Catherine Sevenau

Opener of doors, teller of tales, family scribe.

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An Idea Whose Time Has Come

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NEWS FLASH: I pulled the lever and moved my Real Estate Broker’s license from my business office to my home. I’m officially and happily retired. No more getting lost showing property, writing contracts, and holding open houses. No more attending endless meetings, conferences, and trainings. No more having to keep up with new forms, new laws, and new owners. No more dealing with dozens of daily business emails and constantly being on the phone. No more lying awake at night, trying to keep it all together. I’ve been simplifying my life, and this is the final major piece. My friend Katrina texted me when I told her: “Congratulations! Simplicity is divine. Enjoy your one wild and precious life!!!”

Has real estate changed since I got my license in 1982? That it has. In 1982, a contract was one page. Interest rates were 18 percent. There was no such thing as property inspections. Inventory was not pulled up on computers, it was delivered in 900-page books that covered the whole county. Fax machines weren’t invented yet. I wore heels, nylons, shoulder pads, and had a head of big hair.

When I started at age 33, I was one of the youngest in the business and a single mom with two boys. Several from that era are still practicing and are now the senior agents, and the boys are now grown men. We aren’t as tough as some of the older agents we worked with when we started, but they were trailblazers, especially the women who taught us a lot. We have duly passed their knowledge and wisdom forward.

Sonoma Valley is a unique place to sell real estate. There is a camaraderie, trust, and interdependence among those in the business here that you don’t often find elsewhere, and I’m grateful to have been part of that. Of all the careers to choose from, this one has suited me perfectly, and I know I’ve made a difference. In these 42 years I’ve opened countless doors for people, helped hundreds of sellers move on with their lives, and held hands with hundreds of buyers to find their dream home… even with zero sense of direction. In those days I used a map (which was of absolutely no use). Then Siri centered my life!

Sonoma Valley

A few years back I muddled over penning my obituary, my epitaph, or a newspaper ad. My own obituary was too weird to write. My epitaph was a no-brainer. 

 
And as I’ve been in real estate in Sonoma forever (42 years in one career with the same company, though the name changed a few times, is about the same as forever) my ad copy was a piece of cake:
*****
CELEBRATE A CONTEMPORARY
MID-CENTURY CLASSIC
This small-town charmer shines with character and colorful history. Endowed with good bones and standing on a solid concrete foundation, she is structurally sound with notable internal integrity. Built in 1948, this gem is a prime example of definitive California architecture, and other than the well-maintained roof, is in original condition. Despite an outstanding location with gracious curb appeal, her interior is somewhat dated and shows an amount of wear and tear, though no major complaints or disclosure issues, no plumbing leaks or wiring problems, and no illegal permit or zoning headaches. However, she does bear a few slight quirks: two partially fogged windows, various rusted hinges, a few loose screws, and several stiff, creaking doors. There are minor holes in the ceiling (allowing hot air to escape), along with a few dinky wall dents. No termites or beetles, but evidence of squirrels in the attic. Though well-tended and generally low maintenance, she can be temperamental depending on the weather. Recently smudged for ghosts. Comes fully insured with a newly minted historical designation. Well-documented archival background information on request.
*****

I thank all those who’ve supported, trusted, and worked with me on this journey. You know who you are. Those who were a pain in the ass, you know who you are too. As I’m not going anywhere, I’ll see y’all around the bend, enjoying my one wild and precious life.

Catherine Sevenau
Jun 6, 2024

Comments

  2. Hi Catherine, this is so well written. We loved it. It’s amazing how the years have passed and here we are. Here you are and I think it is wonderful. Enjoy this next chapter in your life. I know it will be another next wonderful adventure.
    Love you and wish you all the best, Marian

  3. Congrats, dear Cathy! I’m proud to be one of the lucky sellers (or was it buyers? Can’t remember!). You so efficiently helped (and hopefully was not a pain in the ass) and I can surely relate to your history of Real Estate as my parents were in the biz back in the ’70s. Besides, you’ve managed to keep your wild sense of humor, good looks, and best of all, our friendship, ever since our days at Moon Valley School! Here’s to a wonderful, joyful, fulfilling journey ahead, old friend!!!!! Love you to pieces!

    • I believe you were both buyer and seller, and you definitely were not a pain in the ass. I would have told you of you were. I love you too, for being you and for all the art and joy you bring into the world. See you soon.

  4. Congratulations, well deserved. As my realtor and until recently my mentor at C21, I can honestly say you’re an inspiration and an example as to how a person should conduct themselves in business; always selfless, caring, and diligent. It has been a pleasure learning from you and I know we will still chat, so for now, a hearty congratulations and best wishes on life’s forthcoming adventures. Yours, David Collins

    • Thank you, David. You’re an excellent and a good man, a winning combination. You’ll do well, and thanks for being the honor student. You were a pleasure to mentor and have the honor of being my final mentee. Go forth young man!

    • Thanks, I often need to be reminded to do that as I’m wired for work to come first, then fun only when my work is done. I may need an electrician here for some rewiring. Whoo boy.

  6. Stone needs to be Catherine Frances (Clemens) Sevenau ~ I’m sure you know why!
    I know you will enjoy all the research that does not get interrupted.

  7. Congratulations on your professional and personal lives lived so far, dear Catherine! You were and are the best. With affection from Becca, Paul, and all the Lawtons

  8. Aunt Cathy, you are such a remarkable and inspiring woman! I love and appreciate you! Congratulations!