Kathy Margeson Cotney is a third generation Atlantan and lifelong University of Georgia fan. Her transition into real estate was inevitable with past careers in technology sales, mortgage lending and her love of people. Her first year in the business, Kathy achieved Rookie of the Year status, hitting $8million in sales.
Currently residing in Historic Brookhaven, Kathy isn’t far from where she grew up in Ashford Park. She attended St. Pius X and then went on to The University of Georgia, GO DAWGS! Kathy’s desire to travel the world had her interviewing with Delta as a Flight Attendant. However, destiny stepped in and she was offered a job at IBM where she was able to travel the world for years during her career with the company. She also met Tom, her husband of 32 years while at IBM. You could say things worked out!
Kathy and her husband have three children, two girls and a boy, each graduated from Marist. Now she’s a proud grandmother of three. Her newest puppy and 3rd family bulldog, Hamilton, is 6 months old weighing in at 30 pounds with a loving, loyal personality. Her last bulldog Henry was the great great- grandson of UGA V, the family’s claim to fame.
Kathy is a beloved Beacham agent with arguably one of the best personalities and most definitely the biggest Georgia fan in the office!
Did you ever imagine you would end up in real estate?
“Well my first job was IBM and it was an IT job. The salespeople I was supporting were making a lot more money than me…so I said I’m moving over to the sales side! Over the years I worked in sales for IBM and then several other technology companies selling services and software. A former IBM friend had changed careers to mortgage lending. She convinced me to make the same change. That is where I initially got involved in the field of Residential real estate. I love helping people find their perfect home and with my lending background I’m able to explain and be of assistance more along the way.”
What traits do you contribute to your success?
“Like most successful people in this business, I’m definitely an A personality. But primarily I like to help people. (That likely comes from being the oldest of 8 children where I honed my “caretaker” personality!) I’m also honest with my clients. That honesty has likely cost me several listings, but in the end that honesty and integrity paid off. Additionally, my background in mortgage lending allows me to thoroughly explain the entire process of home buying to my clients. I get a sense of joy and happiness with my job, and I don’t think many people can say that.”
Do you have a tradition you do for every closing?
“For my buyers, I like to give a set of slate coasters with the GPS coordinates of their new home! It’s a good conversation starter and it’s a piece of their history that they can keep forever.”
Do you have a craziest real estate story you can share?
“Well several things, but I can’t tell you! But a real estate friend had a listing and the owner wasn’t home, but someone wanted to see it. The owner said it would be ok to show but please be sure that you don’t let the cat out. My friend shows the house and is ready to lock up when she sees the cat outside! She takes the next thirty minutes trying to catch the cat and finally is able to get it back inside the house. The owner calls and she explained what happened. The owner then asked her what the cat looks like…turns out it was the neighbor’s cat!”
Why do you Broker with Beacham?
“The philosophy at Beacham is the best of the best. It’s agent centric and one of the only companies left in Atlanta that isn’t owned by a corporation. I love that Glennis is a producing agent, because what other company owner can still relate that well to her employees? I also love that Glennis will jump in personally to help if needed. Other agencies encourage a competitive vibe between agents. At Beacham, we are encouraged to “compete with ourselves” and how we can better our business. And finally, I think we have the premier marketing team and marketing content in the Atlanta market. No one can come close to “The Beacham Look”.”
Where is your favorite place for a quick Atlanta getaway?
“Our house on Lake Burton in North Georgia. I call it “above the stress line” when I’m driving north and get a first sight of the mountains. We nicknamed our house with the old southern saying HIGH COTTON because we feel so fortunate to be able to get away to this special place with family and friends.”
Most underrated place in Atlanta?
“Three Dollar Café. They have the best wings in town. It is not fancy and definitely NOT on the Whole 30 Diet!”
Favorite TV show right now?
“Blue Bloods”
What would your perfect room look like?
“A cozy stone fireplace, furniture organized to incite good conversation, calming neutral colors and wooden beams for a more casual, rustic feel.”
