Meet the Agents: Barb Furman & Katie Kennedy
When it comes to real estate, having the right team on your side can make all the difference. Barb Furman and Katie Kennedy are proof of that. With years of experience and a shared passion for helping people, they’ve created a unique partnership that brings together their individual strengths to provide an exceptional real estate experience for their clients.
The Path to Real Estate
Barb’s journey into real estate began with a desire to do better for others. After a less-than-ideal personal experience, she was determined to ensure that others didn’t face the same challenges. With a background in hospitality and a deep-rooted passion for customer service, Barb became licensed in 1999. Her mission has always been to offer a higher standard of service, treating each client with the care and attention they deserve.
Katie’s love for real estate started in her childhood, when she and her father would visit open houses together. Growing up in a family that frequently undertook fixer-upper projects, she developed a deep appreciation for homes and the stories they hold. Katie decided to turn her passion into a career, becoming licensed in 2003. Her warm and supportive nature has made her a favorite among clients who appreciate her thoughtful guidance during what can be a stressful process.
A Partnership Built on Friendship
Barb and Katie met in 2004, quickly forming a strong friendship. Although Katie took a step back from her career to focus on raising her family, Barb knew that they would make an incredible team. In 2018, Barb invited Katie to join her in a partnership that has since flourished. Their personalities complement each other beautifully.
“We collaborate really well and want our clients to have an enjoyable experience and feel good about the transaction,” Barb shares. Katie adds, “That’s why we love our clients so much—because we have fun with them.” Their ability to create a fun and positive environment has led to many repeat clients and referrals, with clients often becoming friends.
Barb Furman - Olympic Sotheby's International Realty
Favorite Neighborhoods
Katie has a deep connection to Olympia’s Carlyon neighborhood, and Briggs community. Having raised her own children in these neighborhoods, she appreciates the close-knit community, walkability, and the energy that makes these areas ideal for young families. For Barb, the Westside and Cooper Point neighborhoods hold a special place in her heart. She loves the privacy and stunning water views that these areas offer, embodying the natural beauty and tranquility of the Pacific Northwest.
Life Outside of Real Estate
Outside of work, Barb and Katie continue to spend time together, enjoying activities that strengthen their bond. From boating and exploring local restaurants to visiting the farmers market and wine tasting in Washington’s wine country, their friendship extends well beyond the office. Barb, who has a daughter teaching kindergarten in the area, often volunteers in her classroom, while Katie enjoys time with her own children—a freshman at University of Washington and a junior at Olympia High School.
Hidden Gems and Community Involvement
When it comes to hidden gems in Olympia, Barb and Katie have a few favorites. They love spending afternoons at The Olympia Seafood Co. before heading to The Wine Loft for a glass of wine, where they often run into friends. Compass Rose is their go-to spot for unique gifts, whether for housewarmings or welcoming new neighbors.
Barb and Katie are also committed to giving back to their community. They support a variety of local organizations, including LIONS, Little Red Schoolhouse, the Community Kitchen, Capital Cheer, Olympia Girls Soccer, and the local YMCA. Their involvement in these causes reflects their dedication not just to their clients but to the broader community they serve. They also both participate in Greene Giving, which is Olympic Sotheby International Realty’s annual collaborative giving effort that donates funds to children’s housing and military families in the local community.
Katie Kennedy - Olympic Sotheby's International Realty
Why They Love What They Do
For Barb and Katie, the most rewarding aspect of their work is meeting new people and helping them find or sell their dream home. Whether the process is straightforward or challenging, they are committed to guiding their clients every step of the way. As Katie puts it, “The harder the better because it’s extremely rewarding.” Barb adds, “It’s thrilling to see it through from start to finish.”
Together, Barb Furman and Katie Kennedy bring a perfect blend of experience, passion, and personality to the real estate process, making them a team you can trust with your home buying or selling journey. You can work with Barb and Katie by calling them at 360-951-3499 or by emailing them at barbfurman@olympicsir.com and katiekennedy@olympicsir.com.