Real estate is my dream job!!!! There is no greater satisfaction than finding customers their dream homes, and I feel privileged to do this in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The climate is perfect with just enough seasonal change to be interesting. It's never really cold, and to a former Pittsburgher, it's never too warm. My unique constellation of education and experiences have prepared me to serve my customers well. I spent 35 wonderful years teaching art, primarily at the high school level. My art background enables me to see the potential in properties often overlooked by others. If the bones are good, a fixer-upper might be a diamond in the rough, and the price will be right. A masters degree in educational psychology helps me to develop rapport and trust with my customers, and to discern their true feelings about a property. I can sense when they are holding back information that may be vital to selecting a home where they can be happy. Effectively negotiating as well as diffusing fears related to buying and selling a home are areas where I feel very competent. Right after 9/11/2001, I left for Paris with my then seventeen year old daughter. I rented an apartment on the rue du faubourg saint antoine, sight unseen, over the internet. Signing a lease I couldn't read, explained by a gentleman I couldn't understand was a real leap of faith. Without ever studying the French language, I managed to buy groceries, mail letters home, pay utilities, navigate the metro system, and live comfortably in a city and society totally foreign to me. In our building was a warm and empathetic woman who introduced my daughter and me to all things French. The experience, which turned out to be wonderful, gives me insight into the daily problems of people relocating to our city. Whether the customers come from a city in the United States or some distant country, they will face challenges until they get settled, establish a circle of friends, and learn the way around St. Augustine. I would love to welcome newcomers, as Noelle welcomed us, and help them make our city their home.