Between Two Doors: A Conversation with Sandi Smith, Panama City Beach Realtor
Between Two Doors: A Conversation with Sandi Smith, Panama City Beach Realtor
Buying or selling a home in Panama City Beach, Florida, requires a skilled real estate professional who understands both the market and the needs of buyers and sellers. In this episode of Between Two Doors, I sat down with Sandi Smith, a dynamic Realtor who has made waves in the industry over the past three years. From a thriving career as a hairstylist to becoming a top 1% real estate agent in Panama City Beach, Sandi’s journey is both inspiring and insightful.
From Hairstylist to Realtor: Sandi’s Career Shift
Sandi’s transition into real estate began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having spent 20 years as a hairstylist in Georgia, she realized after a five-week shutdown that the physical demands of her career had taken a toll on her body. With a passion for design and a knack for recognizing home potential, real estate became a natural next step.
“We had bought and sold a few properties, and I was fascinated by the process. I loved visualizing what a space could become. When I saw the commission checks Realtors made, I thought, ‘That’s not bad money,’ not realizing at first how much goes into the business.”
Her business grew rapidly, and before she knew it, she had fully transitioned from hairstyling to real estate, embracing her new career with enthusiasm and dedication.
A Strong Focus on Buyers and Investment Properties
While Sandi represents both buyers and sellers, her focus in 2024 was about 60% buyers and 40% sellers. She thrives on helping buyers find the right property, whether it’s a primary residence, vacation home, or investment property.
“I love working with first-time investors because they’re eager to learn. Many think they know exactly what they want, but when we analyze their needs, they realize they may need to shift their perspective.”
Her expertise extends beyond traditional home purchases—she also specializes in condos and short-term rental properties, helping investors navigate the challenges and benefits of the Panama City Beach market.
Trends in the Panama City Beach Market
Sandi has observed that many new investors believe their rental properties will completely cover their mortgage, but with rising home prices and interest rates, that’s no longer always the case.
“Values nearly doubled in 2022, and while we’re seeing some normalization, the numbers don’t always align for 100% self-sufficiency. It’s really about education and helping buyers find the right investment that meets their goals.”
For cash buyers, the market still offers excellent opportunities, but financing investment properties requires strategic planning. Sandi excels in helping buyers evaluate different options and maximize their return on investment.
Marketing and Social Media Strategy
Sandi attributes much of her success to strategic social media marketing. Partnering with an exclusive marketing company, she generates around 50 leads per month, leveraging targeted ads and engaging content.
“I market properties aggressively and show results, which naturally attracts sellers. Buyers connect with me because of my authenticity—I’m down-to-earth, transparent, and I focus on working with people who share my personality and energy.”
Navigating the Condo Market
Condos are a significant part of the Panama City Beach market, but financing and regulations have become more challenging since the collapse of a Miami condo building in 2021. Florida now requires milestone inspections to ensure structural integrity, and this impacts many condo complexes.
“When working with condo buyers, the first thing I check is whether the complex has passed its milestone inspection. If not, buyers may face future special assessments, adding unexpected costs. It’s critical to help them evaluate a condo’s financial health before making a decision.”
Additionally, she highlights alternative options like townhomes with no HOA fees, which can offer greater flexibility for some buyers.
Life Outside of Real Estate
When she’s not selling homes, Sandi loves to travel. She and her family frequently visit St. Thomas and make the most of their timeshare points. “People say timeshares are a waste, but if you use them and don’t lose them, they’re worth it.”
She also embraces the Panama City Beach lifestyle, spending as much time as possible on the beach, soaking up the sun. “I moved here for a reason—I love the beach, and I want to be out there enjoying it.”
Work With Sandi
If you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in Panama City Beach, Sandi Smith is ready to help. Her expertise in condos, vacation rentals, and residential properties makes her an invaluable resource for anyone navigating the Florida market.
📞 Phone: 229-326-2998
Website: https://www.sandisellsthesouth.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SandiSmithsSuccess
Sandi prefers old-fashioned communication—just pick up the phone and call or text her to start your real estate journey.
About Between Two Doors
Between Two Doors is a podcast where I talk with Realtors about their journey, aiming to connect home buyers and sellers with agents on a more personal level. I ask "right brain" questions that go beyond transactions, focusing on the experiences, values, and passions that make these professionals great at what they do.
Listen to more episodes at: https://www.betweentwodoors.com
Sponsored by:
Success Mortgage Partners
https://www.natecarver.com
NMLS Numbers:
NMLS: 130562, LO NMLS: 2004738
Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI). Equal Housing Opportunity.
https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.com
📞 Contact: 972-807-5044
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