Rashéedah Brown, known as “RB the Realtor,” is dedicated to helping New Yorkers achieve their real estate goals. “I have spent years giving back to the community through educating others about the home ownership process and how to effectively manage property once you become an owner,” said Brown, who has been in the business since 2004.
Describing herself as a real estate resource, community motivator, and ecosystem builder, Brown is principal broker and owner of KEE Signature Realty, an appointed member of the New York State Real Estate Board, and founder of the KEE Path Foundation. “I provide real estate coaching for aspiring Realtors and investors, and consult with current and future owners on how to produce a profitable property,” she said. “Having great relationships with fellow leaders in the real estate industry allows me to provide resources to make any real estate transaction easy for all.”
Here’s how Brown makes a difference in so many peoples’ lives.
Q: What inspired your commitment to increasing homeownership in underserved communities?
A: What really inspired me is what I saw growing up and what I continue to see today: so many people working hard, paying rent every single month, but not building anything for themselves long-term. I realized early on that ownership is the difference. Ownership changes the trajectory of a family.
When I bought my first property, I understood that real estate wasn’t just about having a place to live — it was about having leverage, options, and the ability to build something that could last beyond you. That’s what pushed me to make this my mission. I want people in our communities to know that ownership is possible, and not just possible, but necessary if we’re talking about generational wealth.
Q: What do you share with community members about the advantages of home ownership versus long-term renting?
A: I always keep it real. Renting is important — it gives you flexibility — but ownership gives you control and opportunity.
When you own, your payment is going toward something that belongs to you. You’re building equity. You have the ability to leverage your property, generate income, and create stability for your family.
I also talk about strategy. Homeownership isn’t just about buying a house — it’s about how you use it, whether that’s a multifamily, renting out a unit, or just positioning yourself to grow over time. Renting is a cost. Ownership is an investment.
Q: How do you help everyday folks begin building a real estate portfolio, even with limited resources?
A: I start by changing the mindset. A lot of people think you need a lot of money to start, and that’s not always the case.
I teach people how to start with what they have. That might be:
- Buying a multifamily and living in one unit
- Partnering with someone
- Using income strategically to qualify
It’s about understanding that your first property doesn’t have to be your dream home — it can be your stepping stone. Once people understand that, everything opens up.
Q: What resources and programs are you currently working with to educate and prepare renters to become homebuyers?
A: I work closely with community-based organizations like HCCI to make sure people are getting real education, not just surface-level information.
Through events, workshops, and our Real Estate Expo, we’re connecting people to:
- Homeownership counseling
- Financial literacy tools
- Lenders and professionals who can guide them properly
We’re creating spaces where people can ask questions, get clarity, and actually move forward with confidence.
Q: What does helping people become homebuyers mean to you on a personal level — what is your why that inspires you to do this work?
A: My “why” is really about impact.
I’ve seen what happens when someone goes from renting to owning. It changes how they think, how they move, how they see their future. It creates pride, stability, and opportunity.
For me, it’s bigger than a transaction. It’s about helping someone take control of their future and create something for their family. That’s what keeps me going.
Q: How does the next generation benefit from the work you’re doing with the community right now?
A: The next generation benefits because we’re changing what they see as normal. When children grow up seeing ownership, hearing conversations about investing, and understanding how money works, it shifts everything. It becomes part of their mindset.
We’re not just helping people buy homes. We’re creating a culture of ownership that will impact generations.
Q: Can you share a success story of someone who worked with you and used the guidance and resources you provide to become a homeowner?
A: One story that really stays with me is a first-time homebuyer who was a single parent and had just come out of a really tough time in life. When they first came to me, they weren’t sure if homeownership was even possible. There was a lot of uncertainty, but also a real desire to create something better — for themselves and for their child.
We took it step by step. We put a plan in place, connected them with the right resources, and stayed consistent through the process. Over time, things started to come together. They were able to get pre-approved and ultimately purchase a multifamily home.
What made this even more powerful is that the property allowed them to generate rental income, so not only did they become a homeowner, but their monthly expenses actually ended up being lower than what they were paying in rent before.
This wasn’t just a home purchase — it was a complete shift. It created stability, confidence, and a new level of opportunity not just for them, but for their child as well. That’s the part that really matters to me: helping people change their situation in a real, lasting way.
OUTTAKES FROM MAY INTERVIEW
• How does FM Home Loans help potential homebuyers navigate through challenges or financial barriers that might make the process more difficult?
What I appreciate about FM Home Loans is that they don’t just look at people as numbers — they actually take the time to understand their situation.
A lot of people think they’re not ready, but they just need guidance. FM helps break things down — credit, income, structuring deals — and they work with buyers to create a path, not just give a yes or no. They also help connect buyers to the right programs and opportunities that can make homeownership more accessible. It’s about education and strategy, not just approvals.
• What is unique and most effective about how FM Home Loans equips people to achieve their homeownership dreams?
FM Home Loans meets people where they are. They don’t just focus on the end result — they focus on the process. They educate, they strategize, and they help people understand what’s possible.
That’s what makes the difference. When people understand the process, they feel empowered — and when they feel empowered, they move forward.
