Southern Lux Living
About Us
How We Started
Southern Lux Living was founded in 2019 by Allison Caudle Abbott. With an experience of co-opening an international real estate company in 2014, which grew to over 50 agents and closing over 800 houses a year, Allison founded Southern Lux Living in Wake County, North Carolina.
Allison has been listed among the top agents in the North Carolina, having sold over $300 million in real estate. She, and Southern Lux Living as a company, holds multiple awards for being Top Producer and Top Real Estate Company in the industry.
Meet Allison
Allison Caudle Abbott is the Owner and Broker-In-Charge at Southern Lux Living.
Raised in Raleigh as the middle child of three daughters, Allison Caudle Abbott grew up watching her parents balance family life with business ownership. She followed in their footsteps, now splitting her time between her role as mom of two daughters in her newly blended family and her role as the Owner and Broker-in-Charge at Southern Lux Living.
A REALTOR® / Broker since 2007, Allison is in hot demand, serving the real estate needs of the Triangle and surrounding areas. She co-opened an international real estate company in 2014, which grew to over 50 agents, closing over 800 houses a year. Allison herself has been listed among the top agents in the North Carolina, having sold over $300 million in real estate. She holds multiple awards for being Top Producer in the industry.
“I truly love what I do,” says Allison. “I listen, I’m patient, I educate, I help, I do what I say I’m going to do, and I’m there until the end. Working with buyers and sellers is such a deep passion of mine. Staging homes, watching people fall in love with a home, hearing stories of how couples met, meeting the entire family, hearing squeals of kids as they pick their rooms during the final walk-through, watching sellers glow with pride as they give me a tour of their home—for me, this is what it’s all about.”
Her goal is not only 100% customer satisfaction, but also achieving 100% personal satisfaction in the home/work life balance. “Anywhere my family is, is home,” says Allison, as she demonstrates how working mothers can balance the exciting demands of a career with the comforts of family life.
The satisfaction Allison gets from being a mom does not mean everything is flawless all the time. “We are raising two girls,” Allison says, “so I try to be a strong role model for them. It’s hard juggling sometimes and you don’t want to show your kids you struggle. But at the same time, you want them to know it’s ok not to be perfect all the time and hard work is key to being successful.”
She prioritizes her family by taking her daughters to school and shopping; by attending school events, theater practice, and concerts; and enjoying singalong car rides. While there’s not a lot of downtime, Allison does get a little bit of “me” time in the mornings: “I get up every morning, make break- fast and lunch for everyone, turn on the news, drink my coffee and have 30 minutes to myself. Then it is FULL on!”
On the business side, Allison incorporates her family by making sure her clients know that her family is her “Why,” and she tries to put aside the mom guilt of needing to work long hours. Allison admits she has trouble asking for help herself, but encourages other working mothers to do so: “Don’t be scared to show you need help. Don’t be afraid to ask for it.”
Sometimes for Allison, help even comes from her daughters who help staging homes and drop off fliers, and provide support in the social media and technology realms. That said, she also sets boundaries around phone and computer time. When she and her family are having a conversation, she’s puts down her phone and is present. That feeling of being present is key, Allison says, both with others, and with yourself. It’s just as important to take time for you and to take time alone with your romantic partner. Let your children see where your priorities lie, and they will learn by example.
“I think when I started feeling comfortable vocalizing my ‘why,’ I knew nothing could stop me. When I get to do what I love every day, make a good living out of it, AND raise my daughters…trust me, I know how fortunate I am. I love being a mom, I love real estate, and lucky me, I get to do them both!
Meet Allison
Allison Caudle Abbott is the Owner and Broker-In-Charge at Southern Lux Living.
Raised in Raleigh as the middle child of three daughters, Allison Caudle Abbott grew up watching her parents balance family life with business ownership. She followed in their footsteps, now splitting her time between her role as mom of two daughters in her newly blended family and her role as the Owner and Broker-in-Charge at Southern Lux Living.
A REALTOR® / Broker since 2007, Allison is in hot demand, serving the real estate needs of the Triangle and surrounding areas. She co-opened an international real estate company in 2014, which grew to over 50 agents, closing over 800 houses a year. Allison herself has been listed among the top agents in the North Carolina, having sold over $300 million in real estate. She holds multiple awards for being Top Producer in the industry.
