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Flag Football and Final Offers: Balancing Game Days and Showings Like a Pro On any given Saturday, my car smells faintly of turf, sweat, and fast food fries—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Between the flags tangled in the backseat, water bottles rolling around under the seats, and a laptop open in the passenger chair, my car is both a mobile locker room and a real estate command center. This is the season of life I’m in: raising a flag football player while helping clients navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. Whether I’m watching my kid sprint down the field or negotiating a counteroffer in the parking lot, the game is always on—and I’m fully in it. Flag Football Taught Me to Hustle—and Be Present If you’ve ever been to a youth flag football game, you know it’s part chaos, part magic. Kids running in every direction, coaches shouting out plays, and parents doing their best to keep track of it all. It’s not unlike real estate: fast-moving, unpredictable, and full of moments that make all the stress worth it. Watching my child learn to pivot, listen, and lead on the field reminds me to do the same in business. Every game teaches resilience. Every showing teaches patience. And every phone call in between is a chance to connect, encourage, and get things done. Negotiation: On the Field and in the Office Whether it's convincing my quarterback-in-training to eat breakfast before the game or negotiating inspection repairs for a nervous buyer, it's all strategy. It’s reading people, anticipating moves, and keeping emotions in check. In both flag football and real estate, the best results come from preparation and communication. I might be huddling with my team in the kitchen at 7:00 a.m. and drawing up offer strategies with customers by 10:00 a.m.—same mindset, different field. My Car Is a Locker Room, an Office, and Sometimes a Sanctuary Let’s be honest: my car does it all. It's where I send quick emails, make deal-saving calls, debrief after practices, and scarf down lunch between showings. It’s also where I take a breath and remember why I do this. In the midst of all the movement, my car has become a symbol of balance—not because everything is perfect, but because it keeps moving forward. I used to chase the idea of “work-life balance” like it was something neat and organized. Now I know it’s more like organized chaos. And it works. For me, success isn’t about having a perfectly tidy schedule—it’s about being present where it counts. The Power of Priorities When my daughter looks up from the field and finds me on the sidelines (yes, sometimes answering a call with a clipboard in hand), I want her to know one thing: I show up. And I bring that same presence and dedication to my customers. The key? Knowing your priorities. I’ve had to get really clear about what matters most. That means saying yes to showing homes right after the final whistle blows. It means pausing a long negotiation call so I can help tie cleats or give a pre-game pep talk. It means knowing what can wait—and what can’t. Raising Winners at Home and at Work To me, “winning” isn’t just about trophies or closing gifts. It’s about raising confident kids and empowered customers. It’s about building trust, setting goals, and staying mentally tough even when things get messy. When I support my children in learning to lead, fail, try again, and celebrate the process, I’m reminded that real estate works the same way. Not every offer wins. Not every deal is smooth. But with the right mindset, both kids and customers come out stronger. Celebrating the Small Wins Sure, the big moments are fun—touchdowns and closings, new listings and new positions on the team—but it’s the small wins that keep me going. A “good job, Mom.” A customer saying “thank you, I feel seen.” A clean kitchen after a crazy week. These moments are easy to overlook, but they are everything. So, whether it’s a flag pulled on the field or a first-time homebuyer who finally feels confident, I celebrate. Because growth, success, and joy live in those in-between moments. If there’s one thing flag football has taught me as a REALTOR®, a mom, and a woman who runs on caffeine and heart—it’s this: we can do hard things, fast things, messy things... and still find meaning in all of it. Here’s to raising winners, writing offers from the bleachers, and knowing that showing up is the real victory. Let’s win—on and off the field! Rachael Martin, REALTOR® Mobile office queen. Flag football mom. Negotiator with a game plan. Let's Connect - Rachael@REMIRealty.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #RachaelMartinRealtor

Excited to Join the REMI Realty Family! Hi friends! I’m Peyton Bass , and I’m beyond excited to officially be part of the REMI Realty team! Joining REMI feels like more than just a career move — it feels like stepping into a space where I can live out my purpose. I’m deeply rooted in faith and believe in leading with kindness, compassion, and integrity in every area of my life. Real estate isn’t just about properties to me — it’s about people, and I feel truly called to serve them well. As someone who’s always been family-focused, I know that a house becomes a home when it’s filled with love, safety, and memories. That’s why I don’t take it lightly when someone invites me into their home journey. Whether you're searching for that perfect space, selling a meaningful chapter, or just beginning to dream, I'm here to walk alongside you every step of the way. And when I’m not working with customers, you’ll most likely find me hanging out with Timber — my sweet pup and sidekick. He keeps life fun and full of adventure (and yes, I’m totally obsessed with him). I’m so grateful to be part of a brokerage that values people and purpose as much as I do. Let’s chase your real estate dreams together — with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of faith. With gratitude, Peyton Bass, REALTOR® Peyton@REMIRealty.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #PeytonBassRealtor

