This is how Re/Max Realtor Katy Dix Brahler gets it sold
By Patricia Nugent
Though for the past 20 years she has appeared on several HGTV House Hunters episodes, as well as the national show Drew Carey Saves Cleveland, named a “Top Agent” by Cleveland Magazine and sold more than $12 million in homes, Realtor Katy Dix Brahler says the spotlight she is most proud to stand under is that of someone who gives back to the community.
Over the years she has fired up her indomitable spirit to make a big difference in local and national efforts, including being named Woman of the Year by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in 2015 for her prodigious fundraising efforts, bringing in more than $80,000 for the cause.
This year, she’s nominated Bill Craighead, proprietor of Cleveland Home Title for the potential honor of Man of the Year for LLS. She also advocates for the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging, and the Capital Campaign for both Cleveland Clinic and Kent State University, her alma mater.
Katy brings an all-in, go-big-or-go-home attitude to everything she does. It’s not surprising that she’s succeeded in real estate. This down-to-earth Bay Village resident, who lives on a quiet, tree-lined street just off Lake Road, is on the Top 10 list for producers among 3,000 Re/Max agents in Northeastern and Central Ohio.
Get to Know Katy
Successful real estate professionals find their paths in various ways, but for some, like Katy, real estate finds them.
While a student at Kent State University in the 1980s, and working in furniture sales in Stow, Katy met John Simon.
“I sold some furniture to him and at the end of the process he told me I should be selling real estate,” says Katy. “John was an exceptional broker and pivotal to my career.”
Katy went on to earn her degree in real estate and finance before joining John’s brokerage in Akron. She joined Re/ Max in 2003, and has won nearly every achievement award they offer.
You Think You Love It But are You ‘In Love’ With It?
“I am focused on finding the absolute right home for my clients, not just finding them a home,” says Katy.
“If someone falls in love with a house, I step in with a critical, unemotional eye to suggest pros and cons. If I feel it’s not the right home, I let them know.”
Recently, for instance, Katy’s daughter, Olivia, who is in college and has helped with her business, spoke with one of Katy’s longtime clients.
“He told my daughter that I have talked him out of numerous homes,” she says. “As much as I want to sell a home, I stand out because I’m determined to find people the right home. Some homes on the surface may look perfect, but, underneath, they’re not what my client is looking for.”
Shining a Light on Your Home to Sell
When working with sellers, Katy provides premier service.
“I hire a professional stager who I send through the house if it needs some extra staging,” she says. “I pay for that. I also hire a professional photographer. The pictures and video absolutely have to be professional.”
Katy then lists on the MLS, advertises on the major search engines and real estate portals (including her own website, KatyBrahler.com) and conducts social media marketing on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and more.
Doubling Her Business Every Year
Managing her growth is a constant effort for Katy. She hopes that her daughter continues to show interest in real estate as she makes her way through college and joins the force after her graduation.
“Olivia is my number one assistant and I would love to have her join my team someday,” says Katy.
“Every year, my business has doubled and I’m reaching a point where I won’t be able to handle everything alone.”
Market Watch: Closing Out the Year With a Bang
“It’s a misconception that in the fourth quarter the real estate market dies,” she says. “I’m actually busier than ever. There are often reductions in home prices heading into November and December, so buyers are quick to jump on that.”
For anyone who is thinking of selling their home, but plans on waiting until spring, Katy strongly recommends pulling the trigger now.
“If you wait until spring or summer, you’ll be facing more competition against more homes on the market,” she explains.
“And by then you’ll have missed all the serious buyers looking now.”
Here in Bay Village, one of her newest properties affords move-in, fully renovated ease and is within walking distance to downtown, the schools, the park and the lake.
“A cook’s kitchen includes newer appliances, granite counters, a glass-tile backsplash and gorgeous dark-wood cabinetry,” she says. 
“Offered at only $164,900, this charming three-bedroom ranch, with fenced-in yard and deck, won’t stay on the market long.”
Re/Max is located at 25021 Center Ridge Road in Westlake. Katy Brahler is a multi-million-dollar producer and is a distinguished member of the President’s Club and Executive Club of Re/Max. Call her cell at 440-724-4313 or visit KatyBrahler.com for more information.