John Krouse - Owner - Associate Broker

About John

Meet John Krouse — Maine Real Estate Broker, Business Owner & Investor

Maine has been home for me and my family since 2011. What was originally expected to be a short-term stay quickly became much more. My wife, Kristie, and I chose to make Maine our home, raise our two sons, Trevor and Tyler, here, and become part of the community where I would eventually build my real estate business.

My path to real estate wasn't a traditional one. Before becoming a full-time real estate professional, I spent 22 years as a Professional Hockey Equipment Manager. My career in professional hockey ultimately brought our family to Maine in 2011 when the Arizona Coyotes affiliated with the Portland Pirates.

Professional sports taught me a lot about preparation, communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, and performing in high-pressure situations. Those are skills I still rely on every day in real estate.

Real estate, however, had been an interest and passion of mine long before it became my full-time career. Over the years, I've gained hands-on experience with rental properties, renovations, construction, property management, investing, residential real estate, commercial properties, and land. In 2015, I made real estate my full-time profession and haven't looked back.

Today, I'm the owner of Next Key Real Estate, brokered by eXp Realty, where I work with homeowners, buyers, investors, and business owners throughout Maine.

I've been fortunate to achieve a high level of production within eXp Realty, including earning the company's prestigious ICON Agent Award multiple times. ICON recognition is earned by agents who achieve significant annual production while also contributing to the larger eXp agent community.

Being part of eXp also allows me to combine the personal attention and local knowledge of Next Key Real Estate with the technology, resources, and national and international reach of one of the world's largest real estate brokerages. This is especially valuable for clients relocating into or out of Maine, as I can help connect them with experienced real estate professionals throughout eXp's extensive network.

One thing I've learned over the years is that real estate isn't one-size-fits-all.

Sellers may benefit from traditional market exposure, an off-market strategy, a cash offer, or another approach depending on their property and circumstances. Buyers and investors often need someone who can look beyond the listing and understand the property's condition, potential, costs, and long-term value.

My job isn't simply to complete a transaction. It's to help my clients understand their options, make informed decisions, protect their interests, and develop a strategy that makes sense for what they're trying to accomplish.

When I'm not working in real estate, you'll usually find me around hockey, auto racing, aviation, or following the NFL. Sports have always been a big part of my life and my family's life, and I'm fortunate that real estate has given me the opportunity to build a business while staying involved with the things I enjoy.

Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, investing, relocating, or simply trying to determine what your next move should be, I'm always happy to have a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to helping you, 

John Krouse