Sam Kellum has been a Realtor with Watson Realty Corp. in Fernandina Beach since March 2004.
BEFORE THERE?
Kellum retired from the Navy in 1999 after 24 years service in aviation maintenance and training. After he retired, his wife, who was still in the Navy, was stationed in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. They relocated and he became a financial educator and relocation specialist with the Navy there for three years.
WHAT MADE HIM GO INTO REAL ESTATE?
When his wife retired in 2003, they returned to Florida and moved to Fernandina Beach. “As a relocation specialist, I taught military members how to buy homes from selecting a real estate agent, to getting a mortgage, to finding the right house and fitting it into a budget. I enjoy doing it, it was just a matter of getting back here and in one place long enough to get into sales. What the guys like about is the analytical part as in finding the properties and the business end of it.”
HOW DOES YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE HELP YOU NOW?
“While in the service, I transferred a few times and I purchased a home each time we moved. Moving and relocating is a part of military life so I have empathy for buyer’s situations. I understand the home buying process from start to finish.”
MILITARY BACKGROUND HELP?
“I think the military prepared me by helping me understand that the first six months in any job or new position is usually the hardest. You just do what you have to do, put in the hours, stick to it and you will reap the benefits in the end. The military gives you a no-quit attitude.”
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED FROM A CO-WORKER?
“Treat all your customers as your only customer.”
ADVICE FOR
A NEW AGENT?
“Be patient, work hard and good things will come to you.”
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS?
Amelia Island/Nassau County Association of Realtors, Florida Association of Realtors and National Association of Realtors.
PET PEEVES?
“The biggest thing is when someone is getting ready to sell a property and they lead you to believe that they are going to list with you. You do the research and give them a price and then you see the property listed with another agent.”
LESSONS LEARNED?
“I’ve learned a lot of lessons. You are constantly learning. I learn something new with each transaction. The best lesson is to be very familiar with the type of transaction you are conducting. For instance, if you are selling oceanfront property, you should be very familiar with some of the state ordinances that go along with that. On oceanfront, a seller has to provide a buyer with copy of a survey depicting the coastal construction control line, which is different from any other transaction.”
SPECIALITY?
“I’m very familiar with waterfront property. I can’t say that I specialize in it, but that is my direction.”
AREA HE COVERS?
Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach and east Nassau County.
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THOSE MARKETS?
Kellum said there is a tremendous amount of new construction off Amelia Island. “It is a completely different market on the island. There is very little new construction and because of the limited amount of properties available, prices are appreciating a great bit.”
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT REAL ESTATE?
“I like meeting the people and the attraction of solving a problem.”
HOMETOWN?
New Orleans.
RESIDES
Yulee.
PERSONAL SIDE?
When Kellum is not working, he enjoys surf fishing, back water fishing, woodworking and listening to music. He has been married to Stephanie, who is retired from the Navy, for 22 years. Together they have four children: Jay, 29; Roxanne, 28; Vanessa, 20 and Aaron, 16. When traveling, he enjoys visiting Key West. His favorite television show is “Spanish Fly” on ESPN. His favorite movie is “Apocalypse Now Redux” and his favorite book is “Islands in the Stream” by Ernest Hemingway. When dining out, he prefers Down Under in Nassau County.
- by Michele Newbern Gillis