“I truly love what I do,” says Allison. “I listen, I’m patient, I educate, I help, I do what I say I’m going to do, and I’m there until the end. Working with buyers and sellers is such a deep passion of mine. Staging homes, watching people fall in love with a home, hearing stories of how couples met, meeting the entire family, hearing squeals of kids as they pick their rooms during the final walk-through, watching sellers glow with pride as they give me a tour of their home—for me, this is what it’s all about.”
Her goal is not only 100% customer satisfaction, but also achieving 100% personal satisfaction in the home/work life balance. “Anywhere my family is, is home,” says Allison, as she demonstrates how working mothers can balance the exciting demands of a career with the comforts of family life.
Her goal is not only 100% customer satisfaction, but also achieving 100% personal satisfaction in the home/work life balance. “Anywhere my family is, is home,” says Allison, as she demonstrates how working mothers can balance the exciting demands of a career with the comforts of family life.
The satisfaction Allison gets from being a mom does not mean everything is flawless all the time. “We are raising two girls,” Allison says, “so I try to be a strong role model for them. It’s hard juggling sometimes and you don’t want to show your kids you struggle. But at the same time, you want them to know it’s ok not to be perfect all the time and hard work is key to being successful.”
She prioritizes her family by taking her daughters to school and shopping; by attending school events, theater practice, and concerts; and enjoying singalong car rides. While there’s not a lot of downtime, Allison does get a little bit of “me” time in the mornings: “I get up every morning, make break- fast and lunch for everyone, turn on the news, drink my coffee and have 30 minutes to myself. Then it is FULL on!”
On the business side, Allison incorporates her family by making sure her clients know that her family is her “Why,” and she tries to put aside the mom guilt of needing to work long hours. Allison admits she has trouble asking for help herself, but encourages other working mothers to do so: “Don’t be scared to show you need help. Don’t be afraid to ask for it.”
Sometimes for Allison, help even comes from her daughters who help staging homes and drop off fliers, and provide support in the social media and technology realms. That said, she also sets boundaries around phone and computer time. When she and her family are having a conversation, she’s puts down her phone and is present. That feeling of being present is key, Allison says, both with others, and with yourself. It’s just as important to take time for you and to take time alone with your romantic partner. Let your children see where your priorities lie, and they will learn by example.
“I think when I started feeling comfortable vocalizing my ‘why,’ I knew nothing could stop me. When I get to do what I love every day, make a good living out of it, AND raise my daughters…trust me, I know how fortunate I am. I love being a mom, I love real estate, and lucky me, I get to do them both!
Meet The Agents
Southern Lux Living is proud to have the best agents in the area, comprising of some the most experienced and hard working people one can find.
Sommer Donahoe
Agent
Sommer lives in Wake Forest with her husband and children. She is a strong supporter and sponsor of the theater department at Heritage High School. Sommer and her family enjoy spending quality time together, being on the lake, volunteering and supporting others within the community.
Jennifer Edwards
Agent
Jennifer Edwards brings a unique perspective to her real estate career. Her marketing education and background helps her understand how to best present any type of property. A resume including technology and advertising sales has led to this exciting career.
After several personal real estate deals and renovations, Jennifer decided to share her passion and vision with others looking to buy a dream property or sell their current home. She believes listening to client’s needs and expectations is the most vital component of a successful real estate relationship. Many years of successfully navigating the exciting and sometimes stressful Triangle market has given her the experience to negotiate the best deal for her clients.
Along with the knowledge to assist in all aspects of city and suburban property transactions, Jennifer has a deep understanding of farms and land. She is an avid equestrian with personal experience owning and operating her family farm. Finding your dream farm or marketing your property to the most targeted buyers in our area and across the country requires connections in the horse community. As a competitor in eventing and hunter/jumper shows around North Carolina, she is constantly expanding her friendships and connections.
Ann Rodriguez
Agent
Ann began her real estate career with the inspiration to fix and flip homes just like HGTV. However, she quickly learned that this was not as glamorous as it appears on TV. It’s also not as easy. Instead, Ann found true fulfillment and enjoyment in working with Buyers and Sellers. Her passion is helping families realize their dreams of owning a home whether they are first time homebuyers, relocating to the area or downsizing. She is honest and works tirelessly to make sure she is delivering the best customer service to her clients.
