We’re proud of the team of agents we’ve assembled here at Nest Realty. We think they’re pretty awesome, and we think you will too. During our “Meet the Agent” series, we sit down with our agents to learn more about them, what makes them tick, and why they’re passionate about the real estate industry. In this installment, we chat with agent Alicia Devereaux, a Broker with Nest Realty in Carolina Beach, North Carolina.
Nest Realty: Tell us a bit about yourself! What brought you to the area?
Alicia Devereaux: I was born in Kansas, and have lived in California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and North Carolina. So, moving and real estate has always been a part of my life. In 2001, my husband and I were living in Burlington, Vermont, and met a great guy at our marina who owned an environmental testing laboratory in Wilmington. He was in the process of building a new facility, and asked my husband if he would be interested in fitting out the lab, then offered to put us up in a beach rental in Wrightsville Beach for the duration (eight months). An offer to stay on the beach and get away from Vermont’s long winter was a no-brainer. Once we were here, we fell in love with the area, and I started looking around for a beach place to purchase for us to “snowbird” to. That is how we discovered Kure Beach, and the rest, as they say, is history.
NR: How did you get into real estate?
AD: Once we had moved into our new place in Kure Beach, I started taking long runs in the area. I would run along the beach one way, and then wander back through the neighborhoods on the way home. Along the way, I would pick up brochures from the boxes out in front of properties that were for sale. My husband would laugh, and say that he always knew my exact path home by “following” the brochures. Finally, he told me that I should just go and get my real estate license—which is what I did!
NR: What was your previous career? How has that prepared you for real estate?
AD: I have had several previous careers. Prior to becoming a real estate Broker in 2004, I worked in the field of clinical psychology, helping children with special needs. I also worked as a wedding photographer for 13 years on the weekends. At the time of our move to NC, I was an editor. My experience in all of these fields taught me the value of communication and really listening to people’s needs. It also honed my skills at being very detail oriented.
NR: What led you to Nest Realty, as opposed to another brokerage?
AD: Nest’s client-centered approach aligns perfectly with my business philosophy, and we also share the same work ethic, sense of community, and business values. Nest takes a progressive stance on providing their agents with the very best in terms of tools, technology, marketing, and support, so that I can focus on what’s most important—my clients! And I’m particularly impressed with Nest Realty’s team approach to doing business. From the agents to the staff to the leadership, everyone exemplifies the firm’s friendly and supportive culture.
NR: What is your favorite part of being an agent?
AD: Meeting so many different, wonderful people and having the chance to assist them through one of the most exciting (and stressful) experiences in their lives. Also, every day is new and full of challenges—you are never “watching the clock” as a Realtor!
NR: Do you have a specific area of expertise to offer clients?
AD: My specific areas of expertise are primary homes, second homes, and investment/vacation rentals. With a husband who was a custom home builder, I often go into a home and help clients visualize changes that can be made to update it and make it their own. I also have learned a lot about new-home construction, and enjoy working with clients (and builders) on that process as well. During the recession, I specialized in short sales, and completed 62! For a few years, I was known as the “short sale queen.” Not something that one aspires to, but being able to help sellers maneuver through the short-sale process and be there for them when they truly needed someone in their corner was important to me.
NR: What makes you different from other agents? What sets you apart?
AD: I try to always stay calm, and work through each and every situation that arises, many times thinking “outside the box” in order to find new and different approaches. Even after 17 years in the business, in almost every transaction there is usually a “didn’t see that coming” moment. Instead of letting it overwhelm my clients, I let them know that it is actually very common, and then we take a step back and figure out a way to approach it. I am also very big on making the process fun, getting the client involved and excited, and reducing the stress. Lastly, with my buyers, I make sure that we—as a team—find the perfect property together. If that takes days, weeks, or years, so be it. I will never push a client to buy or sell, unless they feel good about it.
NR: What are five adjectives that describe you?
AD: Personable, honest, conscientious, knowledgeable, and just a tad Type A.
NR: Who would be your dream client?
AD: Elvis. I would have loved to sell him Graceland. Thank you, thank you very much.
NR: If you had one piece of advice for a first-time home buyer, what would it be?
AD: Find a strong agent (perhaps from a referral or by meeting with and interviewing several) and choose one to work with whom you have confidence in and whom you feel comfortable with. Ask lots of questions—my motto is, “the only stupid question is one that you don’t ask.” Learn as much as you can, and ask your agent for referrals to other professionals with whom they have had good experiences and know will take good care of you (e.g., a loan officer). Follow your real estate agent’s advice. You have hired them because they are the professional with the knowledge and experience to guide you.
NR: What is your favorite season in Carolina Beach?
AD: I love the fall. The weather is still warm and enjoyable, but without the heat and humidity; the nights are crisp (perfect for evenings around a fire); and the early evening light is just magical.
Alicia Devereaux is an agent and Broker with Nest Realty Wilmington. She feels lucky to be able to combine two of her favorite things: her passion for real estate and the sheer enjoyment she gets from working with others to achieve their goals and dreams. To learn more about Alicia, visit her agent page.