Diana NesSmith has been a Realtor with Davidson Realty in the World Golf Village for four years.
WHAT DOES SHE DO?
She was in the main office for the first three years, but now she and two other Davidson Realty agents, Lynn Rieff and Susan Korb, are concentrating on selling in The King and the Bear community in the WGV. “We have joined together and have taken on that community as our mission. The higher-end homes have gone through a slow period, but we are concentrating on those particular properties. There really aren’t that many places in Jacksonville that you can build a 4,000 square foot home. They are coming to us now if they want to build a larger home.”
WHERE WAS SHE BEFORE WGV?
She worked at Pinkham Pacetti Realty for 10 years. “I sold the majority of the waterfront property along the St. Johns River from Julington Creek and south to Hastings and Palatka. There was and still is a huge demand for waterfront, as well as acreage, and during those years I became very knowledgeable about property values in St. Johns County.”
DIAMOND IN
THE ROUGH?
“Regarding the WGV, I feel that up until this year it was the world’s best kept secret. We have overcome the misconception that it’s just too far away. A recent survey by American Metrostudy shows that we are third in the top 10 communities for annual starts. The demand for housing and great schools in St. Johns County has brought our community to the forefront and growth is beating a path to our door. We are right in the middle of a high growth area.”
TOP PRODUCER?
NesSmith’s name appears almost every month as top producer for Davidson Realty. “I think my conversion ratio is fairly high. I relate very well to a lot of different people and they trust me and my judgment about properties. If they are serious about buying, I’m usually pretty good at helping them to make that decision.”
WHERE WAS SHE BEFORE PINKHAM PACETTI?
She worked for a real estate appraiser, Harry Broom at Broom Moody and Johnson, for 18 years. “We appraised all of the Marsh Landing and Sawgrass property. We also did a lot of appraisals for [developers] Paul and Jerome Fletcher. I got interested in the sales part of it while preparing all of these appraisals. While I was working there I got my real estate license and then my broker’s license.”
BEFORE REAL ESTATE?
She was a legal secretary for 10 years.
WHAT MADE HER DECIDE TO GET INTO REAL ESTATE?
She and her husband had built a home on the river and she had seen Pinkham Pacetti’s signs in the area, so she went to him and asked for a job. She stayed for 10 years.
ADVICE FOR
NEW AGENTS?
“Getting to know the market in their immediate vicinity is a key factor. Join a strong company that not only offers you good opportunities but solid support and training. Once you get your feet wet, find a role model. A top producer, although busy, seldom minds sharing some tips with an agent who is just learning the trade. Work hard, but work smart. Listen to your customers’ requests. Following up and fulfilling those needs is your key to success. Get involved in educational courses. Our business is constantly changing and it requires us to keep up with the times. Get involved with a support group. The Women’s Council of Realtors offers such wonderful opportunities for an individual and it is a wonderful way to meet and network with other Realtors in the community.”
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT REAL ESTATE?
“I like the benefits that you reap from it. I also like the people. I am a people person and I wouldn’t be happy just sitting at home.”
LESSONS LEARNED?
“Listen. When you have shown a piece of property and you are driving back, be quiet and don’t keep chattering about it. Let them think because they are thinking about it very hard, anyway. It is the biggest investment that they are going to make in their life.”
WHAT HAS HELPED YOU MOST TO GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
“Perseverance and being a little more aggressive, but not overly aggressive.”
HOMETOWN
Jacksonville. She was raised in the San Marco area and graduated from Bishop Kenny.
HOMETOWN ADVANTAGE?
“I think another thing that has been an asset to me is that I was raised here and I know a lot of the Realtors.”
RESIDES
Just south of Orangedale in Colee Cove.
WHAT DOES SHE DO WHEN SHE IS NOT WORKING?
She enjoys visiting her grandchildren, boating and traveling.
FAMILY
She has three children and four grandchildren.
CHURCH
Village Church at the World Golf Village.
FAVORITES
Her favorite book is “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey. When relaxing at home, she enjoys “60 Minutes”. When dining out, she enjoys Fiddler’s Green. When traveling, she enjoys St. Thomas and St. Croy.
— by Michele Newbern Gillis