I grew up in Down East Maine where the forests and lakes define “The Way Life Should Be”. I spent 30+ years in Maine where I received my education in business, earning a BA in Architecture, followed by an MBA. After working part-time for several years in real estate, mostly assisting friends, family, and co-workers, my husband, Tom, and I purchased our first home–a 1,600 sq foot cabin in 2011. We became weekend warriors and DIY'ers learning the trials and triumphs of homeownership.
Wanting a little break from my day job in Maine State Government and seeking excitement for a new adventure, I joined the Peace Corps in 2012, where I served as a health education volunteer in the country of Zambia. It was a life-changing and humbling experience that eventually led me to found a non-profit, called Build a School. This organization helps support a rural school in the Zambian community where I served. Tom and I fundraise and support volunteer teachers who bring education to the children of the community. I made my last trip to Zambia in 2020 and hope to visit again soon.
After returning home, Tom and I decided another move was in our future, and in 2018 we completed the renovations of our cabin in Maine, sold it, and made the trek to the Mountains of Western North Carolina. We fell in love with the area after several trips to visit friends and witnessing the beauty of the 2017 solar eclipse from atop Wayah Bald in Nantahala National Forest. After spending time in several parts of WNC, we settled in the beautiful community of Waynesville.
Once we moved, I knew I wanted to continue my entrepreneurial passion, focused in design and real estate. My husband and I invested in, and manage, a rental unit in Waynesville and are steadily building our portfolio of home renovations–I love home design and being an entrepreneur. Recently, I've been privileged to share my knowledge and expertise working with new buyer clients to renovate their mountain retreat, also in Waynesville. It was a joy to help them bring their vision to life and create a style of living that best suits their needs.
When it comes to working with clients at Carolina Mountain Sales, my own experience buying and selling property offers unique insight and helps explain what is often an emotional, and at times confusing, process. I like to think that my architecture and design-led approach to home building and renovation can help clients find that “diamond in the rough” property and assist them in navigating this competitive real estate market. As a home renovation expert, I can help sellers realize their property's best potential and confidently guide them through the selling process.
Whether you're looking to purchase your first home, investment property, a turnkey home, or a fixer-upper, I can help you achieve your real estate goals!
When I'm not working, Tom and I get outdoors as often as possible with our Zambian rescue dog, Jazzy! We enjoy socializing and meeting new people through our own travels and by hosting Airbnb and VRBO guests. We also love barbecuing, hanging out by the fire pit, and driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
