Sara Daw has been an associate broker and Realtor with Prudential Chaplin Williams Realty in Amelia Island since April 2002.
BEFORE THERE?
She was the manager of a Coldwell Banker office on Merritt Island. Before that she was the vice president of sales with Brylen Homes. Daw has over 25 combined years experience in new home sales and general real estate. She started out with the Stockton Land Corporation in Ponte Vedra Beach in late 1978.
WHAT MADE HER GO INTO REAL ESTATE?
She was a mother of two young toddlers and wanted a career that would offer her flexibility.
HOW DOES YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE HELP YOU NOW?
“New home sales and general real estate are two different disciplines. They are two different fields of expertise. But, I do feel that experience in general real estate helps with new home sales and experience in new home sales helps in general real estate. With experience in new home sales, I think there are things about floor plans, systems and details that I am aware of that, perhaps, comes from my new home expertise. I think if you are in working in new home sales and you understand how people make a buying decision when buying a home, which you learn a lot about in general real estate, then that helps too.”
INVOLVEMENT WITH THE BOARD
She is on the building committee of the Amelia Island/Nassau County Board of Realtors. “The committee is helping to lay out goals for our association and plans for our growth over the next several years.”
WHY BE INVOLVED IN THE BOARD?
“I think you have to be involved with what you are doing professionally because it’s how you make your living, so you should support the board. Amelia Island has a wonderful board that is very active and has a high degree of participation.”
SHOULD NEW AGENTS GET INVOLVED?
“Yes. First, to support your industry. Second, for the educational opportunities. Third, to have the opportunity to be able to spend time with professional agents that are experienced and who will help you. It’s a very generous profession and there are a lot of people who are willing to help you.”
ADVICE FOR A NEW AGENT?
Daw said new agents need to listen, learn, work hard, practice good business practices, be smart about how you spend money and persevere.
LESSONS LEARNED?
“There is always something new to learn and something new to do. Technologically, the industry has changed dramatically. When I started in the business, my first contract had carbon paper. I remember learning to use the copy machine for the first time. We didn’t have cell phones, faxing was a big deal, there was no Multiple Listing Service on the computer and no lockboxes. You have to learn to go with the changes. There are some basics that don’t change which include being honest, organized, fair and knowing your stuff.”
PET PEEVES?
“The public’s perception that is often held that we don’t earn our money.”
SPECIALITY?
Daw does not have a specialty. Recently, she has dealt with luxury oceanfront, historic properties, country acreage and tradition suburban homes.”
AREA SHE COVERS?
Nassau County and Amelia Island to I-95.
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE NASSAU MARKET?
“Our market has been very busy this year. We have had tremendous appreciation. I think our biggest problem is finding new listings to sell because good properties are selling just about as fast as they come on the market. We are seeing growth and appreciation both on the island and off. There has also been a lot of commercial and retail growth. There is a real balancing act being done here between preserving the beautiful parts of the islands and the mainland area with the desire of people to grow and develop.”
LIKE ABOUT REAL ESTATE?
Daw likes helping people solve problems. “I like the fact that I am always meeting new people, doing new things and solving people’s problems. Everyone that is looking at real estate has a problem. They either need a new home, need to sell their home, need a bigger home, need a smaller home, an investment or part with an investment. Everyone you deal with has a problem and I like solving problems.”
HOMETOWN?
She was raised in Tennessee. She started working in Amelia Island in 1996 and moved there late 2000.
CHURCH
St. Peter’s Episcopal.
RESIDES
On the marsh in Nassau County.
PERSONAL SIDE?
She has two grown daughters, Dawn Mays and Stacy Price and two grandchildren, Logan, 2 and Evelyn, 1 and another on the way. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, friends and family. She also likes reading and learning to play golf. “I am working at becoming a gourmet cook and I enjoy sewing and boating.” Daw is an old movie fan. “My children tease me that in order for me to like movie it had to be made before I was born. I really enjoy the “The Thin Man” movies from the 1930’s. I also think ‘Forrest Gump’ did a good job of capturing time period’s in the South.” Her favorite book is the Bible and she is a big mystery reader. Lately, she discovered a South African author by the name of Wilbur Smith who writes about the history of Africa. Even though she thinks where she lives is paradise, she has enjoyed visiting the British isles. When relaxing at home, she enjoys tuning into Fox News and Home and Garden Television. When dining out, she enjoys PLAE in Amelia Island Plantation.
— by Michele Newbern Gillis