LINCOLN EDITION
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KATIE
ALLEN NOVEMBER 2021
realtor on the rise By Ali Shaffer Photos by Kathy Plunkett Photography & Evian Schindler
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atie ALLEN
KATIE ALLEN has always been a student of real estate, experiencing the highs and the lows of the industry on a personal level.
Originally from Lincoln, she graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, before moving to California to work in television. “Over my career, I’ve done many high-stress jobs, working for companies like Mars (think M&Ms), Turner Broadcasting, and Warner Bros. I always love learning new things and challenging myself.” After nearly twenty years in California, Katie and her two daughters moved back to Nebraska to be closer to family. She was vice president of sales for a Napa winery, and while she enjoyed the adventure, it was time to find a role that involved less travel, especially as a single mom of two active daughters. “I was ready to build something where I was more in control of my destiny and not missing anything that my kids were doing.” Katie was always fascinated with real estate. “Many people have told me I should become a real estate agent, and I’ve always loved helping my friends make housing decisions. So I took the leap of faith and got my license in 2019.”
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Real estate is real life to Katie, and she has seen its impact in her own story. “I lived through the housing market crash in 2008 and personally went through losing a house. I didn’t understand the mortgage we had signed up for, and our REALTOR® didn’t provide much explanation for us throughout the process.” That experience made a lasting impact on Katie. She draws upon her own personal experiences with real estate to be an educator and advocate for her clients. “The first house I bought in California was with a newer agent who did an amazing job. I remember her name to this day: Donna Baker. It was her third career and yet she was so polished and professional. I was impressed at how well she explained everything to us. To this day, I’ve tried to emulate the way that she made me feel as a client, helping me feel comfortable all through the process. Both the good and challenging experiences I personally went through have made me the agent that I am today.” Because of her experiences, Katie works hard to empathize with her clients and understand their backgrounds and perspectives. “Even though I’m a newer agent, I do have a lot of personal experiences that I bring to the table to develop rapport and trust with my clients. Even if they’ve purchased ten homes, I want to make sure there are no surprises and that they understand every step of the process. I try to put myself in my clients’ shoes so they feel comfortable.”
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Katie works to keep her clients comfortable even if it means stepping out of her own comfort zone. She had a seller earlier this year who was moving out of state. They were moving themselves and were busy packing up the morning of their closing. “They asked if I could come over and help. It was like a scene out of a movie. The toddler was crying, the dog was barking, and they were scrambling to get last-minute boxes packed.” The last thing to pack up? “Their chickens. I was literally in their backyard, chasing chickens! When we finally had everything packed up and went to start their car, they found out the keys were packed somewhere in a box! A locksmith came to cut a key, and finally, when they went to start the car, the battery was dead. It was a stressful day, and everything that could go wrong did! But it made me realize it truly is all about making people feel cared for and happy. I hope that family can laugh about it now!” Whether it means chasing chickens or explaining parts of the process for the hundredth time, Katie is here to provide her clients with the support they need. And that’s the feedback she gets over and over again from her clients. Katie is one of the top REALTORS® at Coldwell Banker NHS and this year earned their Global Luxury certification, ranking in the top of all Coldwell Banker agents globally, representing luxury homes. “My goal is to represent my clients wherever they are and at
every price point. In such a severe housing shortage, I am doing whatever I can to help my clients, whether that’s finding them an existing home or working with them to build a new home. New construction is really important in real estate these days so it’s my goal to be a strong resource for my clients in this way.” Katie recently partnered with True North Custom Homes, another way she hopes to provide support and expertise for her clients. “I’m honest to a fault. You need someone to guide you and reassure you with the facts that you need to make a decision. Clients get excited, and then doubt and fear creep in. It’s at that pivotal moment where I really excel. I’ll give very honest input Harper, Katie, and Margeaux and advice to help my clients over those humps all through the transaction.” Through her honest support of her clients, Katie’s well on her way to building a strong reputation, making her clients feel so valued and comfortable that they remember her name for years to come.
KATIE ALLEN - REALTOR® Coldwell Banker NHS Real Estate 402-480-4373 KatieAllenRealEstate.com katie@cb-nhs.com COPYRIGHT BY N2 PUBLISHING AND MAY NOT BE COPIED OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT PRIOR, WRITTEN APPROVAL