Brenda Gee has been a Realtor with Victoria Robbins Realty for two years.
WHERE WAS SHE BEFORE?
She sold radio advertising for two years. Prior to that she was in property management in several different markets for 16 years.
WHY GO IN TO REAL ESTATE AGAIN?
“I had the background from property management and a very dear friend of mine kept begging me to get into real estate. Finally, I said OK.”
SPECIALIZE IN?
Victoria Robbins Realty specializes in waterfront lot sales. “We sell dirt and dreams.”
WHY CHOOSE THAT SPECIALTY?
“It seemed more of a challenge to me. In property management, I spent a lot of time leasing apartments in a model situation, sitting onsite in an office. I just wanted to get out there. I thought outside sales would be a good opportunity to determine if whether or not I could be an outside sales person to begin with before I made the incredible leap to real estate.”
WHY VICTORIA ROBBINS REALTY?
“I interviewed several different companies. David Robbins was interviewing and I just had a really good feeling about it, about him, about the office and about the vision that he had for the company. I just remember walking out of that interview that day thinking ‘This is where I’m supposed to be’.”
WHO BUYS FROM YOU?
“We get most of our leads from people that are specifically looking for and to build their dream home on the water. We get phone calls in the office and from referrals. The majority of our clients typically have their own plan already and in most cases their own builder.”
RUNNING OUT OF LAND?
Oh no, says Gee. “The great thing about real estate is that there is always turnover. So many times when I tell people what I do, they always say that we are running out of that. We do a lot of aerial photography and it is amazing what is still out there. Also, we’ve had several clients who are investors. They specifically buy it and sit on it for a few years and then turn around and bring it back to us to list it for the again.”
WHAT HAS HELPED YOU MOST TO GET YOU WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
“Besides being at the right place at the right time, my education has helped me the most. Because I was in property management for so long, that has helped me as far as my people skills and the sales side of things. But, understanding the development of land and trying to market something that is simply a piece of dirt is a little bit different. So, I have had to acquire a little bit more education than most Realtors do.”
ADVICE FOR NEW AGENTS?
“Somehow set yourself aside to be different. Create your own personal niche if you can’t work for a company that already has one because there are so many real estate agents out there. You have to work hard and work hard at pleasing your clients, not just your pocketbook. That’s what truly sets people apart.”
LESSONS LEARNED?
“To treat others with respect and dignity as I would prefer to be treated. I’ve learned to be loyal to my clients and hope that they do the same for me. That is one of the most difficult things in this business is keeping your clients loyal to you. That is why you must go above and beyond the call of duty because they will go elsewhere.”
HOMETOWN
Jacksonville.
RESIDES
Southside.
WHAT DOES SHE LIKE TO DO WHEN NOT WORKING?
Traveling, spending time with friends and family and going to the beach with her dog Max.
MARITAL STATUS
Single.
CHURCH
Southpoint Community Church.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Northeast Florida Association of Realtors and the Northeast Florida Builders Association’s Sales and Marketing Council.
FAVORITES
Her favorite movie is “My Cousin Vinny.” A movie she saw recently and would recommend is “Master and Commander.” When relaxing at home, she enjoys tuning into Jacksonville Jaguars and Florida Gator football games and “24”. When traveling, she enjoys pampering herself at various spas. When dining out, she prefers Dwight’s at the beach. A book she read and recommends is “A Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren.
- by Michele Newbern Gillis