Episode 53: Denise Bibeau Is Leading with Heart in Ocala FL Real Estate

In this episode of Between Two Doors, Nate Carver sits down with Denise Bibeau, a REALTOR® with RE/MAX AllStars and the 2026 President of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Florida. Denise’s story is one of steady growth: she moved to Ocala in 1995 for a retail management promotion, then later made a bold career pivot into real estate—earning Rookie of the Year in her first year and REALTOR® of the Year honors in 2023.

But what really stands out is how Denise defines “success.” Over and over, she comes back to service, community, and relationships—especially when clients are navigating major life transitions.

Watch the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/Y7K0NaGh8D4

Listen on Spotify and all your favorite podcast platforms: https://www.betweentwodoors.com/episode-53-denise-bibeau-is-leading-with-heart-in-ocala-real-estate/

From retail leadership to real estate momentum

Denise spent decades in retail management (including Circuit City and Cracker Barrel), where she built the habits that translate directly into real estate:

Learning fast
Working hard (nights/weekends included)
Putting people first
Building systems and networks that create repeat referrals

She also shares a truth most consumers don’t hear enough: the best agents aren’t just “good at contracts.” They’re strong at communication, expectations, and protecting your peace when the process gets stressful.

Why Ocala feels different

When Denise describes Ocala, it’s not the “Florida beach postcard.” It’s more like horse country + springs + hometown energy.

A few things that make Ocala/Marion County stand out:

Equestrian identity: Marion County is officially branded the “Horse Capital of the World®,” with deep roots in breeding, training, and competition. marionfl.org+1
World Equestrian Center: A major draw for visitors and residents alike, helping fuel events, tourism, and lifestyle appeal. World Equestrian Center+1
Silver Springs + crystal-clear water: The area is famous for springs and the historic glass-bottom boats that have been running for generations.
Downtown community feel: Ocala’s historic downtown square hosts walkable shopping, dining, and regular community events.

Denise also notes something many Florida buyers care about: Ocala is inland, so it can feel like a calmer alternative to the constant coastal weather anxiety—while still being a day-trip distance from beaches.

The “Silver Springs monkeys” story (yes, really)

If you’ve heard about monkeys in the springs… it’s not an urban legend. Silver Springs is known for a population of rhesus macaques originally introduced decades ago as a tourist attraction—and they’re still around today. (Denise’s warning is solid: admire from a distance.)

What buyers and sellers should expect in today’s shifting market

Denise gives practical, grounded advice—especially for sellers who still have “2021 expectations” in their heads.

Her biggest themes:

Pricing wins. Upgrades matter, but the market decides what it will pay.
Patience matters. Many homes simply don’t move in a weekend anymore.
New construction is real competition in many Ocala-area price points.
Interview agents. Denise encourages sellers to talk to multiple professionals and choose the one they truly trust.

If you’re buying, the flip side is encouraging: more balance can mean more negotiating room, better choices, and less frantic decision-making than the peak frenzy years.

Why leadership and networks matter to homeowners

One of the most valuable moments in the episode is when Denise explains what homeowners actually gain when their agent is active in leadership and professional networks like Women’s Council:

More training, more exposure, more competence under pressure
A wider referral network if you’re moving in/out of area
Stronger vendor relationships (lenders, title, inspections) that keep deals smoother
Better problem-solving because you’re not relying on one person’s experience

Florida’s Women’s Council network is also hosting its 2026 installation and education sessions in early January, and Denise’s goal is to grow membership and impact statewide. Tripadvisor

The moments that remind Denise why she does this

Denise lights up when she talks about first-time buyers—especially families who have been renting and finally get to say, “This is ours.”

And on the other end of the spectrum, she talks about walking with clients through grief, downsizing, and hard transitions. Her message is simple: real estate is about people, not transactions—and clients can feel the difference.

Follow and Contact Denise Bibeau

Website: https://deniseb.remax.com

Phone: 352-804-5661

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisebeebo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@denisebibeau7167

Women’s Council of REALTORS® Florida: https://wcrflorida.com/

About Between Two Doors

Between Two Doors is a podcast where I talk with Realtors and community influencers 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. I'm also a mortgage loan officer and when you or your sphere of influence is looking to buy, sell, or refinance a home I would honor that introduction.

Listen to more episodes at: https://www.betweentwodoors.com

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