ABOUT THE BROKER
A
s a native of Central Florida, I have an in-depth knowledge of the Orlando area, particularly the counties of Orange, Seminole and Lake. Having spent my life living in these counties, I can testify that the quality of life here is second to none.
I was born in Gainesville while my parents attended the University of Florida on the G.I. Bill. When they graduated, they purchased a small dairy farm in the then small community of Conway on the outskirts of Orlando. When I was eight, we moved the farm to another small town, Geneva, in Seminole County. I grew up in Geneva and then, like my parents, graduated from the University of Florida, majoring in agriculture and taking courses in economics and education.
After graduating, I returned to Geneva with my husband and continued to operate the family dairy farm there. I also taught three years in the Florida public school system. In 1975, my family moved the dairy farm to Sorrento in Lake County. In 1983, after we sold the farm, I obtained my Florida Real Estate Agent's license and then my Broker's license in 1984. After working for a couple of small real estate agencies in the area, I opened my own office as Catherine Hanson Real Estate, Inc., which I have independently owned and operated since 1989.
I currently reside in East Lake County, located north of Orlando, between Mount Dora and Sanford. My three children, along with my six grandchildren, have also chosen to make their homes in this area.
With a desire to become active in my community and sink deep roots, I began to build my record of public service. In 1990, I was the first woman elected to serve on the Lake County Commission, where I served until 2006, serving as chairman for three one-year terms. My achievements were in volunteer programs, parks and libraries, economic development, affordable housing, children and senior services, environmental protection and green building. In addition, I initiated the County' program for Public Land Acquisition. I have a 25 year history of involvement in various local Chambers of Commerce, including being a charter member of the East Lake County Chamber of Commerce.
I am also pleased to have been recognized for the following: Outstanding Leadership in Local Environmental Protection, Dedication to Protection of Environmental Lands, East Chamber of Commerce Founders' Award, Mount Dora Busineses & Professional Woman of Lake County Achievement, Lake Sentinel & League of Cities Public Service Award, Lake County Women's Hall of Fame, Altrusa Woman of Achievement, Florida Business & Professional Women's Glass Ceiling Award. Others include Mount Dora Citizen of the Year and 2007 Realtor of the Year.
Certainly, I have seen many changes in Central Florida since the 1950's. Orlando has transitioned from a sleepy, rural area to a metropolitan world destination as a tourist, cultural and business center. Lake County, my current home, maintains a slower pace and rural lifestyle -- golf courses and horse ranches -- yet in comforable driving distance of Orlando, with all its amenities.High standards and professionalism have always been my priorities -- in my real estate business, my public service and my private life. Customer service means listening to our customers, whether buyers or sellers, to determine their needs and wants, then researching the inventory of homes, lots or acreage available to meet their need.
Agents with the Catherine Hanson Real Estate have satisfied hundreds of real estate customers for almost 20 years and would welcome the opportunity to make you as another satisfied customer.
25715 State Road 46 - Sorrento, Florida 32776
352/383-3772 (office) 352/223-8574 (cell)
realestate@catherinehanson.com