“Working with Karista was a pleasure. More than just introducing us to homes, Karista acclimated us to different areas in our search zone and gave insights to sometimes subtle differences between them. She also quickly brought herself in tune with what we wanted and pursued our fit. I’m pretty sure that even before Karista showed us the home we purchased, she knew it was just what we were looking for. She was right. As an added bonus, we became friends along the way. In all, our home search and purchase was a great experience, and one that keeps giving.”
 — Mark D. Kemple, Manhattan Beach resident

For Karista Smith, this isn’t just a glowing review—it’s the heart of how she does business. As a Broker Associate with Coldwell Banker Realty Global Luxury, Karista has spent 25 years helping clients not just find homes, but find their place. Her approach is defined by hustle, heart, and humility, turning transactions into trusted relationships and clients into lifelong friends.

Originally from Palm Springs, Karista’s introduction to real estate came early, watching her mother navigate the business in the days before the internet. “I remember flipping through MLS books,” she says with a smile. But before real estate took center stage, Karista was on literal stages, performing as a singer on cruise ships and even headlining at Stagecoach in 2008.

When her mother passed away, Karista chose a new path. “I gave up music and poured my heart into real estate,” she shares. “It gave me the stability to start a family and create a life with purpose.” That sense of purpose is evident in every client interaction—including Mark Kemple’s, whose words perfectly capture Karista’s gift for connection and service.

Karista’s husband, Darren Smith, is not only her partner in life but also a fellow real estate professional. Married for 25 years, they share two children, ages 6 and 9, and a commitment to faith, family, and mutual support. Darren runs a real estate firm that specializes in luxury motorcoach resorts, and many of his clients have naturally transitioned into Karista’s real estate circle—testament to the authenticity that defines both their worlds.

Their synergy has helped propel Karista to the top: she’s currently the #1 Coldwell Banker real estate agent in the desert.

What sets Karista apart is the very experience Mark described: she listens deeply, reads between the lines, and guides with intuition honed over decades. “I genuinely love people,” she says. “And I love beautiful homes. Even on vacation, I’m the one sneaking off to open houses just for fun!”

That passion has paid off—over 90% of her business is referral-based. “When someone trusts me enough to help their friends or family, it’s the greatest compliment I could receive,” Karista shares. For her, success isn’t just measured in sales, but in relationships that, as Mark put it, “keep giving.”

Karista’s expertise shines in the high-end luxury market, where attention to detail and white-glove service are non-negotiable. Her proudest moments reflect this high level of care:

Each story, like Mark’s, reinforces the theme that Karista doesn’t just meet expectations—she anticipates them.

Karista’s passion extends beyond closings and contracts. She’s deeply involved in her church, her children’s school, Desert Christian Academy, and a variety of local charities—though she prefers to give quietly. “Being a real estate agent gives me the flexibility to show up for my kids and my clients. That’s the kind of balance I cherish,” she says.

With momentum on her side and a network of satisfied clients, Karista is leaning further into the luxury market, driven by referrals and repeat business. “I’ve worked hard to get to this point,” she reflects. “Now, it’s about maintaining excellence, providing world-class service, and building lifelong relationships.”

For those looking to buy or sell, Karista’s approach offers more than results—it offers peace of mind. As Mark Kemple put it best, with Karista, “our home search and purchase was a great experience, and one that keeps giving.”

Contact Karista Smith
 Coldwell Banker Realty Global Luxury
 (760) 641-6895
 yourluxuryagent.com
 ksmithre@live.com

If you’re seeking a trusted advisor with hustle, heart, and humility, Karista Smith is your go-to agent. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply dreaming, she’s ready to help turn your real estate goals into reality—with grace, grit, and a little glam.