Linda McCoy is a broker and has been a real estate agent with ERA Fernandina Beach Realty, Inc. in Fernandina Beach for 22 years.
WHAT DOES SHE DO?
She sells some commercial, but mostly residential real estate in the Amelia Island and Yulee.
SPECIALITY?
Oceanfront and ocean view houses and condominiums on the Island.
BEFORE REAL ESTATE?
She worked at the News Leader for three years, designing advertisements in the production department. Before that, she was a housewife.
WHAT MADE HER DECIDE TO GET INTO REAL ESTATE?
“I decided it would be a good profession to be in to meet people to have a more flexible schedule, which is a fallacy. When you have small children, you think you’ll do real estate and have some time to be with the children, too, but it can turn into an all-consuming career. I really like meeting new people coming into the area.”
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT SELLING IN AMELIA ISLAND?
“I like that the area is rather contained. It is easy to maneuver as far as traveling around. It’s an area that is so compact, that you can really get to know your market.”
WHO BUYS IN AMELIA ISLAND?
She said she has customers who commute to Jacksonville or Kings Bay. It’s a very diverse area. “There are a lot of young retirees that come here because of all of the things the Island does have to offer. I work a lot of baby boomers who are looking for their retirement home.”
INVOLVEMENT IN AMELIA ISLAND/NASSAU COUNTY BOARD OF REALTORS?
She is on the board of directors for Multiple Listing Service and has served on the grievance and the professional standards committees for the past seven years.
WHY SHOULD REALTORS BE INVOLVED IN THE BOARD?
“They should get involved in the board to support it. I started in real estate before we even had the board. If you never had it, then you appreciate it more. We’ve come a long way since I started in real estate. I started before the MLS, where we had to physically visit the various offices and pick up flyers on the different listings. So, I can really appreciate the board because we have come such a long way over the years.”
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT REAL ESTATE?
“I like meeting the people, knowing what is going on in the local government and with the land here. I like not punching a time clock and having a different challenge every day.”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO NEW AGENTS?
“Education and persistence.”
HOW HAS REAL ESTATE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?
“It has gotten so much busier. So many people are finding this is such a desirable area. The property values have just skyrocketed since I got into the business.”
HOMETOWN
Ocoee, Fla.
MOVED TO AMELIA ISLAND?
In 1978 with her husband, who worked for CSX at the time.
WHAT DOES SHE LIKE TO DO WHEN NOT WORKING?
“We have a little place on the Suwannee River that we like to get away to. We also have a house in the mountains that we like to visit. My husband is a big fisherman and I like to join him when I can get time.” They also have two boats and two jet skis.
WHAT HAS HELPED HER MOST TO GET HER WHERE SHE IS TODAY?
McCoy attributes her success to the support within her company. “I work for a wonderful guy, Steve Simmons. He has been so supportive of me over the years and he is like family.”
LESSONS LEARNED
“To be tolerant and patient with people.”
RESIDES
Plantation Oaks in Amelia Island.
CHURCH
Five Points Baptist.
FAMILY
She has been married to Tim, retired from CSX and the Air National Guard, for 36 years. Together they have three children, Lisa, 39; Lana, 34, LeAnn, 30 and four grandchildren are Jana, 16; Jordan, 11; Adam, 10; Casey, 8 and one on the way.
FAVORITES
A book she would recommend is “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. A movie she saw recently and would recommend is “Sweet Home Alabama.” When relaxing at home, she enjoys tuning into “Friends.” When traveling, she likes Sylva, N.C. When dining out, she likes Horizons in Amelia Island.
- by Michele Newbern Gillis