From My Heart to Your Home: A Little About Me Hello, and thank you for taking a moment to get to know me. My name is Lee Botelho , and I’m incredibly excited to be stepping into this new chapter as a real estate agent. After nearly 30 years in the mental health field, helping people navigate some of life’s most meaningful (and often challenging) journeys, I’ve found myself drawn to a new way of supporting others—by helping them find home. For me, real estate isn’t just about property. It’s about people, goals, and creating spaces where lives unfold. Over the years, I’ve seen how deeply our surroundings impact our well-being. A home is where we dream, grow, and build our futures—and I feel truly honored to be part of that process with my customers. I live in beautiful Putnam County , a community I’m proud to call my own. Serving my neighbors here is more than just business—it’s personal. I bring the same care, empathy, and insight to real estate that I brought to every conversation in my previous career. I listen carefully, advocate strongly, and always aim to make my clients feel seen and supported. Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to downsize, or planning a big move, I’m here to walk beside you through every step. One of my favorite things in life is watching people achieve their goals—and I’d love to help you reach yours. Thank you again for welcoming me into this new role. I look forward to meeting you, hearing your story, and helping you find the perfect place to call home. Warmly,  Lee Botelho Your Neighbor & Real Estate Agent Lee Botelho, REALTOR® LeeBotelho@REMIRealty.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #LeeBotelhoRealtor

Military Mortgage Options: What Every Service Member Should Know For active-duty service members, veterans, and eligible military families, buying a home comes with unique benefits—especially when it comes to financing. I understand the challenges and sacrifices of military life, and I am here to help you navigate the home-buying process with confidence. Whether you’re PCS-ing across the country or settling down after retirement, here’s a guide to the top military mortgage options available to you. 1. VA Home Loans: The Cornerstone of Military Mortgages The VA loan —backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs—is one of the most powerful mortgage options available to military buyers. Here’s why it stands out: No down payment required (in most cases) No private mortgage insurance (PMI) Competitive interest rates Lenient credit requirements Limited closing costs Who’s Eligible? VA loans are available to: Active-duty service members (after 90 days of continuous service) Veterans with qualifying service National Guard and Reserve members (with sufficient service) Certain surviving spouses You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to apply, but a VA-savvy lender can usually help you obtain it quickly. 2. VA Jumbo Loans for High-Cost Areas If you’re buying in a high-cost area or seeking a more expensive home, a VA Jumbo Loan might be the right fit. These allow eligible buyers to finance homes above the standard VA loan limit without a large down payment. The process is similar to a standard VA loan, though some lenders may require a higher credit score or additional documentation. 3. Military Housing Assistance Programs There are also various nonprofit and government-backed programs designed to assist military homebuyers: State-specific veteran housing benefits (some states offer additional tax exemptions or down payment assistance) Military Housing Assistance Fund (MHAF) – helps cover closing costs for eligible buyers Homes for Heroes – provides savings and rebates for military personnel buying or selling a home Check with me to see which programs may be available in your area. 4. Tips for a Smooth Military Home Purchase Work with a professional – Agents, like myself, understand PCS timelines and VA loan intricacies. Get pre-approved early – This helps you move quickly in a competitive market. I can help with this by connecting you with a few of our preferred lenders. Understand your entitlements – Some buyers can reuse their VA loan benefit or have multiple VA loans under certain conditions. Be ready for PCS flexibility – Look into options that allow you to rent or refinance if you’re reassigned. Buying a home as a service member or veteran doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when you have the right agent on your side. I proudly support my military customers and work with trusted lenders to ensure a smooth, affordable path to homeownership. Ready to explore your military mortgage options? Contact me today to connect with a VA loan expert and start your home search with confidence. Lee Botelho, REALTOR®  LeeBotelho@REMIRealty.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #LeeBotelhoRealtor

