Beverly Hecht has been a Realtor with Prudential Network Realty in Atlantic Beach since November 2005.
BEFORE THERE?
Hecht has a long history in the technology field working for such companies as Enterprise Integration and Citibank Universal (formerly AT&T Universal Card Services). Her experience includes customer service, fraud, sales, education, training, human resources and staffing. She also has worked for banks including the Atlantic Bank (now part of Wachovia) as a head teller and customer service manager. “I opened new accounts and serviced loans. I then followed my boss to First Federal and started helping with commercial loans. I’ve done a little bit of everything.”
COLLEGE
She earned a bachelor’s degree in workforce education and development from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
WHAT MADE HER GO INTO REAL ESTATE?
“I became interested in real estate in the early 1980’s when I worked in the commercial loan department of a financial institution. Since then, I have always followed property value fluctuations and been interested in selling and investing in real estate.”
BIG SPONGE?
“I do a lot of reading especially now that I am in a new industry. I want to absorb everything I can. The last five or six years at Citibank, I worked in an educational capacity and I strongly believe in education. It can only make you stronger. Since there is so much to learn about this business, I try to absorb as much reading as I can. I devour all the books and magazines I can and try to take at least two classes per month at the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors office. I want to continue to do that and get as much education as I can.”
HOW DOES YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE HELP HER NOW?
Every job she has been in has been customer-service oriented. “I think you differentiate yourself by the level of customer service you provide. It really sets you a part. If there is something you want me to do, no matter what it is, I will research it and find out if I can. It’s an educational experience for me, so it can do nothing but benefit me.”
AREA SHE COVERS?
All over Jacksonville.
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE BEACHES MARKET?
“Things are sitting on the market longer. It is, as they say, a buyer’s market. I think a lot of sellers are very open to negotiation. Most sellers are willing to entertain an offer.”
NOT JADED?
“I think the good thing about new agents and me is that we are not jaded by things that have happened over the past couple of years. We know we have to work for the business and we are willing to do so.”
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT REAL ESTATE?
“I love everything about it. I’ve always had the desire. I’ve always looked up property values and sizes. We are very fortunate in Jacksonville because we have had phenomenal growth and property value increases. Even though it is normalizing as they say now, we are still very fortunate.”
BEST PROFESSIONAL ADVICE RECEIVED?
“At the end of each year, establish goals for the following year. They should follow the smart rule of being specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound. You need to monitor your goals and objectives periodically, adjust if necessary and celebrate your successes along the way.”
ADVICE FOR A NEW AGENT?
“Keep good documentation. Also, you may feel that you are bothering or bugging your customers, but it’s not necessarily the case. You have to have constant communication with your customers so they know you are in the business and there to serve them.”
PET PEEVES?
“Dishonesty and unprofessional behavior.”
LESSONS LEARNED?
“Stay organized, keep constant communication with customers and follow through.”
- by Michele Newbern Gillis