With Broker Chris Duffy
Words by Emily Davis | Photography by Courtney Snyder
Standing at six foot nine, Chris Duffy is undoubtedly the tallest real estate broker on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. He’s no stranger to the question, “How’s the weather up there?” The answer: The weather in the mountains is temperate and lovely—and Duffy is perhaps a degree or two “cooler” than average.
Born in Germany, Duffy grew up in Washington D.C. and spent 22 years living in Ottawa, Canada, before settling in Highlands. In 2017, he took a chance on the area when he answered the local radio station’s call for a morning show host. Having never visited before, he embraced the gamble and quickly fell in love with life on the Plateau. In 2019, Duffy left the radio station but decided to remain in Highlands. Armed with his real estate license, he jumped into the industry with both size-14 feet.
Because he towers over the rest of the town’s residents, it’s easy to spot Duffy as he strolls the streets of Highlands. Yet his love for the town and its special way of life looms even larger. His active involvement in local organizations and events underscores his dedication to the community, and he continues to make a big impact wherever he goes.
Why did you choose to come on board with Silver Creek Real Estate Group?
Silver Creek has the absolute best marketing of any firm on the Plateau. I was also drawn to its success as an independent firm, not affiliated with a large national real estate company. This independence is crucial in our area, where adapting methods to a highly unique market is essential. We aren’t bound by broad corporate dictates that might not translate well to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Everything we do at Silver Creek is tailored specifically to our local market.
When you're not selling real estate, how do you like to spend your time?
I’m on the board of directors for The Bascom, where I serve on the development and real estate committees. I also participate in the membership committee for the Highlands Chamber of Commerce. During the off-season, my nights are busy as the in-game P.A. announcer for Highlands High School basketball; this is my eighth season, and it’s one of the most rewarding things I do. When my neighbors aren’t around, I also struggle to play the bass, trombone, and drums.
Do you have a favorite festival or special event on the Plateau?
I especially love all the arts and crafts festivals, like the Mountaintop Rotary Festival in Highlands and those held on The Village Green in Cashiers and Sapphire Valley. They do a fantastic job showcasing local and regional artists, and I enjoy knowing that the objects you bring into your home are made by people whose stories you can learn. I also look forward to the Dahlia Festival each year and all the great events at The Bascom.
Outside of the Plateau, where do you like to travel?
I traveled extensively in the past, but now I live where others vacation. I love it here so much that it's hard to feel motivated to leave. If I were to create a travel bucket list, Japan, Singapore, and Vietnam would top the list. Growing up with a Foreign Service dad, I spent a lot of time in Warsaw, Poland, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, and I long to return to them.
What goals are you working on in 2024?
The paradox of life as a realtor is that while the job offers a lot of flexibility, it's also very chaotic. I'm working on carving out time from the chaos to pursue some hobbies that I've set aside over the past several years.
What advice would you give to a prospective buyer starting their home search on the Plateau?
Step one: Call me. While this area might seem small geographically, it encompasses a myriad of distinct communities. Buying a home on the Plateau isn't just about the house itself; it's about the lifestyle you're seeking.
Clients are often amazed at the differences between Sapphire, Cashiers, Glenville, and Highlands, even though they're all just a short drive from one another. Spend some time here to experience the various environments and get a solid idea ofnt to lead. I'll show you around come familiar with everything you're looking for.
What is the most valuable lesson you've learned while working as a real estate broker?
Every client is unique, with their own feelings and expectations throughout the process of buying or selling a home. It's crucial to tune into them as individuals and focus on their specific needs to ensure that the transaction is not only satisfactory but also as smooth and seamless as possible.
How do you differentiate yourself as a real estate broker?
Before entering real estate, I didn't work in sales, and I still don't consider myself a salesperson. For buyers, my goal is to teach them about our lifestyle, help them find a house they fall in love with, and then facilitate the transaction. For sellers, I focus on conveying what makes their homes special and what they enjoy about living there. This approach helps attract prospective buyers who are passionate about the property and motivated to make it their own.
There's a difference between selling and marketing: we market your house, and your house sells itself.
Does any particular moment of your career stand out as especially fulfilling for you?
I had a client with whom I had a long-term relationship, and they suddenly needed to move for health reasons. As you can imagine, selling their home was an emotional process for them. However, I was able to get their home under contract in one day and manage the transaction from start to finish, so they didn't have to deal with any additional stress. I was grateful to be there for them when they needed my assistance.
What do you feel is our area's greatest resource?
While some aspects of the Plateau lifestyle may evolve, the natural beauty of this area is certain to endure. That's what has captivated so many, including myself, and is the one truly timeless feature of this place.