How to Succeed in Real Estate: Cathy Browne Says You Can Capture a Neighborhood With Know-how and Service

Cathy Browne’s listing at 2016 Glenmere was under contract in a week. We asked Browne how she’s carved out a niche in Allen.

We’re not even shocked anymore about Cathy Browne’s latest home under contract, 2016 Glenmere in Allen’s Custer Meadows. The home wasn’t on the market longer than a week before it was snapped up, Browne said.

But get this, that’s only one of the three listings Browne has in the neighborhood. The two other properties she’s marketing — 2019 Stonemont and 2027 Burnside — are getting a lot of interest, too. As Browne tells me, she’s sold more than 40 properties in Custer Meadows alone — some of them twice!

Sure, we know that Allen is one of the fastest-growing North Texas suburbs and has won countless accolades and made numerous top-ten lists. But what strategy do you use to capture part of a market that’s moving so fast?

We asked Browne to spill her secrets. Jump to see what she has to say:

CandysDirt.com: So what do all of these listings have in common?

Cathy Browne

Cathy Browne: All of these homes, built by Sotherby Homes, have desirable features such as hardwood flooring, open floorplans with split bedrooms, built-ins, large master bedroom suites with pretty master baths, beautiful kitchens with islands and walk-in pantries, vaulted ceilings, crown molding, and upgraded lighting.​

CD: We know that Allen is an amazing suburb, but what about these homes specifically speaks to buyers who are attracted to the town?

Browne: These homes are wonderful homes for buyers who have children and are looking for spacious bedrooms and living spaces, quality finish-out, as well as media and game rooms for children to play, watch movies, and gather with friends. These three homes feed to award-winning schools Mary Evans Elementary and Ereckson Middle School, which is very important to buyers who have school-age children. We are finding that buyers these days are very savvy — they have often already researched the area, school ratings, shopping, and activities available to them before they go to look at available homes.

CD: You’ve carved out some serious turf in Allen, how do you do it? Referrals? Leads? Expert marketing? We’re intrigued!

Browne: I have been marketing in Allen consistently for 10 years now. It has been my pleasure to assist many of my friends in buying and selling their homes. In keeping with Ebby Halliday’s business philosophy, I have been able to support various community activities and school events. I feel this has helped me form valuable relationships with wonderful Allen families.