Ann lives a bilingual lifestyle. Her husband is from Honduras and they speak both Spanish and English at home with their two boys. When she is not showing a home or working on a deal, you can find Ann with her boys at TaeKwonDo or basketball and baseball games. She also enjoys running with her dog Mason and going to the gym.
Carlene Sumner
Agent
Carlene has worked full time in the real estate business and industry since 1999 and has enjoyed an exciting real estate career in both Utah and North Carolina, winning multiple awards and staying up to date on trends. For Carlene, it’s about quality, not quantity – answering calls, reaching out to clients, provide exceptional service – her clients are not just another number to her.
She has a strong passion for helping other people and has in-depth knowledge of the both the listing and buying side of the transaction. With an award for “Closed Volume”, “Listing agent of the Year” and “Closing Agent of the Quarter”, as well as being a Relocation Specialist, Carlene certainly has experience helping people with their real estate dreams and goals.
Carlene’s past experience include Managing Broker for offices in Park City, Utah and Wake Forest, North Carolina, Director of Career Development, as well as training and coaching multiple agents. Carlene is now excited to solely devote herself to helping those in the community with their real estate needs – whether it be buying a home, selling a home, or investing in real estate throughout the Triangle.
Community involvement is extremely important to Carlene having organized blood drives, coached sports, donated to Toys for Tots, participated in community fall festivals, and much more!
Carlene is world traveled and is passionate about spending time with her family. When she is not showing homes, negotiating offer terms, or responding to calls & emails lickity split, she’s likely at a soccer game with her boys or binging on Netflix with her husband. Her family is her greatest source of joy and they give her the motivation to keep being the absolute best she can be in life – as a mom, wife, and real estater (something the boys use to call her).
Heather Layne
Agent
I relocated to North Carolina from Rochester, NY in 1997. Now I love it here and wouldn’t live anywhere else! I am a former Deputy Sheriff from Monroe County, NY. After all the background, personality, and psychological tests I endured, you can be assured that I am honest and trustworthy!
I started my Real Estate career in 1997. I worked for a builder in New Homes for 2 years, and thus have experience in all aspects of the home building/purchasing process. I have also worked with many relocating clients. Since I relocated to this area myself, I am familiar with the stresses and issues that are unique to the relocating buyer. I can make sure that both the relocating worker and his/her spouse are prepared for the move. I have raised two wonderful children here in the area and have deep knowledge of schools, activities, child care options, professional services that you will need, etc. I will work hard to make your move as stress-free as possible!!
I have also worked with many investors. I am experienced in submitting bids on HUD properties, calculating return on investment, and helping you find that perfect investment property. I firmly believe that an investment in the Triangle area is a strong financial decision with many long term rewards!!
My real estate career here in the Triangle area has been so rewarding. I truly love what I do and would love for YOU to be my next client!
Anthony (Tony) Bertaux
Agent
Born and raised in Apex, Cary, and Raleigh, Tony Bertaux has spent 29 years immersing himself in the communities he now proudly serves. With a strong background in software sales, Tony excels at finding innovative solutions to challenges and delivering outstanding results for his clients. His passion lies in guiding and educating clients, ensuring they are well informed and confident in every decision they make throughout the real estate process.
Beyond his professional life, Tony is an avid sports enthusiast. He enjoys playing tennis, golfing, and skateboarding, and his love for soccer has carried him from the collegiate level to coaching at a small Christian school. When he’s not on the field or the court, you might find Tony at a local karaoke bar with friends!
With a deep-rooted connection to the area and a genuine desire to help others, Tony is the agent you can trust to navigate your real estate journey with expertise and care.
Sommer Donahoe
Agent
Sommer lives in Wake Forest with her husband and children. She is a strong supporter and sponsor of the theater department at Heritage High School. Sommer and her family enjoy spending quality time together, being on the lake, volunteering and supporting others within the community.
Jennifer Edwards
Agent
Jennifer Edwards brings a unique perspective to her real estate career. Her marketing education and background helps her understand how to best present any type of property. A resume including technology and advertising sales has led to this exciting career.
