Margo Currie

About Me:

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.

Real Estate My Way...

I love this job! There's never a dull moment, but the current real estate market requires aggressive marketing and motivated sellers. Some of the innovative strategies I've used over the past few years include: distributing umbrellas to stores and restaurants during sudden downpours, beach toys to families, Christmas stockings filled with candy, CDs with photos of St. Augustine during College family weekends, artificial potted flowers at school bazaars, and beads on Fat Tuesday (Of course my contact info is always included). I also had Exit t-shirts made, promoting the excitement generated by the company.

During the 2008 election, my friend, Evelyn Torres, and I organized a photo op with Sens. Biden, McCain, Obama, and Gov. Palin. Tons of people showed up to have their pictures taken with the life-size cardboard cutouts of the candidates. We gave out patriotic pins, candy, flags, hats, our company listings, and campaign buttons saying, "Elect Exit Realty Experts as your St. Johns County Realtors." A very memorable biker showed up and took Sarah Palin out to his bike for a photograph. The afternoon was fun for everyone!

It helps me to show up at the office almost every day. This practice helps me to organize my work hours, work on lead generation, get my ads done, develop and grow friendships with other realtors, and in general, keep in touch. For some people, this may not be necessary, but it works for me. When the market was at its lowest, I upped my advertising dollars to be sure my listings and my name were out there. I held open houses and distributed the leftover information sheets around the neighborhoods. In other words, I did whatever it took to grow my business, and I'm starting to see the fruits of that labor. I'm not sure what the year will bring, but I'm going to be out there working.

My Background

Realtor - Exit 1 Stop Realty

Art Teacher 34.7 yrs - Beaver Area School District - Art Dept. Chair

M.S.Ed. - Educational Psychology, Edinboro University of PA (45 post Masters credits), B.S. Art Education, E.S.C.

PTA Scholarship Honoree (teacher awards) - Vanport School and Ft. McIntosh School

Outstanding Young Women in America

Throughout my life, I've had the privilege of taking part in a wide variety of organizations, groups, commitees, etc. Some of the highlights have been:

Big Brothers and Sisters, Ordained Elder Presbyterian Church, Worship Committee Chair, Bible School Crafts Teacher, Adult Sunday School Leader, Adult Christian Ed. Committee, Cheerleading Sponsor, Class Sponsor, NHS Selection Committee, Chemical People, Lil Trojans Dance Team Sponsor, Center Area Residents Extend Care Board Member, Parent Chair H.S. Musical Lobby Decorating Committee, Road Rally Parent Volunteer, Alpha Gamma Delta, Charlotte's Run (Huntington's Disease) Volunteer, NEA, PSEA, PSEA Leadership Training School, BAEA, (Nominating Committee, Newsletter Editor, Social Chairman), WCR