MorningLight Properties is a boutique family brokerage in Southern Oregon. David Heckley, Principal Broker/Dad, has 43 years of real estate experience. Kristin McKean, Broker/Daughter, has over 25 years of real estate experience. They strive to offer unparalleled real estate service to all their clients here in Southern Oregon. They love helping their clients realize their real estate dreams all throughout Jackson County and have the a wide array of skills to assist everyone from investment buyers/sellers to first-time home buyers to trust/estate sales and everything in between. Historically, they have built their business upon strong, word-of-mouth referrals that have turned many clients into life-long customers and friends. Having worked in the real estate industry most of their lives, the MorningLight team knows how to navigate the ever changing real estate market with efficiency and grace. Their goal is always to make your next real estate transaction your best! Whether you’re moving on or moving in, the MorningLight Team is here to support you every step of the way!
Hi Kristin and Dave, thank you very much for taking the time to speak with me today. Let’s start with a little background about MorningLight Properties and what sets you apart from other brokerages?
First of all, I apologize in advance to the locals who read our articles each year and hear a bit of redundancy about who we are and our background. But the fact is, there are a lot of new readers who pick up the LocalsGuide, especially in the busy summer season. Last year we were reminded just how important it is to communicate who we are. Shortly after our interview appeared in the LG, we received a few inquiries as a result. One lovely couple called on a Friday morning as I was taking my daughter to the fair. While I rode Ferris wheel and bumper cars, my dad searched for properties that would meet their needs, and he set up all the showing appointments. That afternoon, we toured several properties; and by the end of the weekend, they had an accepted offer on the perfect home! Over the last year, we have enjoyed getting to know them more, seeing them around town and exposing them to our favorite wineries and local events. It really solidified our belief in utilizing local publications to connect with our community — both the people who live here full time and those just traveling through. Here’s what those buyers had to say about their experience in working with Kristin and MorningLight Properties…
“Kristin is on top of every aspect of buying, relocating, and getting situated into a new property. She is a great listener and was speedily responsive in all steps of our home-buying process, including the detailed closing technicalities. We also had many questions about making home modifications, and through her connections and experience with local experts, she ably facilitated meetings with them all.
That we were out-of-state buyers added a few logistical challenges that Kristin breezed us through without hesitation. She is a problem solver extraordinaire.
We unreservedly recommend Kristin and MorningLight Properties to any prospective buyer or seller!”
~ Brad and Ginny
Ok, let me get back on track and answer your original question about what sets MorningLight Properties apart. I think first and foremost is that we truly love what we do!
With our many years of combined real estate experience, we really do know our stuff! Dave (dad) began his real estate career in California in the early 1980’s and was co-owner of Los Gatos Properties before moving to Ashland in 2000. Kristin (daughter) grew up in this real estate family and achieved her California real estate license when she was just 18 years old, followed by her Oregon real estate license in 2015. We have a depth of experience that has navigated us through countless ups and downs (ebbs and flows) in the real estate market.
We know how to pivot when markets change. Adapting to current market trends gives us an opportunity to refine strategies and strengthen our abilities. Gina (mom) is also a licensed broker and serves as our “pinch hitter”. Busy as ever with her design business of 20+ years, she is always available when design or staging needs arise. She provides a huge value to our company and our clients in providing the highest level of design consultation and resources. Because we are family owned and operated, it allows us to be fully present for our clients…you always get one of us when you call or email with questions. We know how to effectively communicate with our clients, so they can continue making the best real estate decisions. We take a lot of pride in giving the utmost attention and care to each and every one of them. It’s important to us that our clients get the absolute best service at every stage of the transaction.
“I was introduced to Kristin through a mutual friend, with the words: “you will love working with her, she’s incredible and will help you find the property of your dreams.” This is an entirely accurate statement. Kristin is a consummate professional with a deep knowledge of the local area. Our property transaction was complex and challenging (with multiple tenants) but Kristin navigated it with ease and kept me informed every step of the way. It was a delight to work with her and I heartily recommend her and her family business, MorningLight Properties. MorningLight Properties delivered impeccable service and thought of everything I would need: Kristin’s mum, Gina even drew (to scale) the floor plan, which I still use for the remodel.” ~ Nazima
The title of your interview is ‘Real Estate is a Team Sport’, please elaborate?
By our definition: it’s collaboration. Not only do we (d, g and k) collaborate on a transactional basis, but we include many others as team members to support our clients. We are fortunate enough to live in a community where fellow real estate brokers are not adversarial, but they actually collaborate with one another. We all share information and knowledge to benefit our clients, community and industry in the bigger scope of real estate. In addition, our lenders, title companies, home inspectors and appraisers are invaluable resources and all cogs in the wheel that we turn to make a seamless transaction. We’ve recently had several properties requiring significant contracting work to ready the property for sale. The relationships we have developed with a variety of contractors are also a huge asset to us and our clients.
What’s happening in today’s market?
Wow, it’s an interesting market right now. On one hand, the inventory of homes on the market has increased (good for buyers), but the days-on-market has also increased (a challenge for sellers). Interest rates continue to be stubbornly high — hovering around 7 percent, decreasing the affordability for some buyers. Yet we have recently been involved in more than a few multiple offer situations. A property that is move-in ready and priced right is typically a quick sale. Navigating a tricky market isn’t just a challenge, it’s a craft. Being totally present in each situation isn’t an option. It’s required! Our advice to buyers AND sellers seems to be the same: Be ready to ‘participate’ in the negotiations! Give a little here, take a little there, have your ducks in a row…a willingness to come together and do the right thing will advance the process to a winning end-game!
“Dear Kristin, Once again Jerry and I want to thank you for selling our house. Obviously you are a real pro – bright, organized, and knowledgeable. But the real gift to Jerry and I has been your patience and kindness. It was a real change for us to move into assisted living and we couldn’t have done it without you. Happy Summer!”
~ Jerry and Joanna
Kristin, what else is occupying time in your life?
Just like the ebbs and flows in the real estate market, life ebbs and flows in much the same way. Personally, 2024 was filled with a menagerie of health issues. I was humbled and put on the bench for most of the year. My doctor said it best — 2024 was like my 40,000 mile tune up. This helped put it all in perspective. One of the biggest lessons I took from the last year is that changes and challenges almost always lead to a deeper awareness and understanding. We have to recognize the gifts and silver linings that surround the challenges — both in life and in real estate. 2025 has been getting back to a state of “normal”, and I am oh so grateful for this physical body that is back to whatever my new normal is… hiking, paddle boarding, and most recently running the SOB. A shout out to my team (family, friends, medical professionals, etc.) who helped me get back!
Rotary still fills my cup! This year was my 6th (and last) year as chair of Ashland Reads and the 10 year anniversary of celebrating the literacy of the 1st graders in Ashland. I really enjoy Rotary and working with like-minded individuals walking their talk of service above self.
In other news, my daughter graduated middle school and is off to high school! Please pray for me! Her favorite things as a 14 year old are horseback riding, voice lessons, hanging out with friends and listening to music.
And, of course, our family loves all that this valley has to offer.
The lakes are full, the rivers rushing and the spring wildflowers were spectacular! The abundant produce at the Farmer’s markets allows us to cook to our hearts content. We have been soaking up all the fun of summer…phenomenal theater at OSF, live music at local venues, Britt and the Lithia Park concerts sponsored by Epic Ashland, our delicious restaurants and wineries…
I love where I live, and my parents and I feel so grateful to love what we do and help people realize their real estate dreams in this wonderful place we call home! If you need a new place to call home or need advice on your next real estate venture, please give us a call.
