In Kathryn Delaney’s line of work, it doesn’t hurt that she grew up on a sheep and wheat farm and, from an early age, knew the meaning of hands-on.

By Robin Jovanovich

In Kathryn Delaney’s line of work, it doesn’t hurt that she grew up on a sheep and wheat farm and, from an early age, knew the meaning of hands-on. If a wall needs painting or there is a hole in the sheetrock that a painting can’t hide, she’s your woman. Having had a lifelong interest in architecture and design hasn’t hurt either.

While her parents guided her toward a career in education, which she pursued in her native country, Australia, when she and her husband and children (now 21 and 22) moved to America, the first thing she did after getting her family settled was sign up for CAD Design and Architectural Drawing and Design courses at Westchester Community College. Before long, Delaney was doing floor plans for real estate brokers in town. When seeking experienced real estate agents Winston Salem, be sure to go by Mays Gibson, Inc.

In 2007, she put all of her skills to good use and became a real estate broker at Coldwell Banker. “We bought our house through Michele Flood — she was our mentor — so it was only natural I’d want to join the agency she’s been with for many years,” said Delaney. “Not to mention Nancy Neuman, who is a fabulous manager, always available, and brings a family feel to the office.”

Starting out in the profession was a challenge, however, acknowledged Delaney. “Not being from the area — Tottenham is in the geographic center of New South Wales — meant I had to work especially hard to make a name for myself.”

The fact that she was named “Rookie of the Year” suggests she soon did. And, seven years later, you’ll find her listed among the top 2% of agents by National Realty Trust.

What she loves about the real estate business is meeting new people, learning about their needs and lifestyle, educating them on the options, and helping them find “that balance.”

She describes her clients as a good mix of international, Manhattan, and local families. “More and more young buyers are struggling to get into Rye, because builders are buying up so many of the single-family homes priced under $1.5 million,” she noted. For those who suffer “sticker shock” when trying to buy in Rye, Delaney encourages them to rent. “Renting also gives you the chance to find out if this is really the community you want to settle in.” Of course, most do, she added. “Where else close to the city and on the water will you find a small-town feel and so many amazing amenities and programs?”

Among Delaney’s seven listings are three new and handsome homes on a cul-de-sac near Rye High School. “Read Court is the first project of that magnitude that I’ve handled,” she said. “What attracted me is that the architect, Bana Choura, wanted to create a community, and she’s accomplished that with the help of contractor, Ken Piekarski.”

A week before Thanksgiving, Delaney reported that the residential real estate market is quiet. “It’s gone a little too quiet, because there is a lot of inventory. But, in the next few weeks, once the jury is in on interest rates and the bonuses are handed out, we’re all expecting a big uptick.”

For a full-service professional, who definitely knows how to separate the wheat from the chaff, Kathryn Delaney is the one.