Serving Those Who Serve: Tina Priest’s Leadership in Military Relocation Across Northeast Florida

At Real Estate Excellence, our mission is to highlight professionals who raise the standard of real estate in Northeast Florida. In markets like Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, and St. Johns County — where military relocation drives a significant portion of housing demand — experience matters.

This article uses insights from the full episode transcript at tracyhayespodcast.com/310.

Tina Priest brings something unique to the Northeast Florida real estate market: lived military experience combined with operational leadership.

As the spouse of a U.S. Navy veteran who served 21 years — 17 of those years alongside him during active-duty life — Tina understands PCS orders, deployment timelines, remote purchases, and the emotional transitions military families face.

That perspective changes how she serves her clients.

A Professional Foundation Built on Service

Before entering real estate, Tina earned her undergraduate degree from Kennesaw State University and completed her Master of Science in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas. Her background includes crisis management, nonprofit leadership, and operational oversight — all of which required structure, clarity, and calm decision-making under pressure.

Those skills translate directly into real estate.

As she shared during our conversation:

“I think they need to see a personal side of you and that they’re not a transaction.”

Military relocation is rarely simple. Buyers may be stationed in Japan, the South Pacific, San Diego, or Norfolk while purchasing a home in Jacksonville or St. Augustine. Zoom consultations, early morning calls across time zones, and buying sight unseen are often the norm.

Tina understands that dynamic because she has lived it.

Relational, Not Transactional

One of the defining themes of our episode was Tina’s commitment to relationships over volume.

“For me it’s just kind of the next person up… I try not to get too focused on the big numbers — but just the person that’s coming next behind that one.”

That mindset helped her exceed her goal of 18 homes and close 24 — but more importantly, it built long-term trust within the military community.

In a region like Northeast Florida, where NAS Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport bring constant inbound relocation, referrals travel fast. When a service member receives orders to Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, or St. Johns County, the first question is often:

“Who do you know there?”

Tina has positioned herself as that trusted answer.

Professionalism in Action

Here are three examples of how Tina separates herself in the Northeast Florida market:

Buying Sight Unseen
Tina worked with relocating buyers from San Diego who went under contract on new construction before ever stepping foot in Florida. Through structured Zoom consultations and consistent communication, the relationship was strong long before they met in person.

Answering the Phone
In a market where many agents ignore unknown calls, Tina answered her sign calls. Two of those conversations converted directly into closed transactions.

Simple consistency wins.

Staying Connected After Closing
Tina checks in with deployed service members. She remembers personal details. She follows up. She understands that deployment periods are isolating and that small gestures matter.

That’s how you build raving fans — not just past clients.

Local Expertise Across Northeast Florida

Military families relocating to the area often compare multiple submarkets:

Jacksonville for proximity to NAS JAX
Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach for coastal living
Ponte Vedra and Nocatee for master-planned communities
St. Johns County for top-rated schools
St. Augustine for historic charm and lifestyle

Each of these areas has unique pricing trends, HOA structures, CDD considerations, and commute realities.

Many military buyers also utilize VA loans, which allow eligible buyers to purchase with zero down payment and flexible guidelines. Understanding VA appraisal standards and contract timelines is essential in competitive markets like Jacksonville and St. Johns County.

Tina combines operational discipline with local knowledge — a powerful combination for relocation buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Military Relocation

Why is Jacksonville a strong military relocation market?
Jacksonville has one of the largest military populations in Florida, diverse housing options, and consistent inbound relocation demand.

Do military families often buy remotely?
Yes. Zoom consultations and strong local representation are critical for buyers purchasing from out of state or overseas.

Is St. Johns County popular with military buyers?
Yes. Many families prioritize schools, new construction options, and long-term property value.

Should military buyers work with an agent experienced with VA loans?
Absolutely. VA financing has unique requirements that require knowledgeable representation.

Built on Culture and Support

Another powerful statement from Tina during the episode:

“You’re not on an island alone.”

That reflects the culture she operates within — collaboration, accountability, and escalation when needed. In real estate, problems are inevitable. Professionalism is defined by how they’re handled.

In Northeast Florida’s military-driven market, that level of structure matters.

If you are relocating to Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Augustine, or anywhere in St. Johns County — especially under military orders — Tina Priest brings firsthand experience, operational leadership, and a relationship-driven approach to guide you confidently.

Connect with Tina Priest:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-priest-55430b44/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TinaPriest01
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hovergirltina/

Listen to the full episode:
https://www.tracyhayespodcast.com/310

Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateExcellence

Explore top agents in Jacksonville:
https://topjacksonvilleagents.com

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