{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Real Estate 2026: How Buyers, Sellers & Agents Win in a Shifting Market","description":"Are you building a business that feels like you\u2014or one you think people expect to see? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes powerhouse agent Dori Nugent, whose bold pivot from a 20-year fitness career to real estate during the pandemic has quickly made her a standout in Northeast Florida. Dori shares how her deep roots in client service, leadership, and authentic human connection have been the key drivers of her rapid success, closing over 90 transactions in just a few years. From mastering social media with purpose to navigating the unique challenges of coastal real estate, Dori dives into the lessons she brought from the gym floor to the negotiation table. Her story proves that when you lead with heart, structure, and the desire to serve, you\u2019re already ahead of the game. If you\u2019re looking for more than just another real estate agent and want someone who truly gets your lifestyle dreams, connect with Dori Nugent or follow the podcast for more insider insights like this. Don\u2019t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with someone thinking about making a fearless career change or move to Florida!   Highlights: 00:00 - 10:55 From Gym Rat to Fitness Leader Dori\u2019s entry into fitness as a young mom Climbing from instructor to operations director Managing over 70 instructors Employee engagement lessons Her first taste of public speaking 10:56 - 20:40 Pivoting into Real Estate During a Pandemic Leaving a 20-year fitness career COVID\u2019s impact on the fitness world Competing for and winning the podcast host role Discovering a passion for connection and communication Why authenticity helped her stand out 20:41 - 31:25 Falling in Love with St. Augustine Visiting multiple beach towns Why Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach didn\u2019t work The lifestyle pull of Vilano and Anastasia Island Key factors in choosing a new home location The buyer\u2019s mindset when relocating 31:26 - 40:50 Beach Buyers, Rentals, and Smart Agent Choices Why hyper-local agent knowledge is essential Flood zones, short-term rental rules, HOAs Helping buyers visualize lifestyle, not just homes The real value of social media for agents Selling trust before sales volume 40:51 - 53:00 Navigating New Construction and Military Moves Unique strategies for working with military buyers The resale trap of early-phase new builds Realistic pricing for listings near builders How she sets expectations with sellers Understanding your real buyer 53:01 - 1:07:15 Service, Connection, and Standing Out Customer service mindset from fitness to real estate Personal touches that matter (coffee, snacks, notes) Reading people and rewarding them accordingly Social media vs real impact Using AI and staying future-focused 1:07:16 - 1:19:21 Books, Tools, and Staying Grounded Dori\u2019s top books for real estate mindset Unreasonable Hospitality, Endless Referrals, more Balancing authenticity with technology Staying top of mind without overspending Final thoughts and advice to new agents   Quotes: \u201cYou sell when you make people feel a certain way.\u201d \u2013 Dori Nugent \u201cAuthenticity builds trust. And trust is everything in real estate.\u201d \u2013 Dori Nugent \u201cEvery client wants to be rewarded differently; you have to pay attention.\u201d \u2013 Dori Nugent \u201cI'm trying to connect with that woman in Ohio sitting on her couch at 8 PM, dreaming of living by the beach.\u201d \u2013 Dori Nugent   To contact Dori Nugent, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her on her Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.   Connect with Dori Nugent! Website: https:\/\/dori-nugent.cbpphomes.com\/ Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/dorinuge\/ Facebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/dori.carenugent YouTube: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@DoriNugent LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dori-nugent-90b38747\/   Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com   Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com    SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best.   #RealEstateExcellence #DoriNugent #AuthenticBranding #FitnessToRealEstate #BeachLifeFlorida #StAugustineRealEstate #MilitaryRealtor #CoastalLiving #LifestyleSelling #RealtorTips #RealEstateJourney #WomenInRealEstate #NewConstructionTips #RealtorLife #HomeBuyingTips #RealEstateMarketing #CustomerExperience #RealEstateStrategy #AIInRealEstate #HyperLocalExpert ","author_name":"Real Estate Excellence","author_url":"https:\/\/www.tracyhayespodcast.com","html":"