Real Estate Excellence
Are your real estate deals falling apart because you're not mastering the art of negotiation and timing? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Bobbie Jean DeMunck joins Tracy Hayes to unpack what it takes to thrive in today's volatile real estate market. With over 15 years in the business and a background in interior design and banking, Bobbie shares how blending aesthetics with strategy helps her listings stand out and sell faster—even in a slower market. She reveals her unique approach to negotiation, how she wins offers by shortening inspection periods and timelines,...
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What if your side hustle became your true calling? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits Edwina Burch. Edwina Burch is a dynamic Jacksonville real estate agent, shares her journey from aspiring attorney to becoming one of the top real estate agents in northeast Florida. Starting her career in education administration, Edwina transitioned to real estate after being inspired by a colleague’s challenging real estate deal. Quickly realizing that selling real estate was not as simple as HGTV portrayed, Edwina embraced the challenge and soon achieved...
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What does it take to build a thriving real estate business from scratch—while raising three kids as a single mom? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Beverly Hecht, a top Jacksonville Beach realtor, who shares her compelling journey from IT sales to becoming a real estate powerhouse. A Jacksonville native with deep community roots, Beverly dives into how her corporate discipline, single-mom tenacity, and relentless drive helped her transition into real estate and build a loyal client base along Florida’s First Coast. From navigating tough...
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What happens when you mix discipline, precision, and deep empathy into a real estate business? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes Cindy James. Cindy is a licensed REALTOR, & Broker Associate, public speaker, and co-owner of Island Construction & Remodeling in Jacksonville, FL. With over 30 years in the corporate world and a background in real estate investing, Cindy blends business savvy, local expertise, and construction knowledge to help clients buy, sell, and transform homes with confidence. She’s built a standout brand by leading with...
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What if the key to long-term success in real estate isn’t sales skills—but mentorship, purpose, and adaptability? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes Sarah Olson, a powerhouse broker and mentor with over two decades of experience in Northeast Florida. From leading First Coast Collective at RE/MAX Unlimited to launching her own Real Estate Agent Success Academy, Sarah shares her journey of transformation—from a tax accountant to a top-tier agent and educator. With an innate ability to connect, teach, and inspire, she reveals the secrets...
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What if the secret to leveling up your real estate game lies in the systems you don’t see? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes Tiffany Freeman—a former transaction coordinator turned high-performing agent with Ingle & Volkers. With a sharp mind for systems and strategy honed through military family life and 2,000+ real estate transactions, Tiffany unveils her journey from resisting real estate to thriving at its forefront. Listeners get a front-row seat to Tiffany’s unique insights on how backend mastery, tech-savvy tools, and...
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Is your brokerage truly giving you freedom, flexibility, and financial growth? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes with Kimberly L. Waterhouse, Veteran USMC. Kimberly shares how her journey from the United States Marine Corps to Jacksonville real estate has been a masterclass in reinvention. With a rich background in media, marketing, and business leadership, Kimberly brings more than just property expertise—she brings people-first values, military grit, and a deep understanding of Jacksonville’s evolving communities. Kimberly dives deep into...
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Is your brokerage truly giving you freedom, flexibility, and financial growth? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes dives into the dynamic world of REAL Brokerage with guests Gigi Urbanski and Mike Rolewicz. Together, they explore how REAL is disrupting the traditional brokerage model by focusing on scalable support, tech-driven efficiency, and multiple income streams. From streamlined operations to a thriving agent community, REAL positions itself not as a destination, but a vehicle to entrepreneurial success. The conversation uncovers how REAL's powerful...
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What drives a couple to leave corporate careers to transform real estate for their community? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes interviews Jessica Mendez and Joel Gonzalez, the dynamic duo behind the Real 4 Jax team with Rise Realty Advisors. Originally from Venezuela, Jessica and Joel share their inspiring journey from adapting to life in the U.S. to becoming one of the most trusted real estate teams serving Jacksonville’s Hispanic community. Their mission? To help families build generational wealth through homeownership, using a personalized and...
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Can you build a billion-dollar brokerage by saying “no” more than you say “yes”? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes Corey Hasting. Corey opened his first Engel & Völkers shop in Jacksonville Beach on April 30, 2018. Since then, Corey has opened 3 additional shops located in Amelia Island, the Beaches Town Center and St. Johns Florida. Since opening Corey has recruited over 80 top producing advisors who should sell more than $700,000,000 in volume and over 1500 transactions in 2021. Corey has been awarded countless awards since opening...
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In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Veronica Barba, an extraordinary real estate agent from ERA One Team Realty. From her humble beginnings in Moldova under Soviet rule to her thriving career in Jacksonville, Florida, Veronica shares an awe-inspiring story of resilience, adaptability, and passion. Having moved to the U.S. with limited English skills, Veronica turned her challenges into opportunities by embracing a client-focused approach that combines deep market knowledge, unyielding dedication, and authentic care.
Veronica was born in the Republic of Moldova at that time part of Soviet Union. At 18 started to work as a nurse at Oncological Institute then later decided to change the carrier and graduated from Technical University of Moldova with a bachelor degree in Interior Design, licensed engineer and Master Degree in Architecture and Construction. In 6 years, she was working as University Lecturer at Technical University of Moldova. 9 years ago, she moved directly to Jacksonville with less than 100 words in English, no family or friends in Jacksonville and now she’s 8 years of real estate journey. So far, her most successful year is 2024 with 45 closed homes.Enjoyed this episode? Share your thoughts on how empathy has played a role in your personal or professional life.
Highlights
00:01 - 04:03 Veronica Barba: Leading with the Heart
· Growing up in Moldova during Soviet control
· The challenges of limited freedoms and access to opportunities
· The dream of exploring life beyond Moldova’s borders
· Studying abroad in Romania as a life-changing milestone
· Family values and resilience in difficult societal conditions
04:04 - 21:04 Breaking into Real Estate: A Pivotal Encounter
· How a persistent mentor introduced her to real estate
· Overcoming doubts about her abilities in sales
· Navigating the complexities of real estate licensure
· The importance of finding purpose in her career choice
· Her first steps toward mastering the real estate profession
21:05 - 34:12 Mastering the Real Estate Business
· Learning the technical side of contracts and legalities
· Gaining deep market knowledge through research
· Finding creative solutions for first-time homebuyers
· Understanding the mortgage process to better assist clients
· Strategies for winning in competitive, multiple-offer situations
34:13 - 56:00 Heartfelt Stories: Making Dreams Come True
· Helping an 81-year-old buy his first home
· Going above and beyond to show the perfect property
· Building lifelong client relationships through care and trust
· Handling setbacks with determination and grace
· The rewarding moments that fuel her passion for real estate
56:01 - 01:20:04 Advice for Aspiring and Experienced Agents
· The importance of confidence, care, and authenticity
· Leveraging past client relationships for referrals
· How preparation and research create client trust
· Staying adaptable in fluctuating market conditions
· Continuous improvement as the cornerstone of success
Quotes:
"I may do this every day, but for them, it’s their first experience, and I have to be there for them." – Veronica Barba
"If you look at life like a puzzle, finding solutions becomes a fulfilling mission." – Veronica Barba
"Confidence and care—these are the foundations of building trust with clients." – Veronica Barba
To contact Veronica Barba, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-barba-07720573/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veronica_barba_realtor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeronicaBarbaRealtor/
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