Realtor Mary Nancy Chatel is a Louisville native who has her finger on the pulse of the housing market, along with so many other things in this city. Being surrounded by beautiful homes is tempting, and because of that, she has moved four times in four years. This working mom loves all things Louisville, from local sports to the KingFish. Today’s FACE also has some big news to share with StyleBlueprint readers, and it’s not about a great house coming on the market …
What are the trends in the Louisville housing market that we need to know about?
Inventory continues to be low inside the Watterson Expressway and exceptionally low for renovated homes. So that means if you are a seller of a renovated home, you’re in luck. Buyers are going to have to look harder and be ready to buy quickly. While mortgage rates remain low, I foresee the end of 2014 to finish strong with home sales before rates rise.
Have you always been a realtor? Tell us a little about your career path.
What is the easiest thing about your job? And what is the hardest?
How many times have you moved? Do realtors shop for houses like we shop for clothes?
Do you think you will ever settle down in one house for a long time?
What is the biggest life lesson you have ever learned?
In this stage of life, when friends start getting sick with true life-threatening illnesses, and friends’ children have to endure illnesses that no child should ever have to endure, it’s amazing how far just telling someone you care and are there for them goes. We were lucky enough to walk away from a bad car wreck this year. I realized then that telling my friend’s family how much I love them, even if it’s a random text at 10 a.m. on a Tuesday, is important. In the end, we all carry our own crosses, so we might as well do it with compassion, pride and a smile.
Who is your mentor?
My mother and father. I would feel this way even if they weren’t my parents. I’ve never met two people who put others before themselves more. They are constantly giving back to the community. They exude strong Christian values. They have a “tough as nails” work ethic. And, they do it all with such a fun, positive attitude.
What is the best advice you have received in business?
There is an old saying that “I don’t care if you’re the most powerful man in the room. I will judge you on how you treat the least powerful man in the room.” That has really influenced me in my life.
If you were not in your current job, what would you secretly love to do?
Aside from being a fashion critic at Holiday World or Kentucky Kingdom? I’d play the electric cowbell or triangle in a band. I have no desire to be the lead singer ( I currently lip sync in church. My voice is awful!), I just want to help electrify the crowd, turn the dance party up and rock out.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
Our family is expanding May 2015!
What was your favorite Halloween costume?
A homemade Wonder Woman costume. I tweaked it annually and wore it for years.
What did your room look like as a child?
My favorite color has always been green. So it had green carpet, green floral bedding (so ’80s!) and then my sweet mom was kind enough to let us paint each wall a different color (purple, pink, yellow and green). It looked like Rainbow Brite threw up in there.
What is your favorite place to go eat?
My mom’s dining room table. The lady can cook!
Where do you like to shop?
I am NOT a shopper. So I am so fortunate to have Brook Ventura of Matilda Jane outfit my closet with MJ’s adult line. I adore how comfortable, yet stylish and easy-to-care-for, all the pieces are. Jordan Clines Jewelers is my go-to for rebuilding my family jewelry or my collection of sterling silver.
What is a treat or a luxury you do for yourself?
Naps! With small kiddos, it’s a huge luxury. Also an occasional visit to Physician’s Center for Beauty or Joseph’s Salon and Spa for facials.
What is your weakness?
Long John Silver’s, making fun of unicorns and buying houses.
What is your favorite thing to do in Louisville?
It’s a little old school: KingFish! I love taking the kids down to the river with other families, playing putt-putt, listening to the great bands, watching the barges go by while the kids roll down the big grass hill … I did it when I was a kid, and I love that it’s still around.
Three things you cannot live without besides faith, family and friends:
- Cedar Lake Lodge, the amazing school for the developmentally delayed, where my sister Kate has lived for 15 years.
- Cynthia Williams at Get Fit 24/7. She’s a trainer and has taken over my physical therapy, putting my body back together after a bad car wreck in May.
- A quick wit.
What are you reading right now?
Philistines at the Hedge Row, by Steven Gaines and Cornbread Mafia, by James Higdon.
What are three of your favorite things right now:
Teaching my children my love of sports, Holy Trinity Parish School and my heating pad.
Thank you Mary Nancy, for giving us a sneak peek of a beautiful home going up on the market, complete with meandering deer through the yard. To see Mary Nancy’s listings click here: www.sothebysrealty.com
As always, much gratitude to our FACES photographer, Adele Reding, for her fantastic work. See her profile on her Facebook page.
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