Pat Allen, Up Close and Personal

Written By: Laurel Magazine Staff | Issue: 2016/10 - October

When Pat Allen moved to Highlands 22 years ago, she could not have imagined the success of her real estate career and owning her own firm, Pat Allen Realty Group.  

She and her husband, also named Pat, and a retired oral-surgeon, moved from Macon, Georgia, and opened a bed and breakfast, the Morning Star Inn, which they ran for eight years.  The success was due to Pat’s love for hospitality and her culinary background that led to the addition of a cooking school. 

“People came from all over after an article in Victoria Magazine, that ultimately led to recognition and a story in Southern Living Magazine. Three ladies from the taste kitchen came to my classes…talk about pressure!  But they loved the food and us!  I just made it fun!”  Those who know her would agree that she always has a smile and the ability to make people laugh.

Pat’s passion for meeting new people, developing friendships, and achieving goals has led to her success as a consistent top broker in the area. 

 She was recruited by Lewis Glenn, then-president of Harry Norman Realtors in Atlanta, to be Broker-in-Charge at the Highland’s office in 1994.  Their goal was to improve recognition and numbers in the market place.  Pat did just last – from being number six and seven to a consistent top one, two, or three.

“I really knew very little about computers and stayed at the office late at night teaching myself”, says Pat.  “I worked seven days a week, getting home late but I had a goal to achieve” …and an achiever she is. 

In culinary school at a community college, she was awarded the Student of Excellence Award by the National Restaurant Association.  She attended the awards ceremony in Chicago and was introduced to JW (Bill) Marriott, who applauded her speech, and told her she would go far in her goals. 

Pat spent a year with Chef Tell at the Grand Old House in Grand Cayman and a month with Paula Deen at the Lady and Son’s Restaurant in Savannah.  “I have a real passion for food and good wines.”  

Pat Allen Realty Group will sponsor opening night of Highlands Food and Wine Festival, November 9, and also a gospel brunch on Sunday, November 12. 

“Mine and the other Pat’s hobby is dining out and we do this on a nightly basis,” she says.  “I know the chefs and waitstaff and this has led to my articles featuring chefs in Laurel.  I love to get into their hearts and souls and what inspired their love for food and cooking for others.” 

She has a top-selling cookbook, “Mouth of the South,” that can be purchased from her or at Mountain Fresh Grocery.  Her granola recipe won first place of all bed and breakfasts in the country awarded by the National Baking Association and is shared in her book.  Pat was a food critic in Macon, Georgia, writing for the Macon Telegraph and News.

Pat’s real estate business has flourished every year since opening Pat Allen Realty Group at 295 Dillard Road.  She is the only Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist in the area – an earned designation.  She is the top-selling broker in Highlands for 2016 and her firm is number one in sales. 

“This is accomplished by having seven professional and knowledgeable brokers and building relationships with our clients who constantly refer others to us,” she says. “I have been very blessed and believe in giving back to the community and supporting non-profits.”  

When asked what she feels led to her success, Pat answered,” Passion, hard work, knowledge of the market, and determination to match the right buyer with the right property.  If you don’t study the market daily, you simply can’t price properties correctly.  This leads to years on the market and is a disservice to all.  Real estate brokers change people’s lives for better or worse.  If you are a full-time and honest professional, it should always be a positive experience.” 

So whether looking for that perfect place to dine or perfect place to live on the Plateau, Pat Allen is the perfect source.