Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cathye Dowda Cota. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cathye, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
In 1998, I moved to a new town and began a 20+ year career in HVAC manufacturing. When COVID hit, I made the bold decision to leap into real estate, with no prior experience or knowledge of how to start. From day one, I never allowed fear or doubt to creep in—I simply believed in myself and got to work. Since then, I’ve been a top producer every year, doubling my sales thanks to the trust and referrals of friends and family. I’m proof that taking a chance and betting on yourself can lead to incredible success.
Cathye, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
In real estate, I pride myself on providing exceptional service. I’m not just selling homes; I’m guiding people through one of the biggest decisions of their lives. My approach is centered on communication, transparency, and treating clients the way I’d want to be treated. Whether it’s first-time buyers, families looking for their forever home, or sellers navigating complex transitions, I ensure they feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way.
What sets me apart is my ability to adapt to an ever-changing market, my negotiation skills, and my focus on relationships over transactions. The majority of my business comes from referrals—friends, family, and past clients who trust me enough to recommend me to others. That’s something I’m incredibly proud of because it means I’m not just doing a job; I’m building lasting relationships based on trust and results.
I’ve been fortunate to be recognized as a top producer year after year, doubling my sales thanks to the loyalty of those I’ve served. But beyond the numbers, I’m proud of the small, impactful moments—helping a family buy their dream home, guiding clients through challenging transactions, or earning a referral that speaks to the level of service I provide.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple motto: just do the DANG thing. It’s about showing up, putting in the work, and staying committed to the people I serve. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just looking for real estate advice, my mission is to make the process as smooth, successful, and stress-free as possible.
I want potential clients to know that when you work with me, you’re not just getting a real estate agent—you’re getting a partner who will go above and beyond to help you achieve your goals.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of the most defining and challenging moments in my life was losing my 53-year-old husband after a six-year battle with cancer. At just 43, I found myself a widow, unsure of where to turn or how to move forward. It was a time filled with overwhelming grief and uncertainty, but I made a choice to surround myself with people who truly loved and supported me.
In the midst of my loss, I threw myself into my work—not as a distraction, but as a way to rebuild my life with purpose. I leaned into my job with everything I had, using it as a place to channel my energy, strength, and resilience. That season of my life taught me that even when everything feels like it’s fallen apart, you can pick up the pieces and find a way to create something meaningful.
I believe my ability to push through that unimaginable pain has shaped the way I approach everything, both personally and professionally. I know what it means to face life’s hardest moments head-on, and that resilience allows me to show up for others, whether it’s helping a family navigate a major transition or guiding clients through the uncertainties of buying or selling a home.
Life has a way of testing us, but it also gives us opportunities to rise stronger, and I’m proud of the person I’ve become through that journey.
Have you ever had to pivot?
After my first year in real estate, I found myself trying to do it all—serving clients, managing transactions, handling marketing, and everything in between. I quickly realized that while I was working hard, I wasn’t working as effectively as I could. I was buried in paperwork and desk work, which took time away from what I love most: connecting with my clients and helping them achieve their real estate goals.
That’s when I made a pivotal decision to hire Lexi, my transaction coordinator, and bring on a marketing assistant to handle social media. This shift was a game-changer. Lexi took over the details and organization of contracts and paperwork, ensuring everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. My marketing assistant helped me stay visible and consistent on social media, allowing me to reach more people while staying focused on serving my clients.
By leveraging their strengths, I was able to spend less time at my desk and more time doing what I do best—building relationships, negotiating, and guiding my clients through the process. This pivot allowed me to scale my business, serve more families, and truly grow in a way that wouldn’t have been possible on my own.
Looking back, I’m so grateful I recognized the need for help and took that step. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best way to grow is by letting go of certain tasks and trusting others to support you. That decision transformed not only my business but also how I show up for my clients every day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Cathye_dowda_cota_realtor
- Facebook: Cathye dowda Cota
