How long have you been in real estate?

I am a native of Albany, GA and graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University with a degree in business administration.  I moved to Atlanta and worked in the marketing field at The Coca-Cola Company and Delta Air Lines.  My husband and I decided to leave Atlanta and move closer to family in South GA, so we re-discovered Fernandina Beach which I used to vacation as a teenager in the late 70’s and early 80’s.  I was encouraged to go into real estate from the Realtor that sold our home in Atlanta.  Once I moved here in December 2003, I found a job working as an unlicensed real estate sales assistant for the agents at Amelia Island Plantation.  I learned so much about writing contracts, adhering to deadlines, handling the details and keeping the buyers and sellers informed.  In the spring 2005, I decided to pursue getting my real estate license and completed that in the fall of 2005.  I then decided to leave the Plantation and work in general real estate sales and chose Prudential as the company I wanted to work for.  I have been at Prudential since fall 2005. 

Describe your background in real estate.

I am a licensed Realtor and member of the Florida Association of Realtors as well as the National Association of Realtors.  I am involved as the Public Relations chair for the Amelia Island Nassau County Association of Realtors as well as one of the Board of Directors.  I believe in getting involved with your local Association.  You can learn so much about how your association fits in with the state and national association.  You also meet many other Realtors and get to know them on a personal basis which can help when you work with them on a professional level.  Plus the knowledge you learn from new and experienced agents is great.  I also believe in continuing education and learning and reading everything I can about this industry, our state market and local market.  I received my National Association of Realtor e-Pro designation in 2007 which means I have completed an online course on internet marketing and strategies.  I am currently in the process of taking GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute) classes which includes 105 hours of class work and tests and will receive the GRI designation in 2008. 

What do you enjoy about being a real estate agent?

I enjoy working with people and getting to know them and their needs and teaching them about the buying and selling process.  Everyone is different and has different wants and needs.  I enjoy working with sellers to help them list and market their home.  I also enjoy working with buyers to educate them on the home buying process and helping them find the perfect home that suits their needs.  When you handle the details for the buyers and the sellers and then go to the closing and their needs are met, it is very rewarding and satisfying.  With each transaction, there is always something new to learn because each brings its own set of challenges and knowledge. 

What services do you offer?

Our office is a full service real estate brokerage that handles all aspects of buying and selling property in Nassau County and Florida.  I help my customers by referring them to mortgage bankers and brokers, insurance agents, home inspectors, etc.  I handle all the details for them and guide them through the process so they can relax since buying and selling a home can be stressful.

How do you use technology like the Internet to help buy and sell?

According to the National Association of Realtors, 80% of homebuyers start their search on the Internet.  Technology is the way of the future as more and more web sites, software and hardware become available and easier to use.  All of my listings go on the local Multiple Listing Service site which has a feed into Realtor.com, the #1 search engine for buyers.  My listings are also posted on the www.chaplinwilliams.com, Zillow.com, Craigslist. HomesandLand.com and several other sites and all my listings have a virtual tour.  In the next year, I will be using video links that can be emailed to customers to watch a video of a home or listen to a short speech on market condition or any relevant topic.  For buyers, I can use a tool in our MLS (Multiple Listing Service) to send buyers emails on property that matches their preferences such as price, location, number of bedrooms and baths.  It is an easy way for the buyer to keep up with what is going on in the market.  They contact me if they see a property that interests them.  The internet is also an easy and fast way to keep up with customers by sending cards, flyers and newsletters.

What type of real estate do you specialize in – residential, commercial, land, PUDs?

I have sold and listed residential, commercial and land.  Right now, I am focused on residential including re-sales as well as new construction and land.  I have several re-sale homes on the market right now.  I have teamed up with another agent in my office to maximize our marketing and exposure on the listings.  Each specialty has its own unique set of challenges so you are always learning something new.

What distinguishes you from your competition?

I truly care about my customers and put their needs first.  It is about them and their needs and not my needs.  I am very detailed oriented so I take care of my customers by taking care of all the details for them.  I follow up with lenders, inspectors, closing agents, etc. to make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to closing.  I have never had a closing that did not happen and there have been so surprises at the closing table.  (The one place surprises are not fun!)  I make sure my customers have the information they need to come to the closing prepared whether they are buyers or sellers. 

What area of Nassau County do you cover?

I live in the North Hampton community off of Amelia Concourse on the mainland.  I cover the mainland areas of Fernandina Beach and Yulee as well as Amelia Island.

What did I not ask you that you would like to see included in the story?

It is a buyer’s market and a great time to buy.  Interest rates are low, home inventory is high and the prices are good.  Use a local Realtor to help you buy or sell your home.  We are the market experts. 

Special awards or community memberships:

In the past couple of years, I was involved with the local chapter of the American Cancer Society and helped with their annual golf tournament and Relay for Life.  I was on the local Board and served as Secretary for 2 years.    In 2006, I won volunteer of the Year with the ACS.  Currently, I am a member of the Amelia Island-Fernandina Beach, Yulee Chamber of Commerce.  I also volunteer with a new women’s networking group called WIN-WIN (Women in Nassau helping Women in Nassau) we raise money for Gerri’s Corner (local cancer support place for women and their families) and network.  I also volunteered to work at the Yulee High School concession stand during a couple of football games.  I enjoying volunteering and helping people.