Kathy White has been a Realtor with Re/Max Professional Group in Amelia Island for three and a half years.
WHERE WAS SHE BEFORE?
She was a site agent for Atlantic Builders in Jacksonville for 10 years and transferred with them to Amelia Island in 1996. Prior to working with Atlantic Builders, she was in general real estate with Heavener Realty for five years.
PRIOR TO REAL ESTATE?
Housewife and mother.
WHY GO FROM GENERAL TO SITE SALES BACK TO GENERAL?
“I liked the idea of selling new homes. I transferred to Fernandina in 1996 and then the company was sold, so I just decided to try something different and go back into general real estate here on the island. Now I have the opportunity to sell a lot in city, a house on the ocean or any builder’s new construction.”
EXPERIENCE AS SITE AGENT HELP YOU NOW?
“Yes, you still have to have that genuine caring for people. You have to care about the people you come into contact with. You can transfer that caring in to whatever they need.”
PARTNERS?
White has been partners with Gerry Clare for about two years. “We take care of each other’s business.”
ADVICE FOR NEW AGENT?
“Stick with it. Hang in there. It takes a lot of work and dedication, but if you stick with it, you will see the results.”
SPECIALITY?
She specializes in selling new homes. “I keep a constant updated file on any specs the builders have on and off the island.”
LESSONS LEARNED?
“To be consistent, honest and open to suggestions. Find out what people want and try to meet the needs.”
PET PEEVES?
“People who don’t put everything upfront. In this business you have to know all the details. Sometimes we encounter problems because we don’t have all the details.”
INTERESTING CUSTOMERS?
She has a customer who visited Amelia Island from Geneva, Switzerland. “She came here to visit. She bought a bicycle when she got here. She was here about 10 days, rode her bicycle down to our office and bought a house from me.”
HOW’S IT GOING IN AMELIA?
“We have watched it grow and increase in value. Right now our inventory is real low because there are too many people coming in and not enough houses.”
INVOLVEMENT IN AMELIA ISLAND/NASSAU COUNTY BOARD OF REALTORS?
She is involved in the Affordable Housing Program group through the board. “We are looking for land for builders to build low-income homes.”
LIKE ABOUT REAL ESTATE?
“Every day is an adventure. You just don’t know from day to day what you are going to encounter and how you are going to solve the problems that come up. If you get through a day without a problem, you wonder how come?”
HOMETOWN?
Stratford, Conn.
CHURCH
St. Michael’s Catholic.
RESIDES
Amelia Woods.
FAMILY
She has four children, Jim, Joe, Mary Beth and Anne, and four grandchildren, Joey, Madeline, Chris and Erin.
WHAT DOES SHE DO FOR FUN?
Gardening and going to the movies.
FAVORITES
Her favorite move is “Message in a Bottle.” A book she would recommend is the Mitford Series by Jan Karon. When watching television, she enjoys “The District”, “American Dream”, and “Dr. Phil.” When dining out, she enjoys Outback Steakhouse. When traveling, she enjoys taking cruises with her three sisters.
- by Michele Newbern Gillis