Pat Allen Realty Group

Written By: - NONE - | Issue: 2018/08 - August

When Pat Allen moved to Highlands 24 years ago, she never imagined herself in the world of real estate. Pat and her late husband – sometimes referred to as “the other Pat” or Dr. Pat – opened a bed and breakfast, the Morning Star Inn, in October 1994. 

Five years prior to opening the inn, the two Pats joined the Professional Innkeepers Association and Mrs. Pat attended a two-year culinary school to learn everything about food. Cooking classes were offered and became popular for locals and inn guests. After selling the inn eight years later, Pat decided to focus on a career in real estate.

Pat was Broker-in-Charge of the Harry Norman Highlands Office for eight years before opening Pat Allen Realty Group in August 2013. It’s located in a charming home built in 1928 at 295 Dillard Road.

Her daughter, Julie Osborn, who was a Harry Norman Realtors agent in Atlanta, was the first to join her firm. Soon to follow were Sherman Pope, Cy Timmons, and Steve Sheppard.  Now the team has added Christy Harris, Ryan Bears, Sheila Welch Zilbauer, Carol Lufburrow, and Kurt Barbee.

“We have one more coming soon! “says Pat. Her explanation for this rapid growth is the fact that her’s is an independent firm that allows her to make decisions based on what’s best for all, with no franchise fees to pass on to the clients and brokers, and personal service and attention offered by all members of the Pat Allen Realty Group Team. They sell and list in every price range and don’t concentrate on one specific country club. Their knowledge and brokers include Highlands, Cashiers, Scaly Mountain, and Lake Toxaway. Several brokers are licensed in Georgia as well.

“I’m amazed at our growth with record breaking sales for the past two years,” says Pat.

When asked what contributed to her success as a top producer for 14 years Pat explained that preparation and passion are the key.

“You have to learn constantly and invest time every day to understand the market here,” Pat says.

She was the first Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist in Highlands and recently added her Resort and Second Home Property Specialist certification.

“Buying or selling a second home is very different in so many ways, “says Pat. Negotiating skills are vital in this market and Pat is a top negotiator. One of her clients describes her as the “Energizer Bunny in high heels!” She never stops and never gives up! She is proud to share her success with her brokers and  their success is her goal as well.

Giving back to the community is important to Pat Allen Realty Group. Pat has served on the board of the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society and the Highlands Playhouse. She and her brokers can be seen at almost every non-profit event and understand the needs of helping others in the community.