Barbara O'Rourke

Director of Career Development

Direct(919) 719-2920
Fax(919) 719-2901

About Me

Barbara O'Rourke joined Allen Tate Family of Companies as Regional Director of Professional Development with their expansion into the Triangle Region in February 2007. As a seasoned recruiting professional, Barbara utilizes her experience to attract and retain top talent to Allen Tate.

Her work in professional development began during her career in the men's apparel industry, where she helped top-tier companies such as; Liz Claiborne, The Arrow Shirt Company and Hathaway Industries manage executive placement and strategic planning and development. Her firm, Sayar-O'Rourke & Associates, was headquartered in New York.

Barbara's real estate focus began when she joined York Simpson Underwood Realty and served as Vice President of Career Development for over seven years. There she recruited, developed and trained new agents. She also served as the Director of the their School of Real Estate.
Active in the community, Barbara served on the selection committee for the Triangle Business Journals "40 under 40" Leadership Award. In addition, Barbara is a certified coach of the Ninja Selling and Coaching Program, a national real estate training program based on providing exceptional customer service while maintaining work-life balance.

A native New Yorker, Barbara moved to the Triangle in 1994 with her family. Outside the office Barbara's passions include entertaining, reading and cooking for her friends and family.

My Homeownership Partners

Gina Amaxopulos, Allen Tate Insurance
Melanie Hatch, Allen Tate Insurance
Sheri Whitley, Allen Tate Mortgage

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What People Are Saying

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Phyllis Brookshire President Allen Tate Realtors

Barbara's ability to identify and develop real estate professionals is unmatched in the marketplace. She truly makes a difference in the careers of our agents.

Alexandra Gretter

Hello! I just wanted to send you a note to thank you again for introducing me to Allen Tate. I am really excited to be part of Gina's team. She is wonderful. You inspired me to move forward with the company and jump in with a full effort and passion. I know I made the right choice. For that, I truly thank you.

Julie Ju

Barbara was my first introduction to Allen Tate while I was still in real estate school, which was why I was so drawn to Allen Tate. I was so impressed with her professionalism, presentation, ethical standards, charisma, and character. After interviewing several other firms, there was something intangible about Barbara that just felt like the right fit. She always remembered my exam dates and would reach out to see if I needed anything. After joining Allen Tate, I can say that everything Barbara had presented is truly how it feels at Allen Tate.

Keri Leatherwood

After completing several interviews with various Real Estate Firms in the area, Allen Tate stood far above all the others. I was very impressed by the training and support they had to offer their new agents, but even more than that, I was impressed by their people. Barbara had the highest level of professionalism and expertise in her field. She provided me with valuable information and counsel, not just in regards to Allen Tate, but for my career as a whole. She was genuinely ready and eager to help me in any way she could. Ultimately, the individuals I met with at Allen Tate are the reason I chose to partner with this firm and I couldn't be happier.

Taya Burns

Prior to joining the real estate profession, I was a leasing consultant for an apartment community. One day, Barbara comes in looking for an apartment for her daughter. I assisted her with everything and by the end of her tour she highly recommended that I pursue real estate. That sparked my initial interest and a few months later I enrolled in my real estate class! Needless to say, I got my license and kept in touch with Barbara throughout the process. She was/is extremely helpful and gave me awesome advice. She even got me a meeting with one of the top producers at Allen Tate who was able to shed light and give some amazing tips to help me during my transition. I truly thank Barbara for walking into my office that day because I cannot say I'd be here at Allen Tate today if she didn't!

Erica Colucci

I had just graduated real estate school and passed my state and national exam, the recruitment letters, postcards, and notes of congratulations began flooding my daily mail. It seemed like a very daunting task to sift through all of them and choose the one office that would best suit me. I wanted to be proud of the company that I was representing and I wanted a company that truly wanted and could support me. Fortunately, I was put in touch with Barbara very quickly and we set up a time to meet. It was my first visit with a real estate company and the moment I met Barbara and learned about Allen Tate's history, philosophy, and quality - I knew I had found my place! Barbara and I laughed for hours that night and I continue to enjoy every experience with Allen Tate since I decided to join the family! Thank you Barbara for your time, your smile, and your inspiration!

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