Realtor^® Cathy Alley: A Passion for Going Above and Beyond

One of the cornerstones of Alley’s success is her passion for the buyers and sellers with whom she works. For her, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling homes – it’s about being a reliable, trusted advisor during one of the most significant decisions in her customers’ lives. “It’s important to me to know that I’m doing the best job possible for each individual that I work with,” she says, a sentiment that has guided her approach throughout her career.

Cathy’s relationships often transcend business, with many people becoming lifelong friends. One of those lifelong friends contacted Alley after his wife had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. The husband, a cardiac specialist, was overwhelmed with the demands of his wife’s declining health and their home, which had fallen into disrepair over the past five years.

After the couple moved into a smaller home near the water, Alley took charge of getting their old house ready for sale. The property, a 3,400-square-foot home they had lived in for 18 years, needed significant work. Alley organized everything – from cleaning to hauling, from repainting to yard work, even changing light bulbs – to ensure the house was market-ready. It was a massive project that took six weeks to complete.

Her dedication paid off when the house sold within a month. Sadly, just two months after moving into their new home, her friend’s wife had to be placed in long-term care as her condition worsened, a devastating but not unexpected outcome. Throughout the process, Alley’s support extended beyond real estate – she helped the family through an emotionally challenging time, offering care and expertise at every turn.

Beyond her business, Alley is deeply involved in her local community, serving as an elected official on the Niceville City Council. Her work on behalf of the city has included numerous initiatives, such as the "Walkable Niceville" project, the placement of historical markers, and securing $1.2 million for the creation of a "Field of Dreams" sports complex for individuals with special needs.

Her passion for community service runs parallel to her love for real estate, and she believes Realtors have a responsibility to be active, engaged, and educated members of their communities.

“It’s important to stay educated, engaged, and out in the public,” she says. For Alley, continual education isn’t just an obligation; it’s a tool that enables her to provide the highest level of service to buyers and sellers. She understands the ever-changing nature of the real estate market and regularly takes courses to stay ahead of industry trends.

Her dedication to learning doesn’t stop there. She recently earned the distinction of becoming a Florida Realtors® Board Certified Professional, a new endorsement for Realtors who reached the pinnacle of their profession and fulfilled leadership, education and skill-based achievements over the life of their real estate careers.

"I wanted to be able to explain to buyers and sellers that not only do I have all of this experience, but I’m also board-certified," she says. She sees this certification as a way to further differentiate herself in a competitive market, especially as more consumers turn to online resources and question the value of working with a professional. Alley is quick to point out that real estate professionals do much of their work behind the scenes, often preventing stress or costly mistakes for buyers and sellers.

In her down time, Alley is an avid race walker, participating in every Disney Princess Half Marathon for the past 16 years. Her dedication to the long-term reflects of her perseverance, drive, and commitment – qualities that mirror her approach to both her professional life and personal passions.

"I’m so passionate about being a Realtor," she says, "and I’m passionate about the service that we bring." It's this passion that continues to fuel her success, ensuring that she remains a trusted advisor and valued community leader.