Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1405904
D allas' real estate market is the heartbeat of the city, and the real estate agents are the backbone and drivers of change — especially with the Texas housing market hot and getting hotter. In this new series, we highlight some of Dallas' most high-profile realtors. Next up is Shirley Cohn with Allie Beth Allman & Associates. Number of years in real estate. 17. Area of expertise. I live in Park Cities, so that's probably where I sell the most homes, along with surrounding areas like Devonshire, Greenway Parks, Greenway Crest, Midway Hollow, and East Dallas. But I really sell everywhere. H o t t e s t u p - a n d - c o m i n g neighborhood in Dallas. Midway Hollow, because people can still get in at a reasonable price. Best locations for a second home. Aspen and Vail. Best advice for selling your home. Price it correctly, update it and stage it. If you do these three things, it won't sit long on the market. Highlight of being a realtor. I work with a lot of newly married couples who are buying their first home. I might show them 100 homes, but I want to make sure that it's the right house and that they love it. Predictions for where the market is headed. I think it's going to stay a hot market as long as interest rates remain low and we have inventory. As long as houses keep coming on the market, it's going to stay strong. The neighborhood you call home. Highland Park. I've been in my home for over 30 years. We have block parties, happy hours, and Halloween parties. We know each other, take each other meals, and are always offering to help each other. The most used rooms in your own home. My kitchen and my family room, because I love to entertain. I usually have people over to entertain once a week; we have a pool, and we sit outside on the patio. Community involvement and philanthropic affiliations. I'm involved in Celebrating Women, on the host committee for Community Partners of Dallas' Chick Lit Luncheon this year, Junior Charity League, and La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas. What you love most about living in Dallas. The community, the beauty of Dallas, downtown, and all the parks that we have. Everyone is so involved trying to make Dallas a better place to live. I also love the restaurants and enjoying what Dallas has to offer. I grew up in a small town, so living in a city, you really have to take advantage of all it has to offer. And, of course, I love the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas restaurant you can't live without. Cafe Pacific in Highland Park Village. Key to finding clients their perfect home. Be a good listener. Listen to what they want, do your homework, be patient, be kind and a steward of good faith. You're truly there to help them. What you love about your job. I love houses and never get tired of going in them. In fact, I went to eight houses just today. You cannot sell real estate and not love houses. Plus, I love people. Because I get to combine the two, I feel blessed every day. How you're finding clients' homes in this tight market. Making phone calls to other agents; and building relationships with other realtors in your area is key. They are your friends. That's how to find what's on the market and what's coming. Key to concierge service. I take care of my clients from the time they begin looking for a house until they are settled in to their new home. What people are looking for in homes today. An updated house that's move-in ready, with most of the updates already done. Buyers don't have time to do updates. And a nice-sized family room is sought after. Go-to hostess gift. I would probably take homemade toffee or a beautiful coffee-table book. Contact Shirley Cohn at 214.729.5708, shirley.cohn@alliebeth.com PAPERCITY PROMOTION GETTING TO KNOW SHIRLEY COHN THIS REALTOR KNOWS DALLAS' DREAMIEST NEIGHBORHOODS, WHAT CONCIERGE SERVICE MEANS, AND HOW TO FIND A PERFECT HOME. Shirley Cohn 71