6 minute read
YOUR COMMUNITY CONNECTOR
By William Harwood
Downtown Columbia is quiet at 8 a.m. when Katie Baker pulls into her office at RE/MAX Encore. This early-bird-gets-the-worm mindset is how she has built her real estate career from nothing into a team of three, helping clients from Memphis to Maury County. “Many thought I was crazy to sell real estate in Memphis and Middle Tennessee,” Baker says. “But I knew from experience that anything is possible with the right plan.”
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Photos by Southern Social
Originally from Memphis, Baker grew up in a large Italian family, spending her childhood absorbing the homes and the architecture around her. “When I was little, my parents would take us to open houses for fun. Eventually, we bought a Tudor-style home in a subdivision called Lion’s Gate, a neighborhood built on the grounds of a large, Art Deco home owned by my great-uncle, Hoyt Wooten. Wooten’s pool, tennis court, and bomb shelter became neighborhood amenities. It was an idyllic time.”
Soon after college at the University of Memphis where Baker majored in Public Relations, she not only closed on her first home but met her future husband, Josh, at the housewarming party. Since his family has lived in the town of Duck River, Tennessee, for over 100 years, Columbia was a natural fit for finding their forever home, particularly since both Bakers share a love for old houses with modern conveniences.
Photos by Southern Social
In 2017, Baker was at a career crossroads. She had spent 12 years on cell tower development, traveling the country and working with national carriers to place towers. “It was a wonderful mix of commercial & residential real estate.” Baker observes. “That’s where I learned how to read construction drawings and understand zoning ordinances; how to work with attorneys to negotiate leases with landlords and carriers; and how to work on long-range development projects.” So, after the birth of her son, she decided to make real estate her career, requiring her to travel less while still utilizing her expertise.
Photos by Southern Social
Being a Realtor was a risk, but one worth taking. Baker knew she could turn her love of architecture and Type A personality into a successful business venture. She interviewed several brokerages, and for her, RE/MAX had it all: the best technology, best broker, and ideal office space in downtown Columbia.
For the first two years, Baker was a solo agent, but then built a team including Melissa Pacco her buyers’ agent, and Katie Scott their assistant. For the logo, Baker’s memories of Lion’s Gate inspired her to use the lion head knocker, a symbol displayed most notably on the custom welcome mats the team gifts clients. “The logo represents a leader-of-the-pack mentality,” Baker says. “We’re go-getters. We use the lion as a motivating factor to always grow and do better.”
Photos by Southern Social
Photos by Southern Social
The Katie Baker Group specializes in all things real estate: commercial properties, condos, farms, investment properties, homes, and vacation houses along the Tennessee River. Baker has a particular love for historic buildings. A self-described preservationist, she is a cheerleader for downtown Columbia’s revitalization and a supporter of First Fridays. “I loved the idea of businesses staying open late the first Friday of the month. Since the RE/MAX logo is a hot air balloon, I decided to hand out free balloons to the kids. They call us the ‘balloon ladies' and the kids light up when they see us.” Giving back to clients and the community has been a part of the Katie Baker Group since day one, a team that regularly donates to causes around town and has, most recently, chosen to donate a portion of every closing to the Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit children’s hospital.
Maury County is one of the top areas to relocate to and with 8,500 new houses expected to be built in the next five years. Baker understands what it’s like to move to a new city which is why she created a relocation packet to welcome newcomers. The packets are available at Baker’s office and are an excellent resource for anyone wanting to work and live in Maury County. “We’re not just here to help you buy or sell a house,” Baker says. “KBG is here to help you find your favorite boutique, restaurant, or even your dry cleaners. We’re your community connectors.”
Photos by Southern Social
Katie's Favorites ...
ITALIAN FOOD: Barino Italian
PLACE TO RELAX: Elia Day Spa DOPPELGANGER: Meadow Soprano WAY TO DESTRESS: Workout, Lotus Rising Yoga MOVIE: When Harry Met Sally
HEALTHY FOOD: Salad
JUNK FOOD: Almond Joy COLOR: Blue
CAN’T LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT: Earrings VACATION: Seaside 30A
Photos by Southern Social
Katie's Top 5 ThingsTO DO IN MAURY COUNTY
Visit The Factory at Columbia, First Fridays, Hoofing It Walking Tour, Golf/Swim at Graymere Country Club, and Antiquing
Let the Katie Baker Group help you find your next dream home or business property. Call or text Katie at (901) 351-7235 and follow them on social media at @tnkatiebaker. n
WILLIAM HARWOOD, a Peabody-Award-winning, Nashville-based writer, teaches U.S. history for Bethel University and serves as the senior editor for Edible Nashville and SEONow. William is active with Achilles International, a nonprofit that guides athletes with impairments in races.
