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Serving the finest homes in Saint Louis for over 30 years

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PLUMBING COMPANY INC

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[real talk ] Katie McLaughlin]

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laura mccarthy real estate

maximum discount $100

by tony di martino

all parts & fixtures Not valid with other offers or discounts. Expires 9/20/12.

Katie McLaughlin grew up in the real

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919 Lay Road | Ladue 63124 | $585,000 3 bedrooms ~ 3 baths

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August 8, 2012

estate business. “My mom, Sue McLaughlin, owned her own agency when I was a little kid, then moved to Laura McCarthy Real Estate 17 years ago. I was always hanging around her office, pretending to talk on the phone and do deals.” It obviously made an impression: for the last 12 years, she and Sue have been a team at Laura McCarthy. “We have our minor meltdowns and mother-daughter moments, but overall, it’s an effortless partnership.” Katie even married into the business: her husband is a commercial real estate broker, and the couple have two daughters. “I majored in communications at Saint Louis University, but I should have known I’d end up in real estate. I got my license just for fun my junior year, thinking I’d earn some money over the summer, but I fell in love with the business. It came so naturally. I had to prove myself, of course, but I had instant credibility because of my mom’s reputation. I saw my mother in an entirely different way when we started working together. I always respected her as a mom, but once I saw her in action, I was in awe. I came home and told my dad, “Mom is really impressive!” He already knew, of course. When I was just starting out, it seemed every unmarried girl I sold a home to got engaged shortly thereafter. Everyone teased me about having the magic touch! The key thing I learned from my mom is the importance of honesty and trust. She is a walking beacon of integrity. She always told me to treat my clients as if they were my children, not in a patronizing way, but in terms of never selling them a home I wouldn’t sell to my own kids. This market is a price war and a beauty contest. If you’re priced right, you’ll sell fast. Before you list your home, ask yourself what you’d be looking for if you were a buyer. Then make sure your house has it. The market is still iffy and sales aren’t where they should be, but agents need to take the long view. You achieve success by developing lifelong relationships within the community. Selling or buying a home requires lots of hand-holding and sound advice. If your clients are pleased, they’ll refer you to their friends and family. You can’t go wrong if you strive to do right by others.”

PHOTO BY bill barrett


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