The friendly people at Lake James Real Estate are not only experienced, enthusiastic real estate professionals. They are equally enthusiastic residents of this spectacular area. Away from the office, you’re likely to find us fishing, waterskiing, wakeboarding – and exploring the Lake’s many miles of scenic shoreline. We’d be happy to show you where all the best watering – and fishing – holes are. Polly Leadbetter, GRI Founder & Broker Polly grew up in western New York, where she visited that state’s Adirondack and Catskill Mountains and Finger Lakes often, and attended Delhi State University of New York. A real estate professional since 2001, Polly and her husband first discovered Lake James on the Internet. They liked what they saw so much that they bought property in Lake James’ Southpointe community and moved there shortly thereafter. Polly also has a general contractors license, and together with Steve, heads Cottonwood Development, a construction and development firm. When she has a chance, she enjoys waterskiing and wakeboarding with Steve and the couple’s three young children. Steve Leadbetter Founder & Agent Steve thinks he has the perfect job. And when you consider that he spends most of his time near one of the most beautiful lakes in North Carolina, you’ll probably agree. Since Steve and his wife Polly founded Lake James Real Estate in 2003, the company has become the leading expert on property here. Steve was a real estate professional in his home state of Florida before moving to Colorado to work for Phillips Medical in customer service for 15 years. There, he met his wife Polly – and fell in love with the active outdoor lifestyle in the Rocky Mountains. The Leadbetters moved to Lake James so that they could both live and work in a place where they could enjoy many of the same activities. With 20 years experience helping customers and clients of all kinds, Steve knows the value of personal service. He also has a B.S. in engineering – which doesn’t hurt when you’re in the home business. Rhonda Edge, GRI Broker Rhonda has lived in the Lake James area her entire life, so she’s known all along what others are now discovering – that this is both a place of great beauty and a great place to live. A real estate professional since 2005, Rhonda really knows her way around. Growing up, she lived in Old Fort in McDowell County, and has lived in Morganton for the past 15 years with her husband Jack. She obtained her GRI in 2006 and loves being a member of the Lake James Real Estate team. To top it off, Rhonda met her husband on Lake James. Needless to say, this area is particularly special to her. In her spare time, she enjoys boating and playing the lake, golf, tennis and simply spending time with friends and family. Nikki Harwood Office Manager Nikki has lived in Burke County, North Carolina, her entire life, so it’s not surprising that she can tell our clients all about the Lake James area and what it has to offer. A people person, Nikki held positions as an administrative assistant in business, insurance and a chiropractic practice before joining Lake James Real Estate nearly two years ago. She has also been a pre-school teacher. Currently, Nikki and her husband Kevin live near the lake with their two beautiful daughters, Candice and Chasady. When she’s not busy keeping us organized and on track, there’s nothing that Nikki would rather do than spend time with her loving family and dear friends. Amanda Hotchkiss Agent Amanda’s friends and family have been telling her that she should sell real estate for years. In 2005, she finally took their advice, became a real estate agent, joined Lake James Real Estate – and put her boundless energy and dedication to work. In January, Amanda and her husband Gary celebrated their second wedding anniversary at their home in Lakeview Pointe on Lake James. As a resident who chose to move here, Amanda both appreciates the area and has great respect for the people whose heritage is here. Like all of us, she is grateful to be able to work and live in such an incredibly beautiful environment. Amy Jones Agent Amy is multi-talented and multi-faceted. In addition to working as a real estate professional, she is a lobbyist on behalf of the mental health community and, in her “spare” time, runs marathons. A native of nearby Marion, Amy is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a master’s in counseling. She and her husband Tracy, who is part of our Cottonwood Development team, have lived at the Lake for five years and owned property here for nine. An avid runner, Amy loves spending time on the lake with her two golden retrievers, Gabby and Lilly. Robin Smith Agent A lifelong resident of nearby Morganton, Robin is the only agent at Lake James Real Estate who focuses solely on homes in that charming town and surrounding communities. After attending the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Robin knew she wanted to return to her hometown to live and raise her family. She began her real estate career here while also working as an ICU nurse, but ultimately choose real estate as her full-time profession. Robin and her husband, a builder, work closely together to offer quality new homes. Her extensive knowledge of the area and home building is invaluable to our clients. In her spare time, Robin enjoys spending time with her two-year-old son and two dogs, and scrap booking. An enthusiastic photographer, she even shoots her own listing photos. Shelia White Closing Coordinator Shelia comes to Lake James Real Estate with several decades experience in banking, accounting, insurance and real estate law. Before joining us, she worked in a bank for over 11 years as a loan closer and assistant financial counselor; spent six years handling payroll, taxes, quarterly reporting and books for an accountant; handled customer service and claims processing for an insurance office for three years; and worked for an attorney as a real estate legal assistant handling loan closings and other aspects of real estate. When she’s not putting her considerable qualifications to work for our clients, Shelia enjoys spending time with family, reading, aerobics and traveling. Debbie Tolbert, GRI Agent Real estate professional Debbie Tolbert recently returned to her hometown of Morganton, North Carolina, to live and work with Lake James Real Estate. She brings with her both extensive experience and a native’s intimate knowledge of Lake James and surrounding communities. For the last nine years, Debbie sold real estate in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. She and her family, which includes daughter Kelly and son Brad, are building a home at Silver Creek Plantation. Debbie is looking forward to renewing old friendships, making new ones and serving the area as a real estate professional. She enjoys golf (a year-round sport at Lake James) and curling up with a good book.