When Karla Trusler decided to close her successful law practice in 2000 after nearly a decade, it was to do what she had been ready to do for many years: enter the world of residential real estate. Today, her legal background, negotiating skills and in-depth knowledge of the market have proven to make her one of the most valued and productive real estate advisers in Dallas.
Karla grew up in Highland Park and graduated from Highland Park High School. Upon graduation from Baylor University (BBA) and Baylor Law School (JD), she returned to Dallas where she practiced law as a trial attorney. Having held her Texas real estate license since 1988, she became an active agent in January 2000.
Attributes achieved while she was an attorney have empowered her effectiveness as an agent, whether it is her sharp negotiation skills, her commitment to a clear understanding and communication with all parties involved, or her uncompromising attention to detail. Having lived in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow nearly her entire life, Karla has extensive market knowledge of these areas, as well as of Bluffview, Lakewood and North Dallas.
In 2008, her husband, Alex Trusler, joined her as a partner. Together, they combine attention to detail with big-picture approaches. To take their business to the next level, they also joined Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty, bringing to their clients the firm's personal touch with a global reach.
"For most people, their home is the most expensive single asset or investment they will ever purchase," Karla said. "For that reason, as well as the fact that it is your 'home,' the transaction can also be very emotional. It's important for an agent to be able to walk the line between 'It's an investment' and 'It's my home' and help the client keep both in perspective."
Karla has rarely worked with a client who has not become a friend. "While working with clients on a professional level, the emotional aspects of buying a home foster a personal relationship," she said. "By the end of the transaction, I end up knowing their children, their friends – and even their pets!"
In addition to having her BBA and JD degrees, Karla also has the following real estate licenses, certifications and designations:
• Licensed Real Estate Broker (Texas)
• CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)
• GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute)
• ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative)
• CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Million Dollar Guild)
• RENE (Certified Real Estate Negotiation Expert)
• D Magazine Best Real Estate Agents 2009-2022
• D Magazine Top Producer (Platinum level) 2012-2022
Karla currently resides in the Park Cities with her husband and three children. Her dedication and commitment also extend to the following boards and organizations in which she is actively involved:
• Texas Association of Realtors Professional Standards Committee
• Executive Board of Directors, Southwestern Diabetic Foundation (Camp Sweeney)
• Junior League of Dallas (Sustaining Member)
• National Charity League
• Park Cities Presbyterian Church
• Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club
• Former Board Member Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
• FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association
• Highland Park Alumni Association Board
• Cambridge School of Dallas Parent-Faculty Board
• Advisory Council for The Hope Center