Get to Know Your Agent: More Than Just a Friendly Face When it comes to choosing a real estate agent, it’s not just about market knowledge or negotiation skills—it’s also about connection, trust, and knowing the person who’s guiding you through one of life’s biggest decisions. So, let me take a moment to share a little more about myself, beyond the listings and open houses. A Bit About Me… I’m a proud mom of two wonderful children (2 years old and 2 months old) who keep life full of laughter, energy, and the occasional mess of Legos underfoot. Our home is lively—we share it with a sweet Great Dane and four curious kitties. Growing up with animals in Austria, I’ve always felt that a house truly becomes a home when it's filled with furry friends. Speaking of Austria, that’s where I’m originally from, and yes, German is my native language. I love bringing a bit of my heritage into everything I do, whether it’s baking something traditional or sharing stories of my alpine upbringing. My dad is an architect in Austria, which gave me an early appreciation for beautiful spaces and thoughtful design—something that naturally flows into my work in real estate. When I was young, he would take me to work with him and I would sit off to the side and build my dream home! My path to real estate wasn’t a straight one. Before this, I worked in healthcare, and even before that, I worked with children. Helping people has always been at the core of what I do, and I bring that same compassion and patience to every client interaction. Life as a military spouse has brought its own unique experiences and insights—my husband proudly serves in the military, and we understand the challenges (and strengths) of moving, relocating, and building new roots. Why It Matters These aren’t just fun facts—they’re part of what shapes how I approach my work. Whether it’s finding the perfect pet-friendly home, understanding the needs of a growing family, or navigating the complexities of a relocation, I bring real-life experience, empathy, and dedication to the table. I believe that every customer deserves not only a knowledgeable agent but also someone who listens, cares, and truly gets what home means to them. Let’s find your perfect place—together. 🏡 Linda Taylor, REALTOR® LindaTaylor@REMIRealty.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #LindaTaylorRealtor

Get to Know Your Agent: Lisa Bain Hi there! I’m so glad you stopped by. Whether you're here looking to buy your dream home, sell your current one, or just browsing, I thought I’d take a moment to introduce myself—not just as your real estate agent, but as a real person who has recently taken a major leap of faith and reinvented her life. A Sagittarian Soul on a Journey Born in December under the ever-adventurous Sagittarius sign, I’ve always had a fire for creativity, connection, and chasing new experiences. After more than 35 years as a graphic designer, I took a bold step in 2024: I earned my real estate license, said goodbye to my 9-5 life, and dove headfirst into a brand-new chapter. From City Lights to Country Nights After living in the city for 17 years, I made another major move—literally! I sold my longtime home, packed up, and relocated to Macclenny, where I now live with my wonderful boyfriend. Let’s just say this city girl is learning the ropes of country living... and loving it more than I expected. Planting Roots—Literally Six years ago, I found peace and passion in gardening. Getting my hands in the dirt has become a powerful way to connect with nature and ground myself through all of life’s changes. From flowers to vegetables, there’s just something magical about watching something grow because you cared for it. Family First, Always I’m a proud mom of two amazing daughters—Julia (26), a stay-at-home mom, and Olivia (19), a thriving student at the University of Florida. And if that weren’t enough to fill my heart, I’m also “Grandma” to Kensley (6) and Dominick (1)—both born on December 12th (how’s that for a cosmic coincidence?!). Flipping the Script… and Some Homes! Along with diving into real estate, I’ve also embarked on a new business adventure: house flipping! My boyfriend and I bought our first investment property in December, and we’ve been all in—hammer, paintbrush, and vision board in hand. But for us, this is more than just business. It’s a creative outlet, a passion project, and a way to breathe new life into homes that have seen better days. That’s why we launched Second Chances of N. FL LLC. Our mission is rooted in transformation—giving not only homes a second chance, but also the families connected to them. We aim to help one family move on to their next chapter while preparing the space with care and intention for the next family to create beautiful memories. Unlike flippers who just cover up the flaws, we believe in fixing things the right way—addressing root problems and making thoughtful improvements that will last. Every nail, every coat of paint, every design decision is made with love and longevity in mind. At the heart of it all is my love for “second chances”—and that love is poured into every home we touch, so the next family can feel it the moment they walk through the door. Reinvention is the New Routine 2024 has been the year of reinvention—and honestly, I’ve never felt more aligned with who I am becoming. Real estate isn’t just a career change for me—it’s a calling. Helping people find their home, invest in their future, or move forward is something I’m deeply passionate about. So whether you’re looking for a savvy agent, a little inspiration, or just someone who knows what it means to start over—you’re in the right place. I’d love to connect, share a coffee (or garden tips!), and help you plant the seeds for your next chapter. Thanks for getting to know me — I can’t wait to get to know you. Lisa Bain, REALTOR® LisaBainRealtor@gmail.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #LisaBainRealtor

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