Gifford finds a home at Sunbelt Realty
Velma Gifford’s island roots began 5 generations ago on Cayo Costa. Her father was in the Army, which meant the family traveled often, but they always came back to the island for the summer, she said. When Gifford was going into the 9th grade, her parents got a divorce, which brought her mother back to Pine Island full time, in fact, family is the reason Gifford said she ended up where she is.
“That’s where my family started and that’s where I feel comfortable. I feel like I know the culture and I heard a lot of really good things about Mike (Shevlin) and Sunbelt,” Gifford said.
After a career in the education industry that lasted 36 years, Gifford got her real estate license. It was her mother who insisted she meet Shevlin. Once she did, she said she immediately felt comfortable. It was then Gifford said she realized she had to learn both the business of real estate, and also how to market herself. Although she is very familiar with the island, as a real estate agent, she considers herself a newcomer.
“After being in education for 36 years, I wanted something that would be enjoyable — working with people — being outside. I think I made the right decision. I wanted to go into something that makes people happy and buying your first home or buying a new home makes people happy,” Gifford said.
Part of the reason Gifford loves her job, she said, is that she is able to be her own advocate for success, by creating her own schedule and hours. In meeting agents from Cape Coral and Fort Myers, Gifford has been able to see the various approaches taken. There’s no cookie cutter approach to this, she said. You just have to pick an approach that fits you.
“I think the most important thing about being on the island is understanding the culture. I think that’s what makes me a good agent,” Gifford said.
Contact Century 21 Sunbelt Realty at 239-283-1100.
To reach PAULETTE LeBLANC / pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com, please email