Top Real Estate Agent and Experienced Home Flipper: Mercedes St. George

How can the principles of teamwork and partnership in real estate investment mirror the collaborative dynamics of a flight crew, and what can this teach us about success in business?

Today, we delve into Mercedes St. George's unique career journey, bridging aviation and real estate. Her story begins with a childhood immersed in the aviation world, leading to a business aviation degree from Jacksonville University. Post-graduation, a serendipitous encounter shifted her trajectory towards real estate, joining Yellowbird, a prominent real estate investment firm.

Mercedes underscores the importance of partnerships in real estate, especially for beginners. She attributes her success in over 80 home flips to collaboration with experienced partners, highlighting how teamwork mitigates risks and maximizes learning. She shares valuable insights from her real estate ventures, emphasizing the significance of understanding property evaluation, renovation costs, and navigating complex deals.

Transitioning to Keller Williams Atlantic Partners further exemplified the power of leveraging a strong team and brand. Her experience at Keller Williams and the Flight Group honed her skills and provided a robust support system, echoing the collaborative essence of a flight crew in aviation.

Tune in and listen to a compelling narrative of how teamwork, mentorship, and the right partnerships can propel one's career in real estate to greater heights.

[00:00 - 19:02] Sky’s the Limit: Aspiring Pilot and Entrepreneur

Mercedes' interest in aviation was significantly influenced by her parents' careers in the aviation industry

Her aviation program at JU was incorporated within the school of business, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of both aviation and business

Mercedes was actively involved in aviation-related organizations

Post-graduation, Mercedes she from a focus on aviation to real estate, drawn by the opportunity to learn about property investment 

[19:03 - 46:58] Lessons in Partnerships and Smart Investments in Real Estate

Partnering with experienced individuals is a must in real estate flipping reduces risk and offers valuable learning experiences

Working with knowledgeable investors allows newbies to the real estate market to learn from others' mistakes and gain practical knowledge.

When evaluating a property for flipping, it's crucial to assess the potential costs of major repairs like roof, AC, plumbing, and electrical work

She stresses the importance of maintaining long-term relationships in the real estate business, rather than pursuing short-term gains at the expense of others

Investors can form partnerships where referrers receive a portion of the profit for bringing viable property leads

Inherited properties can involve complex family dynamics, such as disagreements among heirs, affecting the sales process

A key learning point in real estate flipping is the importance of adhering to efficient renovation time frames to optimize returns.

Investors often use hard money loans to finance property purchases and renovations, with terms varying based on the lender and the project

[48:59 - 01:03:32] Building a Real Estate Career and Training for Success

The support and sense of community at Keller Williams played a significant role in Mercedes' choice to join the brokerage

Confidence and knowledge in real estate are crucial, regardless of age, for successful transactions and client trust

The experience of handling numerous transactions at Yellowbird provided invaluable learning and confidence-building to Mercedes

Remaining open to learning throughout one's career in real estate is essential for continued growth and success

New agents should seek mentorship and guidance from experienced agents to learn practical aspects of the business

Mercedes discusses the Flight Group and its core expertise in real estate investment, particularly in flipping, which sets it apart from traditional real estate teams

The ability to handle different aspects of real estate, like flipping, rentals, and direct sales, offers a diversified and robust career path

Clean, attractive renovations, especially in kitchens and baths, coupled with competitive pricing, are essential for quick sales in real estate

[01:03:33 - 01:15:28] Staying Ahead in Today’s Market

Despite market shifts, maintaining consistent effort in networking, marketing, and sales tactics is crucial for sustained success in real estate

Turning off negative news and focusing on positive, productive activities in real estate can lead to continued business, despite external challenges

The ongoing demand in Northeast Florida, bolstered by a pro-business climate and regular inflow of people, ensures a steady real estate market

Quotes:

"We partner with people a lot on a lot of our flips. When you're initially getting into the business, that's the best way to do it because it's very low risk. You've got some people looking out behind your back. And you're probably partnering with people that have done it way more frequently.” – Mercedes St. George

"I'll tell you a real number of what I can purchase it for, I'll tell you what I'm going to put into the property, and I'll tell you what I'm going to sell it for down the line. I'm very open with people that I'm in this business to make money." – Mercedes St. George

“I think the biggest reason I had a lot of success is because I was seeing so many transactions go on. I was seeing so much churn and burn. I was exposed to all of it very, very early on.” – Mercedes St. George

“If you have no idea what to do, you need someone to kind of propped you into the position to know what to do.” – Mercedes St. George

To contact Mercedes St. George, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram and visit the Flight Group website.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090754166728 

https://www.instagram.com/mercedestgeorge/ 

https://flightgroupre.com/?fbclid=IwAR2kRhWHcZJQ5PJvzVjvKJsGIDhl9h5fzec2XBVl8-o_X24K8RAZJlEA22U 

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