Katy Dix Brahler, of Re/Max, gives the inside scoop on what’s happening in the real estate market right now

By Patricia Nugent

Local Re/Max Realtor Katy Dix Brahler doesn’t like to brag, and she doesn’t have to. Her numbers speak for themselves. In 2022, she sold more than $18 million in real estate.

How does she manage to operate up in the rarified atmosphere so few real estate agents ever reach? By staying steps ahead of what’s happening in the market.

She does her research. Having just attended a conference by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), she has an insider’s handle on what’s going on.

“In addition to attending national conferences, I also listen to podcasts within the industry to stay informed,” she says.

Her Crystal Ball
People often come to Katy asking about the current market and if now is the right time to buy or sell. Spoiler alert, the answers are “good” and “oh, heck yes.”

Here are a few indicators she sees.

• “I think interest rates will hover at around 7% starting out the year and will eventually even out in the 5% range by mid-year.”
• “The number of homes on the market is historically low, even lower than this time last year, which is unbelievable. For instance, there are currently only 15 listings in Bay Village and 39 in Rocky River.”
• “Home prices are eventually going to taper down. Although we are not seeing the crazy overbidding wars we did in 2021 and 2022, from a long-term perspective, now is still a fabulous time to jump on the market.”
• “January and February are terrific months to sell your home. The bottom line is, people who go out in any kind of cold, snowy weather are very motivated.”

A Gift for Selling Luxury Homes
“We’re blessed on the west side, especially in Bay Village (my hometown) and Rocky River, to have an abundance of luxury properties along the lakefront,” Katy adds. “As a certified luxury home specialist, I’ve made it a priority to continue with ongoing training, and that’s paid off for my home sellers, who can expect their property to stay on the market for less time, and attract a better selling price than they anticipated.”

Every home has a unique story to tell and Katy excels at cultivating that and crafting a strategy spotlighting differentiators such as custom craftsmanship, rare materials and spa-like amenities.

“The key component to selling luxury homes is cultivating a pool of pre-approved buyers looking to move into these homes,” she says.

Giving Back with Heart
At the end of the day, Katy puts family and community first. She lives steps from Lake Erie with her husband Gary. Her two 20-something-year-old daughters were active growing up in Bay Village schools. Over the years, she’s also put her heart into several philanthropies in the Cleveland area and made a real difference.

She was awarded Woman of the Year in 2015 for her fundraising efforts with the LLS, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and has also been a contributor to VeloSano and the Cleveland Clinic, KSU Alumni Association, Cleveland Playhouse Theater and the Golden Age Center. Katy also sits on the board of MOCA Cleveland, the museum of contemporary art.

Make Your Move
From $150,000 to a several-million-dollar price tag, Katy Dix Brahler gives the same level of VIP service to all her clients. It’s how she’s operated the past 27 years.

Here are a few gems that just came on the market.

With not enough condominiums to meet the rising demand in downtown Cleveland, Katy reports they’re an excellent investment.

“This trendy, two-story, two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhome, at 1133 W. 9th Street #701, feels spacious and bright and is just steps from the stadium and downtown,” she says. “This property was the setting for The Watcher,” Netflix - Season 1, Episode 7. Cleveland has such a wonderful history and 2023 is going to be a banner year for further real estate development and progress,” she says.

Located within the historic 1913 Water Street building, it has many desirable updates, including granite counters, contemporary lighting fixtures and hardwood floors, all amidst a backdrop of sweeping north-facing Lake Erie views. At just under 1,000 square feet, it’s easy to maintain and ideal for folks who want to be near all the action.

Thanks to a motivated seller, the price has just dropped to $189,900.

As a proud alum of Kent State University, Katy has kept her commitment to the town alive over the years. She works with many properties in the area. This one at 704 River Bend is a perfect example of a lovingly maintained, custom-built home with 3,400 square feet of open-concept living.

“With soaring ceilings and all the right updates, this five-bedroom home is gorgeous,” says Katy. “A star is the home theater in the finished basement, complete with rows of leather recliners, a movie screen and projector. It sits on a lovely professionally landscaped half-acre yard and is near downtown Kent and the university. Priced just-right at $599,900, it’s a steal and won’t be on the market for long.”

Re/Max Above and Beyond is located at 25021 Center Ridge Road in Westlake. Katy Dix Brahler is a Chairman Producer of Re/Max and for the past 3 years has been in the top 10 Expertise.com Realtor in Northeastern Ohio. Katy is also top 1% producer in the state of Ohio. Call her cell at 440-724-4313 or visit KatyBrahler.com for more information.