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As Team Billy Taylor’s transaction coordinator, Kathy Marion most enjoys ensuring that the agents get the support they need. She loves the details of putting a deal together and has worked in agent services for more than 10 years. She’s originally from Winston Salem, NC, but is now loving the beauty of the mountains. She has two daughters and three grandchildren.
What do you love most about working in real estate – do you have a favorite part of the process?
I work at the front desk at Team Billy Taylor and am also the transaction coordinator. I make sure when a deal comes in that all the t’s are crossed and the i’s are dotted. I love making the real estate agents’ jobs easier so they can focus on what they do best – helping clients find their dream property. I don’t want them to worry about all the paperwork.
Technology has created far more resources than ever before for both buyers and sellers who think they can “do it on their own” – what do you say to folks who think they don’t need a real estate agent anymore?
If you start explaining the process of how buying and selling works, people generally will see that agents do more than just show property and will decide they need the guidance that a professional brings to the table. Technology can’t offer that personal touch or local area expertise.
Real estate is considered a fairly competitive industry in the greater AVL area, with numerous agencies and a steady stream of new agents – what differentiates you and TBT agents from the rest of the WNC real estate crowd? What is your favorite thing about working with the TBT team?
Here at Team Billy Taylor, like our namesake notes, we all work as a team. With all the knowledge wrapped up in this office, there isn't anything that a new or seasoned agent can't find an answer to. No one will refuse to help if you ask for it and they will help you without expecting anything in return.
Takeaways from what you’ve learned in your industry: What is the most important piece of advice you would give to prospective homebuyers? And to home sellers?
I would advise both buyers and sellers to do a home inspection. Sellers should always know what will need to be repaired before going on the market so there are few surprises when they get an offer. Buyers should always get an inspection to make sure they are not going to need to perform repairs right away.
The WNC real estate market is certainly booming – any predictions on where it will go next, or new trends you are seeing?
I feel like the market will slow down more this year because of the interest rates and it’s an election year too. We have been in a strong market for several years, but I believe it’s about to level out.
Can you share the funniest or most memorable moment – anecdote or experience – you’ve had during a real estate deal (positive or negative)?
One day an agent needed someone to open a house for an appraiser; I gladly accepted the task. The agent warned me not to let the cat out. When I opened the door I was very careful to ensure there was no escape. After the appraisal was complete, we started to leave together and I wanted to ensure the cat was there before I closed the door. I looked for that cat in every closet, under every bed and piece of furniture – upstairs and downstairs. No cat. I was getting ready to close the door and leave when a cat came up on the porch and started scratching on the door. I thought to myself, “How on earth did this cat get out of the house?” The cat made itself at home, went straight to the food bowl and I left. When the owner got home, she called the agent and then the agent called me. She said, “When the owner left for work this morning she had one cat. When she got home she had two cats.” We never did find out who the other cat belonged to.
Do you have a favorite hobby, pursuit, or interest that might surprise your clients – or that has worked to your advantage in connecting with clients?
I don't have any hobbies. I'm just a fly-by-the-pants kind of person and do whatever comes to mind at the moment.
Team Billy Taylor RealtorsⓇ is a top-producing real estate team, a division of Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks, REALTORS based in Asheville, North Carolina and serving all of western North Carolina. Team Billy Taylor Realtors was founded by Billy Taylor, an Asheville native with a long history in Asheville real estate from managing a ranch to grading land. He bought his first property at 18. Billy already has many years of construction, development and real estate experience, and holds Real Estate licenses in North Carolina and South Carolina. He has quickly turned into the front-runner for real estate success in Western North Carolina.