Kristina Ownsbey is a residential real estate agent operating under RE/MAX Elite, one of Oklahoma City's largest independent brokerage firms, and specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate transactions in central Oklahoma City neighborhoods and suburbs.
RE/MAX Elite is a full-service brokerage licensed by the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission, operating on the independent agent model where each agent maintains their own client base and earns commission on closed transactions. The firm maintains office space in Oklahoma City and serves the metro area. Kristina Ownsbey operates within that structure as a listing and buyer's agent, meaning she represents either the seller (listing agent) or the buyer (buyer's agent) in a single transaction, though many clients work with the same agent for both roles across multiple deals.
Real estate agents in Oklahoma are paid entirely on commission, typically 5 to 6 percent of the sale price split between listing and buyer's agents. The seller's agent usually negotiates a split with the listing brokerage upfront and the buyer's agent receives their portion through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) agreement once a sale closes. Agents do not receive a salary and absorb their own desk fees, marketing costs, and licensing renewal.
An agent's effectiveness depends on three measurable factors: market knowledge (whether they know comparable sales and pricing in your target neighborhood), transaction volume (how many deals they close per year, indicating experience and current activity), and communication style (whether they explain steps clearly and respond within 24 hours). Kristina Ownsbey's position as part of RE/MAX Elite, a firm established in Oklahoma City, signals access to the firm's MLS database and compliance training, but the individual agent is the primary decision point for clients.
Comparing agents locally, you can request a comparative market analysis (CMA) from each candidate before hiring; this document should list 3 to 5 sold comparable properties within one mile and sold within the last 90 days, with square footage, price per square foot, and days on market. An agent who delivers a thorough CMA has done the research; an agent who quotes a round number like "the neighborhood is selling around $150 per square foot" has not. As a buyer, you should interview agents about their familiarity with specific neighborhoods (Edmond, Nichols Hills, central OKC, south OKC) because each has distinct inventory, price ranges, and buyer pools. As a seller, ask directly how many homes in your subdivision they have listed and sold in the past 12 months.
A listing agent's core service is preparing a home for market, photographing it, uploading it to the MLS (which syndicates to Zillow, Realtor.com, and other sites within 24 to 48 hours), hosting showings, negotiating offers, and coordinating inspections and closing. The listing agent typically covers photography, yard sign, and basic MLS photography but does not pay for staging, repairs, or professional photography unless the agent offers that as added value. The commission on a $300,000 sale in Oklahoma City runs $15,000 to $18,000 (5 to 6 percent), but this is negotiable and should be discussed before listing.
A buyer's agent shows homes, writes offers, explains contingencies (inspection, appraisal, financing), reviews disclosures, and coordinates the closing meeting. The buyer's agent costs nothing out of pocket; the buyer's commission comes from the seller's proceeds, set by the listing agent's agreement with the brokerage. A buyer should not feel obligated to use the listing agent or a brokerage's in-house buyer's agent; hiring an independent agent like Kristina Ownsbey gives the buyer an advocate free from pressure to move the seller's inventory.
Initial consultations with real estate agents are free and typically conducted by phone, video, or in person at the agent's office or a property. For sellers, this meeting should cover the agent's proposed list price, marketing plan, expected timeline, and any recommended repairs. For buyers, the meeting should clarify your budget, financing status (pre-approval letter essential), neighborhoods of interest, and timeline. You can reach Kristina Ownsbey through RE/MAX Elite's website or directly if you have her contact information; both the brokerage and the agent maintain typical Oklahoma City business hours, though agents often show properties outside standard hours by appointment.
Bringing a pre-approval letter to the buyer consultation signals seriousness and allows the agent to focus on finding the right home rather than qualifying you.
RE/MAX Elite's independence and size in Oklahoma City mean agents there compete directly on service and market knowledge rather than firm advertising, and Kristina Ownsbey's availability as an individual agent offers clients a direct relationship without layers of management typical at larger national franchises.
