Meet a Local: Realtor, Cat Thornton

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Visitors know that the locals often have the best inside information on the region. They’ve found the best restaurants, things to do, and in the case of Cat Thornton, the best places to live! Welcome to our Meet a Local series of blog posts where we introduce you to locals from Lake Murray Country who love the region and want to share their knowledge with visitors. Make sure to say “hi,” when you see them around!

Meet Cat Thornton, an award-winning real estate agent with an impressive 16-year track record in the industry. She specializes in lakefront properties around Lake Murray, Lake Monticello, and Lake Wateree. Cat’s journey into real estate was motivated by her desire to balance work and family life, and she has since become a passionate realtor resource for those moving to the Lake Murray Country region. For anyone considering a move to Lake Murray, Cat Thornton can help ensure it becomes a reality.

 

Who is Cat Thornton?

I was raised by a 20-year military veteran and my mom who my dad met while stationed in the Philippines. They married and he brought her to the States. We were raised living and playing at the bases my dad was stationed at, on the coast, always around water. My father then became a Golf Professional and we moved to SC to run golf courses. 

I graduated from The University of SC with a BA in Marketing. I have been married once and it’s to the love of my life of 37 years. We have 3 children; Cole, Tina & Nash, and one granddaughter, Banks. Of course, my favorite pastime is spent with my children and grand. I am “Lola” to Banks. All my children live and work nearby so I’m extra lucky to have them close.

How did you get into real estate?

I tell myself I semi-retired when I left the corporate world to become a stay-at-home mom once the third child came along. I felt it was more important to be a full-time mom to my kids. I wanted them to be raised by me and not someone else. Once they were old enough and more independent, I decided to go back to work but I still wanted to be available to my kids. Real Estate gave me more control over scheduling work hours and to still be able to attend my kid’s school functions, sporting events, etc. After 16 years in the business, it’s definitely not an 8 to 5 Mon – Fri job, but a 24/7 Mon – Sun juggling act. It was the best move I ever made for my family and career. 

What do you have planned for the future?

Sell, Sell, Sell!  I plan to continue to represent buyers and sellers as they transition into new chapters in their lives. I love being a part of one of the biggest investments of their lives and helping them maneuver through the process. My specialty is lakefront properties, Lake Murray, Lake Monticello, and Lake Wateree. I have past clients always needing to make a change and it’s not always waterfront so anything on dirt I will list or sell. 

What is your favorite part of Lake Murray (and/or the surrounding areas)?

I love the upper part of the lake with less boat traffic and more wildlife. The Purple Martins were phenomenal this year at Bombing Range Island. I love the Capital City Lake Murray Country’s firework shows from Billy Dreher Island and Bombing Range. I love our piece of heaven on the Prosperity side of the lake. Having lived on the Lexington side and having my husband’s family who bought lake lots in the ’60s, I feel very at home on that side of the lake as well. Anywhere there is a sunrise or a sunset is a good place to be on Lake Murray. 

What advice do you have for people looking to move to the region?

Find a Realtor who specializes in the area you are interested in, check their credentials, their reviews, and experience. A brief zoom interview is a great way for each party to interview each other to see if there is a match. You want to feel comfortable with who you will be working with. You want to feel assured the agent will have the same intensity level as you do to market your home or to find you the home of your dreams. 

I would also suggest investing time into local events whether it be Segra Park to catch a Firefly’s baseball game, The Town of Lexington for a free concert at Ice House Theatre, The Town of Chapin Labor Day Parade, a concert at The Newberry Opera House, a rodeo in Blythewood or South Congaree, or a boat tour on Lake Murray.

Is there anything else you would like visitors to know about your business?

Lake Homes Realty is the nation’s largest lake-focused real estate company. Lake Homes Realty presently provides full-service, multi-state real estate brokerage services in 34 states – and growing. LakeHomes.com has more than 70,000 lake properties listed, totaling $30 billion.  For the past six years, Inc. Magazine has ranked Lake Homes Realty as one of the fastest-growing companies in America. 

For people visiting the area, what is your best local advice?  

The best advice I can give to newcomers is to visit the Capital City Lake Murray Country Visitors Center. They have a collection of the most information on our region, Lake Murray, and the events on and off the lake, and can help you with what to do, where to eat, hike, camp, fish, and play. They are the ambassadors to our cities, counties in our region, and the businesses in our community. If you have to come in July, just know it’s not always that hot here.

 

Are you looking to move to Lake Murray Country? Visit Cat Thornton’s website on LakeHomes.com, email her at [email protected], or give her a call at (803) 355-5900.