ORANGE PARK — Katrina Leek Robinson wakes up early every morning with a defined purpose. 

Although the outer portion of her mission changes daily, its core always remains the same. Finding the perfect place for her clients to call home.

Robinson is the owner of River Birch Realty, a personalized option for finding your local real estate needs. Unlike big box companies, Robinson said her agency is a small boutique brokerage specializing in niche markets. Whether you’re zeroing in on your next investment property or journeying into purchasing your first home, it doesn’t matter. 

It’s easy with River Birch.

Robinson has been a realtor since 2010. Throughout her career in the U.S. Air Force and as a Navy nurse, she said real estate had always been a passion. 

“I like showing them the homes. I love when they buy the homes because it’s an investment in their future,” she said.

She promised herself that she would work at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital for a year before fully diving into her dream in 2010. She said that although, at the time, nursing was deemed the ideal career for a woman, she knew that reality was her calling.

For her, it was an easy transition. She was still lending her best helping hand, but in another way.

Initially working for a large agency, it wasn’t until 2017 that she decided to take a leap and open her own firm. She cut the ribbon at its current location at 1700 Wells Road in 2022.

At River Birch, Robinson said it’s not just about sales, but also about serving others. Agents work diligently to search for and craft an ideal residence tailored to each client’s needs. Local to the area, Robinson said that agents know the community intimately, which makes them better equipped to narrow down affordable options using the multiple listing service.

“The longer you’ve been in, the more you know the areas,” she said.

And for those looking to sell their property, Robinson said price comparisons are essential to getting the best deal. As a veteran, Robinson said it’s also imperative that she understands the ins and outs of the military community’s needs in Clay County and the greater Jacksonville area. And it doesn’t matter how long it takes.

“If they feel like they can’t find a home in three months, we have patience.”

Robinson said that her business also offers another unique approach to helping others in the community. Two office spaces in the 800-square-foot building are available for rent to help people further their independent ventures. So far, Robinson said she’s had podcasters, nurse practitioners and new business startups.

“They can rent it out for a day, a week, a month, a year,” she said.

With the housing market expected to improve this year, Robinson said now is the time for homebuyers to begin investing. According to Zillow’s predictions, it’s expected to look healthier, with home values forecast to rise 1.2% in 2026.

“For someone who hasn’t owned a home before, if they can afford it, move forward and get something,” she said.

“If they don’t have the money for their dream home, get what they can afford now. That’s not going to be their forever home.”