Home Buying Tip #7: Get a Good Real Estate agent

Get a Good Real Estate Agent

This is a big one! Did you know that the Northeast Florida Association of REALTORS has over 12,000 agents representing a 6 county region? That's a lot!

When considering a home purchase, select an agent who can get the job done for you, provides great advise, knows the contract and can get you through to closing. You’re not just buying a house—you’re investing in your lifestyle, your financial future, and your peace of mind. Whether you’re purchasing a full-time home, a second property to enjoy during Florida’s sunshine months, or something you plan to rent seasonally, you deserve to work with a qualified, experienced, and trustworthy real estate professional.

Why Having the Right Agent Changes Everything

The right agent doesn’t just open doors—they help you see the big picture. In markets like Ponte Vedra Beach and Jacksonville, experience and local knowledge truly matter.

  • 📍 Local expertise—You need more than MLS photos. A great agent knows which communities align with your lifestyle and investment goals. In Ponte Vedra Beach, homes within blocks of each other can have significantly different price, appreciation rates and resale value. I can help you understand which are is best for you!
  • 📈 Market insight—Pricing trends, competitive offers, and neighborhood appreciation rates aren’t always obvious unless you live and breathe this market.
  • 🤝 Strong network—From inspectors and lenders to contractors and attorneys, a seasoned agent brings a team to support your journey.
  • 💬 Skilled negotiation—Especially when navigating cash deals, multiple offers, or homes with unique features or value. I once got a seller to pay my buyer to resolve an issue -- it was the buyer's issue!

How to Vet an Agent—Yes, You Should

Did you know you can (and should) check a Florida real estate agent’s license and professional standing? Just visit the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) website and search for the agent’s name or license number. It’s a smart step—and one that ensures you’re working with someone who’s in good standing and actively licensed.

You have choices. Don’t settle for whoever pops up online or answers a sign call. Work with someone who will advocate for you and has the credentials to back it up.

Who I Am and Why I Can Help

I’ve been in real estate for over 20 years. Most of my experience was in Rochester, MN, where I had the honor of guiding hundreds of clients through buying and selling homes—many of them relocating physicians and professionals tied to Mayo Clinic. I’ve been a Florida resident for 7 years now and fully immersed in the unique dynamics of our coastal and resort-style communities.

I’m trained by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and hold the Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) designation. I specialize in helping retirees, second-home buyers, and relocating families find the right home with the right strategy.

Before real estate, I had a background in computer science—so yes, the data-loving side of me is always analyzing trends, sales stats, and neighborhood performance. I don’t just guess at values—I study them. I know which homes are likely to hold their value, how to negotiate for my buyers, and how to help you make a decision you’ll feel great about.

Experience Matters—But So Do Qualifications

If you search for my sales history online, you won’t see 20 years’ worth of transactions—because Florida’s MLS system doesn’t reflect my years of experience in Minnesota. But here’s what you *will* get when you work with me:

  • ✅ Decades of negotiation and pricing expertise
  • ✅ A deep understanding of Florida’s lifestyle communities and resale factors
  • ✅ A full-service advisor who values long-term relationships over short-term deals
  • ✅ Someone who will advocate for you like I would for my own family

These days, I've decided to be a team of one - just me and my undivided attention. I work personally with each of my clients—because each person deserves individual attention. I have nothing against teams - I ran one for years! At this point in my life I simply enjoy being able to give dedicated attention to each client. 

You Deserve the Best Representation

So whether you’re coming from across the country or across town, take the time to find an agent who fits your needs, is compatible with you, and has the tools and experience to get the job done right.

And if you’d like to chat about your goals or ask questions, I’d love to hear from you. No pressure—just guidance from someone who’s been there, done that, and wants to help you get it right.

📚 Explore the Full Series: Home Buying Tips

  1. Begin Saving for Your Down Payment
  2. Get Your Credit Report
  3. Get Your W2 and Tax Return Documents in Order
  4. Get Pre‑Approved
  5. Make a List of Must‑Haves & “Wish List” Items
  6. Follow a Budget
  7. Get a Good Real Estate Agent ← You're here
  8. Home Inspections
  9. Negotiations Part 1
  10. Negotiations Part 2
  11. Take Notes When Visiting Homes
  12. CDD Fees Explained

Let’s Stay Connected