Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Duke.
Hi Tina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a licensed real estate agent and this career is what I lovingly call my second act. My first act was over a decade spent working in public health as an epidemiologist. I have degrees from Spelman College and the University of Michigan.
The transition into my real estate career initially began three years ago when my husband and I decided to sell our home in the Chicago suburbs and return to South Florida. My experience selling my home wasn’t great. I knew that I wasn’t the only person who wanted more engagement, attention to detail, and education with such an important process. When we moved to Fort Lauderdale, I told my husband that I wanted to pursue real estate. For many people buying or selling property is the most expensive transaction they will ever make; my goal became giving them the best possible experience.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No, it has not always been smooth. There have been some challenges on this journey. Entering entrepreneurship and a new industry has a large learning curve. The pandemic proved to be the biggest hurdle for me so far. While the industry gained the great benefit of low-interest rates for buyers, I wrestled with limited opportunities for true face-to-face interactions and networking. During the past year, I have learned to innovate and have constantly attempted to find ways to engage with potential clients and professional connections.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a Realtor ®, my entire process is about customization. No two clients are alike, so I work to understand their unique needs and then tailor my strategies to meet those needs. I have lived all over the U.S. and even spent time living abroad, which has helped me gain a true pulse on diverse groups of people. South Florida attracts so many cultures, ethnicities, and budgets. My promise is that whether it’s a local first-time homebuyer or an overseas investor looking to expand their property portfolio, I provide top-notch service from start to finish.
I am extremely proud of the online community that I’ve cultivated. People can build a rapport with me and one another while easily accessing my online informational content. There is always room to grow whether you are buying your first home or your fifth home.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
My love affair with South Florida started 20 years ago when I started taking Miami vacations during college. I spent two years living here for the first time over a decade ago and one thing that rings true is that people want to live where they vacation. During the peak of the pandemic, we saw a lot of remote working and individuals as well large companies leaving places like New York for the sun of South Florida. Over the next several years, I see a continual migration to our area. People will keep coming from out of state and even out of the country to buy homes at every price point.
Contact Info:
- Email: tinatakesyouhome@gmail.com
- Website: www.tinatakesyouhome.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/tinatakesyouhome
- Facebook: facebook.com/tinatakesyouhome
Image Credits
Janelle C. Photography
