Madden said. “Joanna Rice came on with us, taking the office admin position, but she later got her real estate license. Adriana Rice is also a Realtor, and she came on with us as well.” 

The company’s mission is simple: client-focused service, Century 21 officials note on the firm’s website. 

“Our team focus is really on the client,” Madden said. “Like I said, the connection is what it’s all about. We really do work as a team, and we come together with a team approach.” 

Two years after Madden took over the company, COVID-19 began, initially causing fears that employees could lose their jobs and livelihoods. However, the pandemic created a surge in demand for homes and Realtors. 

“There were very quickly inflated prices, and there was honestly just downright panic buying going on,” Madden said. “There were sight-unseen offers and multiple offers all the time.” 

Now, prices are beginning to stabilize, Madden said. 

“It’s a healthier scenario now, and it’s kind of balancing out,” Madden said. 

Madden said the community is what makes Century 21 special to her and her team. 

“It’s about the people that come in and every time they’re in town, they stop by to see you just because you connected,” Madden said. “For me, it really is more about that.” 

“It’s about seeing people bringing in their new grandbabies to meet you,” Madden said. “It’s my community. It’s all about giving back to the community and helping the community. We live, work and breathe here. This is where we’re from. It’s everything.” 

With the weather getting warmer, Century 21 is beginning to pick up steam for the summer. 

“Springtime is always an exciting time of year to see what the market’s going to do,” Madden said. “We’re always optimistic about the market, but now is the time we actually start seeing what happens.”