Lifestyle Resort Realty toasts the Gulf Coast
Realtors close more than $135 million in real estate in 2007

Resort Realty sold more Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach real estate than any other office in the market in 2007 with over $135 million closed and have closed over $50 million in the first quarter of 2008.

When asked about the amazing success of the firm, native Broker Mark Lee answers with an easy smile, "Strong involvement in and ties with the community is the foundation. And a lot of people come into our area to visit our resorts, and we are afforded immediate contact with people who want to know more about home ownership. I find it is not as much selling real estate as it is selling our beautiful Florida Lifestyle. Once the client recognizes what we have here from a Lifestyle standpoint then they automatically want to buy real estate from us!"

Jamie Patterson works for Mark Lee and Resort Realty as their full time Andrews Institute liaison. "I think we tend to take for granted what we have here and what is coming with the Institute and our Resort destinations," she agrees. "People coming into this area cannot believe the natural beauty we have here. My job is to ensure that the athletes and their families that come to our area to train have the best accommodations possible and experience the best our area has to offer."

And many of the athletes fall in love with the area, buy property and return to their home bases to tell others of the incredible beauty our area has to offer.

Resort Realty has successfully increased their powerful internet presence as well. "Gary Michaels has brought a lot of business and internet expertise to Resort Realty. 85 percent of people started their real estate searches on line in 2007. We make sure that the professional companies that serve us afford us excellent position and penetration on most search engines. Someone looking for a value in our market will find Resort Realty listings," Lee says.

Lee became Managing Broker and Michaels became Operations Manager in the spring of 2007. "We were committed to the job because it is so consistent with our commitment to impact the community and make a difference," Lee explains. "The owners of Resort Realty live that commitment, and we are proud to work with them. We feel united with them in a professional and personal mission."

"I think many of us re-evaluated our lives after Hurricane Ivan," Michaels remembers. "I made the personal decision to be a part of something that served a greater purpose than just business and money. Making a difference is incredibly motivating for me and I feel the staff at Resort Realty has a common energy - we are a team with a common commitment."

Realtors Karen Jurkowich, Sheri Henry and Paula Willets from Gulf Breeze confirm that they joined Resort Realty in 2007 because of their philosophy and a desire to make a difference in their community. "They are a good fit," Lee confirms. "We only recruit agents that we know share our community commitment, and a love for the local lifestyle, a lifestyle that in itself blesses those who come here to visit or to live. We aim higher than selling property; we aim to interact with sellers and buyers in a way that blesses all parties concerned."

Resort Realty was named the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber January Business of the Month. "Resort Realty is a first-class organization made up of a group of outstanding business people who excel in customer service and consistently give back to the Gulf Breeze community with a smile," say Chamber President Meg Peltier. "Many of their realtors are active members of our Chamber and volunteer their time with numerous other community organizations as well. Cherry Fitch and Karen Jurkowich currently serve on our Board of Directors. We are extremely proud of Resort Realty and congratulate them on their continued success!"