Shelley Nemethy has been a real estate agent with Davidson Realty for a little over three months. Before becoming a real estate agent, she was an elementary school teacher, an author, an account representative for The NED (Never Give Up/Encourage Others/Do Your Best) Show and was in pharmaceutical sales.
Why go into real estate?
Though Nemethy has worked in sales jobs, she wasn't passionate about what she was selling. She realized that she was passionate about homes and meeting new people. That led her to consider a career in real estate sales.
She said she has always loved decorating homes and getting into real estate was something she always wanted to do.
She had a friend that worked at Davidson Realty and she met them for coffee and they were very encouraging. "Then I met with Sherry Davidson, the broker for Davidson Realty, and that was it. I decided to take the plunge."
How does she like it?
"I love it and wished I had done this long ago. I know this is exactly where I am supposed to be at this point in my life."
Moved to St. Augustine?
Nemethy's husband's job was relocated from Orlando to St. Augustine eight years ago.
Wrote a book?
Nemethy said writing the book, "Decorating Your Life in Christ," was a complete surprise to her. She had moved to St. Augustine and found herself alone with all of her support system gone. She was alone most of the day with husband at work and kids at school and the thought of starting a new life in a new area was quite daunting.
It all started with her decorating her new home and allowing Christ to navigate the process. She opened up that first can of green paint and she recalled a Bible study by author Beth Moore that said sometimes the place you expect to find Jesus the least is where you find him the most.
In that can of green paint, she was reminded that she and Jesus were going to get through this difficult time in her life together. She could feel Jesus invading her life and space and realized that is what happens when you become a Christian. "Everything changes and you become decorated in Christ."
After she was finished decorating her house, she realized the messages and strength she had received were not just for her, so she decided to write a book.
Since then, she has served as a guest speaker at conferences and retreats for various women's groups about her experience and it has become a ministry for her.
You can find "Decorating Your Life in Christ" on Amazon.com and in book stores.
How does her previous experience help in real estate?
Her previous experience in pharmaceutical sales and teaching taught her how to be confident and brave. She said she learned how important it is to build relationships and meet the needs of her customers. She is also very patient, organized and detail-oriented which has helped her in her new career.
Marketing?
She is focusing on marketing herself to her neighbors and people she has previously worked with. She has also taken to social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to market herself.
Area she covers?
St. Augustine, Palencia, World Golf Village and Jacksonville.
Best advice received?
Nemethy said to be patient and don't expect everything to happen right away. "It will take six months to a year to start making money and it takes time to build your business, so focus on that."
College
She has a bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Central Florida.
Something no knows about her?
She started running at 40 and just completed her first half marathon last year.
Family
She is married to Timothy, a software sales associate at the AMCAD software company, and they have twin daughters..
- By Michele Gillis