After several personal real estate deals and renovations, Jennifer decided to share her passion and vision with others looking to buy a dream property or sell their current home. She believes listening to client’s needs and expectations is the most vital component of a successful real estate relationship. Many years of successfully navigating the exciting and sometimes stressful Triangle market has given her the experience to negotiate the best deal for her clients.
Along with the knowledge to assist in all aspects of city and suburban property transactions, Jennifer has a deep understanding of farms and land. She is an avid equestrian with personal experience owning and operating her family farm. Finding your dream farm or marketing your property to the most targeted buyers in our area and across the country requires connections in the horse community. As a competitor in eventing and hunter/jumper shows around North Carolina, she is constantly expanding her friendships and connections.
Ann Rodriguez
Agent
Ann began her real estate career with the inspiration to fix and flip homes just like HGTV. However, she quickly learned that this was not as glamorous as it appears on TV. It’s also not as easy. Instead, Ann found true fulfillment and enjoyment in working with Buyers and Sellers. Her passion is helping families realize their dreams of owning a home whether they are first time homebuyers, relocating to the area or downsizing. She is honest and works tirelessly to make sure she is delivering the best customer service to her clients.
Ann lives a bilingual lifestyle. Her husband is from Honduras and they speak both Spanish and English at home with their two boys. When she is not showing a home or working on a deal, you can find Ann with her boys at TaeKwonDo or basketball and baseball games. She also enjoys running with her dog Mason and going to the gym.
Carlene Sumner
Agent
Carlene has worked full time in the real estate business and industry since 1999 and has enjoyed an exciting real estate career in both Utah and North Carolina, winning multiple awards and staying up to date on trends. For Carlene, it’s about quality, not quantity – answering calls, reaching out to clients, provide exceptional service – her clients are not just another number to her.
She has a strong passion for helping other people and has in-depth knowledge of the both the listing and buying side of the transaction. With an award for “Closed Volume”, “Listing agent of the Year” and “Closing Agent of the Quarter”, as well as being a Relocation Specialist, Carlene certainly has experience helping people with their real estate dreams and goals.
Carlene’s past experience include Managing Broker for offices in Park City, Utah and Wake Forest, North Carolina, Director of Career Development, as well as training and coaching multiple agents. Carlene is now excited to solely devote herself to helping those in the community with their real estate needs – whether it be buying a home, selling a home, or investing in real estate throughout the Triangle.
Community involvement is extremely important to Carlene having organized blood drives, coached sports, donated to Toys for Tots, participated in community fall festivals, and much more!
Carlene is world traveled and is passionate about spending time with her family. When she is not showing homes, negotiating offer terms, or responding to calls & emails lickity split, she’s likely at a soccer game with her boys or binging on Netflix with her husband. Her family is her greatest source of joy and they give her the motivation to keep being the absolute best she can be in life – as a mom, wife, and real estater (something the boys use to call her).
Heather Layne
Agent
I relocated to North Carolina from Rochester, NY in 1997. Now I love it here and wouldn’t live anywhere else! I am a former Deputy Sheriff from Monroe County, NY. After all the background, personality, and psychological tests I endured, you can be assured that I am honest and trustworthy!
I started my Real Estate career in 1997. I worked for a builder in New Homes for 2 years, and thus have experience in all aspects of the home building/purchasing process. I have also worked with many relocating clients. Since I relocated to this area myself, I am familiar with the stresses and issues that are unique to the relocating buyer. I can make sure that both the relocating worker and his/her spouse are prepared for the move. I have raised two wonderful children here in the area and have deep knowledge of schools, activities, child care options, professional services that you will need, etc. I will work hard to make your move as stress-free as possible!!
I have also worked with many investors. I am experienced in submitting bids on HUD properties, calculating return on investment, and helping you find that perfect investment property. I firmly believe that an investment in the Triangle area is a strong financial decision with many long term rewards!!
My real estate career here in the Triangle area has been so rewarding. I truly love what I do and would love for YOU to be my next client!
Anthony (Tony) Bertaux
Agent
Born and raised in Apex, Cary, and Raleigh, Tony Bertaux has spent 29 years immersing himself in the communities he now proudly serves. With a strong background in software sales, Tony excels at finding innovative solutions to challenges and delivering outstanding results for his clients. His passion lies in guiding and educating clients, ensuring they are well informed and confident in every decision they make throughout the real estate process.
