Like most couples, the McGowan’s may not always agree on everything, but one thing for sure, both Kathleen and Brian are passionate about living in Scottsdale and their Troon Village Saddleback home. Moving here from Chicago in 2016, it’s no surprise that their decision to relocate to Arizona was prompted by its warm and arid winter climate. Even with the area’s unprecedented population growth, crowded roads and highways and, what appears to be a never-ending massive increase in property development, there’s no place else the MGowans would rather be.

Kathleen became a licensed Arizona Real Estate Agent six-years-ago and joined the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services office following a successful sales career with a variety of notable companies in Chicago including Olivetti (where she was recognized for selling the most electric typewriters) followed by technology sales with Apple and Canon for over ten years.

Sharing her outlook on the current state of home sales in the Troon area, Kathleen noted, “Prices are mostly stable. Although Troon Village properties tend to attract second home buyers, the large number of new builds are generating a larger cadre of full-time residents.” She also commented on the new Federal law that changes how real estate commissions are paid, “The Law became effective in August, and, basically,  is part of a settlement between the National Association of Realtors and home sellers. It mandates that compensation for real estate brokers cannot be listed on multiple listing services and that buyer-side agents have to enter into a written agreement on the commission with their buyers.” Kathleen went on to add,  “I think commission for the buyer’s agent may become part of the overall sale negotiations. Whether a buyer or seller, it is important to be thorough in considering all the legal changes. This Law is going to have a major impact on the industry. Communication is key”

Aside from her Real Estate endeavors, Kathleen somehow found the time to establish the Scottsdale Prime Time Ladies Club. The Club invites ladies 45+ to attend social events, “happenings”, and special interest venues like the Kentucky Derby Party and Scottsdale’s Polo Match. And, as if that wasn’t enough, Kathleen founded the Nexdoor App., Troon Living, where residents are given the opportunity to meet-up with neighbors. The Ladies Club and Troon Living may also be accessed on Facebook. 

In contrast to Kathleen’s hectic schedule, Brian leads a more “laid back” lifestyle. A former Air Traffic Controller at Chicago’s Control Center, his job was extremely arduous as he described, “We handled the safe navigation of air traffic for five states, from the time they took off, until they approached their destination. It was our job to keep the planes from colliding and there were planes everywhere. The pressure was unbelievable, there were times you had to make tactical decisions in just a few seconds.  I can’t imagine a more demanding situation, but I absolutely loved the challenge.” He retired at age 56, as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Having spent thirty years in a tremendously stressful job, Brian is now quite happy just “hanging out” as he calls it. He does enjoy his weekly golf games, playing three times a week at different Valley courses such as Grayhawk and Kierland. He refers to the Valley courses as “a golfer’s paradise”. He also dabbles in some home maintenance tasks and helps Kathleen with house staging projects she works on through her Purple Cow Staging and Design Services company.

Kathleen and Brian manage to carve out some together time, frequently traveling to Chicago and Denver to visit their son and daughter. They claim to be big time concert goers with Whiskey Myer (an American rock and roll band from Texas) Joe Jackson (an English musician, songwriter, singer), the Rolling Stones, (needing no introduction) and so many others among the concerts they have attended. Interestingly, there is an impressive collection of 72 music album covers displayed on their living room wall.

In closing, there was one more thing the duo agreed on, stating, “there is so much to do in Scottsdale, we just wish we had the time to do it all.”