Pauli Kirby has been a Realtor with Bingemann Realty Sales for four years.
BEFORE THERE?
She has worked for Prudential Network Realty, Re/Max at the Beach, Re/Max Coastal and Arvida.
HOW DID SHE END UP AT BINGEMANN REALTY?
“When Coldwell Banker Walter Williams Realty bought Arvida, the company just got too big. I love it here. It’s a small boutique realty shop and a good place to be. We are like family.”
BEFORE REAL ESTATE?
She and her then-husband owned an executive speaker training company for six years. Before that she worked in the advertising agency business for 15 years where she also did photography modeling during that time. “I started out in broadcast production creating commercials and then I went into media buying and then I became an account executive.”
WHAT MADE HER GO INTO REAL ESTATE?
Her friend, Wendi Mayfield of Watson Realty, persuaded her to get into the real estate business.
HOW DOES YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE HELP YOU NOW?
“You have to be a people person and be able to think situations through. It helps to be creative, which I think is important and it gave me patience. You are always waiting on something.”
AREA SHE COVERS?
Northeast Florida.
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE BEACHES MARKET?
“It’s coming back now. I think people have waited it out and are now saying, ‘I want a house, the mortgage rates are down, so let’s go for it.’ You can also tell (the market is back) by how much activity is going on with your listings and by talking to other Realtors.”
WHAT ARE YOU DOING DIFFERENT IN THIS BUYER’S MARKET TO GET BUSINESS?
Kirby said she just went back to her base of friends and stayed in touch with past customers.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT REAL ESTATE?
“I love the people. I have met so many good friends that are still my friends today. I think I have been blessed. I’ve heard horror stories, but I have really met good people. I love the excitement when someone has a really happy experience. They move into their house with no grumbling and you know you’ve done everything right. It is really satisfying.”
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED FROM A CO-WORKER?
“Treat others as you would want to be treated.”
ADVICE FOR A NEW AGENT?
“Hang in there and don’t listen to people with sad stories. Be positive, don’t give up and keep trying.”
COLLEGE
Kirby earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in art from Bethel College in Indiana.
PET PEEVES?
“People that don’t return phone calls.”
LESSONS LEARNED?
“It’s not over until you are at the closing table. Also, document and keep good notes.”
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS?
The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors and its Ponte Vedra Council and the Beaches Historical Society.
-by Michele Newbern Gillis