Beyond his professional life, Tony is an avid sports enthusiast. He enjoys playing tennis, golfing, and skateboarding, and his love for soccer has carried him from the collegiate level to coaching at a small Christian school. When he’s not on the field or the court, you might find Tony at a local karaoke bar with friends!
With a deep-rooted connection to the area and a genuine desire to help others, Tony is the agent you can trust to navigate your real estate journey with expertise and care.
In The Press
Southern Lux Living is proud to have been featured, and highlighted in many different press outlets over the years, here are just a few.
Triangle Style Magazine
Allison Caudle, Broker/REALTOR® and Owner of Southern Lux Living, was featured in the Spring Issue of Triangle Style Magazine sharing her passion for her family, real estate, working with the community!
COVER ARTICLE – CIRCA Magazine
Special thanks to Allison Caudle, owner and broker-in-charge of Southern Lux Living (southernluxliving.com) located in Wake Forest. Summer has arrived, and with more of your days and evenings being spent enjoying the outdoors, it’s time to spruce up your front porch … out with dreary tones and hues, and in with pops of color, a fresh mix of textures, and a new look that you and your home deserve. Regardless of the size of your front porch, this inviting entrance to your home is a great place to dress up, so your guests will feel instantly welcome…
COVER ARTICLE – CIRCA Magazine
Special thanks to Allison Caudle, owner and broker-in-charge of Southern Lux Living (southernluxliving.com) located in Wake Forest. Summer has arrived, and with more of your days and evenings being spent enjoying the outdoors, it’s time to spruce up your front porch … out with dreary tones and hues, and in with pops of color, a fresh mix of textures, and a new look that you and your home deserve. Regardless of the size of your front porch, this inviting entrance to your home is a great place to dress up, so your guests will feel instantly welcome…
Triangle REAL Producers
Allison Caudle, Broker/REALTOR® and Owner of Southern Lux Living, was the Featured Broker of April 2019 in Triangle REAL Producers Magazine.
CIRCA Magazine
Special thanks to Allison Caudle, owner and broker-in-charge of Southern Lux Living (southernluxliving.com) located in Wake Forest. We all hear the popular phrase “work-life balance” when it comes to achieving the right mix of business and personal life. But in reality, how many of us have found the proper balance? Today’s digital world lets us work anytime, anywhere – which is certainly beneficial for our jobs and careers – but as a result, the “work” part of the phrase often has us overworked, overscheduled, and overconnected, while the “life” part is somewhat sacrificed when it comes to things like quality time spent with friends and family, exercising and eating right, enjoying hobbies, etc. People always say they are going to work less and spend more time doing what they enjoy, but we all know that isn’t as easy as it sounds…
CIRCA Magazine
Special thanks to Allison Caudle, owner and broker-in-charge of Southern Lux Living (southernluxliving.com) located in Wake Forest. We all hear the popular phrase “work-life balance” when it comes to achieving the right mix of business and personal life. But in reality, how many of us have found the proper balance? Today’s digital world lets us work anytime, anywhere – which is certainly beneficial for our jobs and careers – but as a result, the “work” part of the phrase often has us overworked, overscheduled, and overconnected, while the “life” part is somewhat sacrificed when it comes to things like quality time spent with friends and family, exercising and eating right, enjoying hobbies, etc. People always say they are going to work less and spend more time doing what they enjoy, but we all know that isn’t as easy as it sounds…
American Lifestyle
Allison Caudle is a Broker and the Co-Owner of RE/MAX Advantage in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is known for her incredible focus on building close relationships with her clients and always implementing good communication as her number one priority…
Top Agent Magazine
Allison Caudle is a Broker and the Co-Owner of RE/MAX Advantage in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is known for her incredible focus on building close relationships with her clients and always implementing good communication as her number one priority…
Our team is extremely knowledgable about the North Carolina real estate market, has years of experience in real estate, marketing, negotiations, investing, moving and relocation.
Most of all, we care about our clients and building lasting relationships.
So if you've thought about buying, selling, or investing in real estate, give Southern Lux Living a call – or send us a message. We’d love to meet you for coffee and learn more about your real estate goals.