J. Cate Kassab Redefines Real Estate With Innovation And Integrity

J. Cate Kassab, the owner and chief executive officer of My Upstate Home LLC, has been honored by Marquis Who's Who, which recognizes her significant contributions and leadership in the real estate industry.

Making Significant Changes in the Real Estate Industry

With more than 15 years of experience, Ms. Kassab has built a reputation for excellence in real estate, marketing and relocation. Since beginning her professional journey in 2009, she has been committed to transforming the real estate industry by eliminating corporate overhead fees and empowering agents to retain more of their commissions. This strategy benefits agents and provides clients with more personalized and affordable services.

Reflecting on her innovative business model, Ms. Kassab shares, "As a former special education teacher, I learned the importance of individualized plans. There was no one-size-fits-all scenario in my classroom. Naturally, there is no one-size-fits-all scenario in my company. I created My Upstate Home LLC to allow agents to make decisions that best fit their clients' unique needs, free from unnecessary corporate fees."

A Legacy of Education and Advocacy

Before founding My Upstate Home LLC, Ms. Kassab's career as a special education teacher instilled a dedication to helping others succeed. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in education from Clemson University and a Master of Arts in educational leadership, management and policy from Seton Hall University. Her extensive certifications include licensure as a teacher, principal, superintendent, realtor, insurance agent and broker in charge.

Significant milestones and innovative industry ideas highlight Ms. Kassab's success. She is the first realtor-turned-broker-associate-turned-founder to prioritize humanity, transparency and kindness in her company's foundation. Her achievements include closing a nearly $3 million home deal through a long-term client's referral and establishing a company that no longer needs to pay for leads due to client loyalty and repeat business.

"I knew there was a better way, and I created it. At My Upstate Home LLC, there is no corporate overhead fee off the top, and the agents take home more of the gross commission of each sale than I ever made in nearly 16 years. This gives the clients and the agents the ultimate power to make individualized decisions that best fit their unique needs," Ms. Kassab adds.

In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Kassab is actively involved in organizations such as the National Association of Realtors and the Clemson Alumni Association. She is also a dedicated supporter of charities, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Special Olympics.

Ms. Kassab aims to expand her agency across South Carolina, leveraging platforms like YouTube and social media to educate the public and establish herself as a knowledgeable resource in the industry. Her goal is to grow her team to 20 agents within the next five years, focusing on supporting their success while continuing to lead with integrity and innovation.

About My Upstate Home LLC

My Upstate Home LLC is a real estate company founded on transparency, humanity and kindness. The company eliminates unnecessary corporate fees, allowing agents to retain their commissions and invest more in their marketing efforts. This innovative approach ensures clients receive personalized and affordable services. My Upstate Home LLC is committed to transforming the real estate industry by prioritizing the needs of clients and agents over corporate profit.

About Marquis Who's Who

Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America^®, Marquis Who's Who^® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America^® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis^® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who^® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

Image Credit: J. Cate Kassab

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