I'm a Southern California native and a graduate of the Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business. During a family visit to friends in North Carolina, we discovered the beauty and tranquility of the Piedmont Triad--and instantly knew we had found our happy place. Making the move from the West Coast to the East Coast can feel overwhelming, which is why having a knowledgeable, dedicated real estate professional makes all the difference. My own experience with buying and selling homes inspired me to pursue a career in real estate. Since becoming a licensed Broker/Realtor, I've had the privilege of helping a wide range of clients, from first-time homebuyers and relocating families to those upgrading, downsizing, or moving in and out of state. Each transaction is unique, and I bring a deep understanding of the process along with a full set of tools to guide clients every step of the way. I'm known for my attention to detail, clear communication, patience, and calm, professional demeanor. My passion lies in serving others, and I'm committed to making the real estate journey as smooth, informed, and successful as possible for every client I work with.
Community Involvement
Supporting Local Schools & Churches
HOBBIES/INTEREST
Nature walks, Hikes, Bask in the Sunshine, traveling, Skiing and watching professional tennis.
FAMILY
Married and mom of three young adults, 4th of 5 siblings, auntie to many nieces and nephews!
Read More About Mary
Specialties
Buyers
Sellers
Residential Property
Awards
Other Awards
Culture Keeper, 2025, KWRE Top Producer, 2023 & 2024, KWRE 2023, Top Buyer Agent, 3rd Place, 2023, 2024 - 7th Place
View All Awards
FAQ
1. What advice would you give a buyer trying to purchase a home?
Start with a buyer’s consultation. I recommend meeting with a top-performing local realtor at a coffee shop. It’s relaxed, but essential. Know your non negotiables before you begin your search, plan ahead, and save aggressively. And once you’ve closed, don’t empty the bank! Keep cash reserves. Homeownership brings surprise expenses!
2. What advice would you give a seller trying to sell their home?
Selling your home? Start by hiring a top-performing local agent—someone who knows the market and has a proven track record. First impressions matter, so invest in curb appeal and decluttering. If possible, stage the home—it helps buyers picture themselves living there. Price it right from the start based on solid comparable properties; remember, the market determines value. Everything is negotiable, so stay flexible. Be open to showings and open houses, even when it’s inconvenient. And finally, get your paperwork in order early; title, disclosures and improvement/ repairs so closing goes as smoothly as possible.
3. What types of clients have you worked with?
Clients from all walks of life to include first time home buyers, foreclosure purchases, high-end/million dollar buyers, investors, resales, relocations, out of state/out of country buyers, repeat clients selling to upgrade or downsize.
4. Describe a recent transaction you are fond of. How did it go?
There are so many moments I'm fond of—like helping a mother sell her home so she could move closer to her family, guiding a first-time homebuyer couple as they purchased their fully furnished dream home, or assisting families in finding homes for their college students. Most recently, I closed a deal where, despite many obstacles, both the buyers and sellers were secretly and sincerely rooting for the best outcome for each other. Moments like these remind me why I love what I do
5. How did you get started in Real Estate?
The art of selling homes has always intrigued me. Combining real estate with giving back and serving others was at the heart of my decision to pursue my license. After working with a top-performing Realtor in Southern California, my motivation only grew stronger. With my children now young adults, I finally had the time to focus on something I’m truly passionate about—something meaningful, something I genuinely enjoy.
6. Do you have any special education or training that will benefit your clients?
My degree in Business Management and Administration has definitely played an important role in my journey as a Broker/Realtor. It’s helped me better understand the business side of real estate and given me the tools to support my clients with confidence and care
Contact Information
Location
1100 S Stratford Rd #C-300 Winston Salem, NC, 27103
Social Media
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Mary Cates's Reviews & Ratings
57 Reviews
(5/5)
Note: Reviews may include other agents on their team
What clients say about this agent....
Communicative
Professional
Knowledgeable
Outstanding
Responsive
Trustworthy
Attentive
Great for new buyers
Hard working
Excellent negotiator
Jen S.
Review for Member: Mary Cates
August 26, 2025
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
We were relocating from AZ to NC so we weren't physically present for a lot of the buying process, aside from a short house hunting trip and a blue tape walk-thru. Mary served as our boots on the ground in NC. She met trades and inspectors at the house for us, and advocated for us when any issues arose throughout the process. She answered any and all of our questions (trust me, we had a lot ??) with patience. If it was something she didn't have the answer to herself, she very quickly sought out the answer. Moving across the country was stressful, but knowing we had Mary on our side here in NC, made the buying process easier. We would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a realtor!
WillyBradt
Review for Member: Mary Cates
August 25, 2025
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Mary did an awesome job! We really enjoyed working with her through the whole process. She also provided us some great food recommendations. If we ever move to a new residence in the area again well certainly give her a call.
Kelly M.
Review for Member: Mary Cates
August 24, 2025
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Mary was our agent and was Phenomenal. She made this home buying journey as painless as possible, always there with her patience and knowledge to help us. She is an amazing agent and I'm so glad she was our agent. IfnI could give 10 stars, I would.
David S.
Review for Member: Mary Cates
July 17, 2025
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Working with Mary Cates was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. As a homebuyer unfamiliar with the Winston-Salem area, I was both excited and overwhelmed by the process, but Mary made everything feel smooth, manageable, and even enjoyable. From our very first conversation, Mary impressed me with her professionalism, deep knowledge of the market, and genuine desire to help me find the perfect home. She took the time to understand what I was looking for and was incredibly patient throughout the search. I never felt rushed or pressured, just supported and well-informed. What really stood out was Marys responsiveness and attention to detail. My business travels didnt allow me to visit the area often so Mary did impeccable and informative walk-through videos of homes I was interested in. Her videos and descriptions made it easy to discard or consider property options until we found the perfect fit. She was always there with clear, thoughtful guidance. Her advice and negotiation skills through Due Diligence were top-notch and helped me secure a fantastic deal on a home I absolutely love. Thanks to Mary and her team, we settled on a home that checks all my boxes and more. If you're looking for a real estate agent who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and truly dedicated to your success, look no further. I cant recommend Mary highly enough!
User6162986
Review for Member: Mary Cates
June 5, 2025
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Mary Cates was incredible to work with! She listened to exactly what I wanted and found the perfect townhouse in the area of Winston-Salem I was set on. The whole process was complicated because of my short timeline but Mary was responsive and professional through it all. I couldnt be happier with my new homeaEUR"highly recommend!