Prior to becoming a real estate professional, Cathy Garren worked in the Banking industry as a Mortgage Loan Officer and Trust and Estate Officer with First Union National Bank for ten years. In the latter position, she managed the acquisitions and sales of her clients' real estate and stock portfolios. For the past nineteen years, Cathy has been extremely active in the Highlands/Cashiers real estate market listing and selling homes and land. Additionally, she has devoted a considerable portion of her time to working with the Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS, including President of the Board and Chairman of the Ethics Committee.

Cathy specializes in fine homes and estate properties, conservation easement acquisition and placement, short sales and foreclosures, large land properties, and investment properties. She has served as a consultant for the Jackson County Clerk of Court on several property dispute cases. Her accreditations include e-Pro, Short-Sale, and Foreclosure Specialist, Certified Residential Broker, Resort and Second Home Property Specialist, Senior Marketing Consultant and Interior Staging and Decorating Designation.

Cathy is a native of Western North Carolina and truly loves calling Highlands her home. She and her husband, Gary, a successful local banker, have a twenty-year-old daughter and a twelve-year-old double chocolate dapple Dachshund. Her hobbies include horseback riding, reading, hiking and fishing. Cathy is delighted to now be with Highlands Sotheby's International Realty. She recognizes the incredible marketing advantages that this international brand gives to her clients.