Gail George never planned on being a Realtor, but she says fate has a way of making things happen that we never expected.
She has been a Realtor with Watson Realty's Intracoastal West office for a little more than a year. Before that, she worked part-time as an assistant at CC Devco, a developer, while working as an elementary school teacher. She taught at Twin Lakes Elementary for four years and at Jacksonville Country Day School for one year.
To supplement her teaching income, George worked for CC Devco on the weekends for almost two years. She opened houses, drove people around, made phone calls and did everything she could to help without a real estate license while still teaching school. The company suggested she get her license so she could help out more, so she did. She stopped teaching and became a full-time Realtor. Watson Realty recruited her shortly thereafter.
Destiny?
"I never dreamed I'd become a Realtor. It was so unplanned, but it felt so natural to me. I just felt like I was being led into this job. It was an excellent fit."
Area she covers?
Southside, Intracoastal West and the Beaches.
Background
George is originally from Canada. She lived in South Florida for 25 years and worked as an elementary school teacher there. She moved here six years ago.
Back to basics?
Though she sees the value in technology, George's business plan is face-to-face, feet on the ground, old-fashioned farming. She values building relationships one person at a time, just like an old-fashioned Realtor would.
Best marketing?
George does mail postcards to keep her name out there, but also likes the personal approach. "I put my name tag on and go to Publix, just like Mr. (Bill) Watson would." She said the first thing people ask her is "How is the market?" She said it is an easy question to answer and it's a great way to meet future customers.
What do you like about real estate?
George said it is constantly changing and every day is different. It fits her personality well. "I tell people it's a lot like teaching, but the hugs are taller."
Previous experience help?
George said her years of focusing on attention to detail and dealing with different personalities helps her a great deal. "Teachers make great Realtors."
What are your strengths?
George said she follows through on everything and gives 100 percent to her business. "I'll even babysit kids during a closing because I feel everyone needs an extra little hand-holding. There is a lot of stress and if I can do anything to reduce the stress involved in a sale, I'm all about it."
Best advice received?
George said her broker Sandy Wagner told her to "Fake it until you make it." She had a listing while she was still in real estate school and had no idea what she was doing. But, she kept plugging on. "I have wonderful mentors here and they told me no matter what I did, they could fix it."
What makes you different than other Realtors?
She believes in treating people the way you want to be treated. She returns every phone call and will do anything they need her to. She said she has noticed how important it is to get back to customers, especially the younger ones, within the hour. "We are 'within the hour' people now."
Social media?
She has a personal Facebook page and a business one, but really wants to develop her real estate page more. "That is a big plan for 2014. I'd be crazy not to."
Advice for a loan officer?
George said a good loan officer should be involved in every step of the transaction, give constant affirmations and anticipate the customer's needs.
Professional associations?
Northeast Florida Association of Realtors and its Beaches Council and Women's Council of Realtors.
Family
George is single and lives in Southside. She has one son, Michael, 26, who also is contemplating going into real estate.
Something no one knows about you?
George teaches a chair exercise program, "Ageless Grace" to older adults. "It's basically dancing in a chair."
She also has written a few children's books about her cats, Mac and Mouse, and is in the process of getting them published.
— By Michele Gillis