Jean Hable has been a Realtor with Century 21 John T. Ferreira and Son in Fernandina Beach since 1990.
BEFORE THERE?
She was a practical nurse in Air Force for three years and then did home care nursing for a few years. After nursing, she ran a silk floral business out of her home. “I’ve probably been self-employed my whole life.” When she moved to Fernandina Beach in 1987, she volunteered for Barnabus Center for four years and as a volunteer art teacher at Southside Elementary.
WHAT MADE HER GO INTO REAL ESTATE?
“We moved 12 times all over the country for my husband’s job. It was a real challenge.” In 1990 she decided to go into real estate. She had had a head-on car accident which left her unable to do nursing. “I just couldn’t do nursing any more, so my next love was homes and real estate, so I decided to go into real estate.”
HOW DOES YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE HELP HER NOW?
“I feel that working with all these other people as a volunteer, I knew the community here very well when I started real estate. I also think the relationships I developed while working with people, especially in nursing are very similar to selling homes to people.”
SPECIALITY?
All general real estate. “I’ve done commercial, land and new homes. I just do all of it.”
AREA SHE COVERS?
All over Nassau County.
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FERNANDINA MARKET?
“The market is a little on soft side. We are down about eight percent from last year. Things are a little slow, but if a property is priced right and looks good, it’s selling.”
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT REAL ESTATE?
“I was only going to do it for five years. But, I love helping first-time home buyers. To me that is so rewarding.”
BEST PROFESSIONAL ADVICE RECEIVED?
“Try to stay in touch with customers and listen to their needs. Also, be a part of all aspects of the real estate board and Multiple Listing Service.”
ADVICE FOR A NEW AGENT?
Hable said to find a veteran agent, use them as a mentor and kind of pick their brain a little bit. “I’m a full-time agent. I work seven days a week. Some agents take a day off, but I feel I need to be ready for customers when they want to see a house.”
PET PEEVES?
Hable said that it is very difficult to get feedback from other agents after a showing.
LESSONS LEARNED?
“I like to stay very organized. I think it’s the only way you can keep up with the volume of business. I did $15 million last year without an assistant. Just being organized helps me to stay on top of everything. I come to work very early in the morning ready to go. I work very hard at this business.”
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS?
Amelia Island/Nassau County Association of Realtors. She volunteers with Micah’s Place and is a supporter of Cat’s Angels.
WHY BE INVOLVED IN THE BOARD?
“In my first few years in real estate, I was very active with our board. I was head of the grievance, education and other committees. I was on the board of directors for three years. I think they need to go to the board meetings so they know what is going on because it does involve them. I think everyone should get as much education in this business as they possibly can. You need the knowledge because it is an ever-changing business.”
- by Michele Newbern Gillis