Markel Homes – Blog featuring updates, community events and the Markel team

Kate Lyons, professional mountain bike racer turned realtor, now Sales Manager at Northfield Commons, was recently named one of Realtor® Magazine’s 30 Under 30 national winners. More than 400 young professionals throughout the country applied for the 30 slots awarded in 2008. And we thought selling houses was competitive.

30 Under 30 is designed to identify rising stars with stellar sales figures. No surprise there. For the record, Kate’s sales climbed from $3.7 million in 2006 to more than $9 million in 2007. But back to the contest.

Realtor Magazine also looks for candidates who demonstrate unusual marketing ideas and exhibit signs of leadership in their communities and their profession. Unique stories about how the applicants achieved their success are taken into consideration, along with examples of ingenuity and creativity in the sales effort.

So Kate, does your competitive zeal, enthusiasm and energy for mountain biking transfer to selling houses? What’s your secret?

“Eat lots of sugar to keep you going through the 10-hour days and long weekends,” says our Boulder winner. “You have to be passionate and dedicated to your career. Each day brings a new challenge, which I love. And wearing a variety of hats keeps me motivated and always interested. I get my feet wet in all aspects of the business—sales, marketing, design, people, builders and the City of Boulder.”

Kate also discovered how to become unique and stand out as a realtor, something Realtor Magazine looked for in picking their winners. “I sell newly constructed, Built Green® and Energy Star® homes for a well-established builder. Working for a reputable builder allows me to target the environmentally conscious buyer and focus on sustainable living—features incredibly important to a Boulder buyer.”

Her words, not ours.

The resident superstar is available for autographs in the Northfield Commons sales center from 11-6 PM daily. In exchange for an autograph, she’ll show you a fabulous home, town home, duplex, row house or condo.

Hats off, Kate. We’re mighty proud.