At just 23 years old, REALTOR® Jonathan Spears is enjoying a level of career success agents twice his age would be thrilled to experience. But youthful achievement is nothing new for this driven entrepreneur. “I started college at 14 and received my degree in business and finance from Florida State University at 18,” Jonathan explains, classmates affectionately referred to him “Doogie Howser,”a reference to the iconic 90’s TV character, but the comparison was initially lost on him. “I was too young to know who that was,” he says with a laugh.
Now five years into his real estate career, Jonathan works along Northwest Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast in the Destin and 30A luxury home markers. “I was born and raised in the area and I’ve watched it grow exponentially,” he says. “That’s what really sparked my interest in real estate. With its white sand beaches and emerald green water, it’s a destination for those looking to enjoy or invest in luxury waterfront properties. Investors are part of my core market,” Jonathan explains. “With my background in finance I enjoy helping them build portfolios. It has allowed me to create a market niche, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to build trust with my investors; focusing on the long term.”
Jonathan take a relational approach to his business that includes making uncompromising dedication to his clients a priority. “I am always available 24/7 to meet their needs,” he says. “Whether it’s going over the details of their contract or sending a package from their second home to their primary residence, I’m happy to help with whatever they need form me.”
Strategic thinking is also central to Jonathan’s business. ” think of real estate as being essentially strategy and problem solving,” he explains. “It is imperative that I handle client communication and our transactional duties with diligence and care.” Jonathan focuses strongly on the listing side of the business and has a full-time assistant who is integral to dealing with buyers. This approach has allowed Jonathan to achieve $40M in sales year-to-date in 2015 and a combined volume of $65M in 2014-2015 year-to-date.
Understanding that buying or selling real estate can be an emotional process for everyone involved, Jonathan focuses on maintaining consistency, both with clients and in the office. “I’m a big believer in having a lot of positivity in the workplace and focus on cultivating that within our office culture.”
Clients who have worked with Jonathan often remark on his honesty, humility and genuine commitment to keeping their best interests first and foremost throughout the transaction. “Interacting with clients is definitely the most rewarding aspect of this career,” he says. “I have many clients who have become friends.” He also enjoys the entrepreneurial aspects of being a REALTOR®. “It’s challenging and requires me to stay on my toes,” he says. “I really hope I can encourage and inspire other young people to pursue real estate as a career. There is plenty of opportunity to go around.”
Going forward, Jonathan plans to continue growing his locally while utilizing the Sotheby’s International Realty brand – world-renowned for luxury sales – to tap into other markets, both nationally and internationally. He speaks fluent German and travels overseas regularly with his wife to visit her family in Germany. Jonathan is also passionate about new development as it relates to single family construction. “I want to continue to plug into that niche and use my knowledge to bring forth new projects in that area.”
When he’s not assisting clients, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his new mini Dachshund puppy, going kite boarding, and traveling to new and exciting destinations with his wife.
Article courtesy Top Agent Magazine Florida.
