Jan. 23, 2026

Balancing Family, Investing & Real Estate the Right Way - Rachel Hanes

Balancing Family, Investing & Real Estate the Right Way - Rachel Hanes

What if the people who doubted your dreams actually helped fuel your success?

In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with powerhouse realtor Rachel Hanes, a former educator turned top-producing real estate agent in Northeast Florida. Rachel shares her inspiring journey from a young mom with no laptop to a referral-based business owner dominating the Jacksonville market. She dives into her early struggles, how a Craigslist ad and a leap of faith kickstarted her career, and how surrounding herself with the right mentors helped her build a thriving, integrity-driven business.

Rachel emphasizes the power of authenticity, consistency, and community—not just with clients but among fellow agents. She discusses the value of collaboration over competition, how she transitioned into investment and Airbnb properties, and why building relationships is her #1 marketing strategy. This episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and actionable advice for any agent ready to elevate their game.

Inspired by Sarah's success? Start building real relationships today. Share this episode with a fellow agent, leave a review, and connect with Sarah online to see her strategies in action!

Loved Rachel’s journey? Subscribe to the Real Estate Excellence Podcast and share this episode with an agent who needs that extra push to believe in themselves!

 

Highlights:

00:00 - 09:49 Roots and Rejection

  • From violin teacher to real estate rookie
  • Starting with no laptop and a Craigslist ad
  • Juggling motherhood and ambition
  • Turning naysayers into fuel
  • Building belief through consistency

09:50 - 17:54 Building Trust Through Referrals

  • Authentic connection over forced follow-ups
  • Repeat clients and word-of-mouth success
  • Why integrity beats sales tactics
  • Staying top of mind without being pushy
  • Letting results speak louder than promotions

17:55 - 26:05 Handling Ego and Emotions in Deals

  • The danger of combative agents
  • Emotional intelligence during negotiation
  • Protecting clients through calm professionalism
  • Collaboration over confrontation
  • How ego can cost your client the deal

26:06 - 33:59 Finding the Right Brokerage and Community

  • The value of a supportive broker
  • Learning through shared agent experience
  • Group texts and collaborative growth
  • Why culture trumps commission splits
  • Being in business for yourself, not by yourself

34:00 - 41:59 Investing and 1031 Exchanges

  • Working with fiduciaries and trusts
  • Breaking down 1031 exchange strategies
  • Understanding tax-deferred reinvestments
  • Handling multi-heir trust properties
  • How education expands your client base

42:00 – 01:20:53 Airbnb and Short Term Rental Strategy

  • What new investors often overlook
  • Management companies vs DIY
  • The truth about ROI and maintenance
  • How to create a standout Airbnb listing
  • Regulations, reviews, and real risk

 

Quotes:

“You don’t always get immediate kudos for your decisions—it takes consistency for people to see your vision.” – Rachel Hanes

“I want people to feel that if they’re coming to me with business, it’s going to be handled with integrity.” – Rachel Hanes

“You're not being productive when you let ego take over a negotiation.” – Rachel Hanes

“Being collaborative in your professional life bleeds over to your personal life.” – Rachel Hanes

 

To contact Rachel Hanes, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her on her Website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

 

Connect with Rachel Hanes!

Website: https://hamiltonhousegroup.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelhanesrealtor/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-hanes-8337a2131/

 

Connect with me!
Website:
toprealtorjacksonville.com  

Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com 

 

SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best.

 

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Are you ready to take your real estate game to the next level? Look no further than Real Estate Excellence - the ultimate podcast for real estate professionals. From top agents and loan officers, to expert home inspectors and more, we bring you the best of the best in the industry. Tune in and gain valuable insights, tips, and tricks from industry leaders as they share their own trials and triumphs. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, a homebuyer or seller, or simply interested in the real estate industry, Real Estate Excellence has something for you. Join us and discover how to become a true expert in the field.

The content in these videos and posts are for informational and educational purposes only. The information contained in the posted content represents the views and opinions of the original creators and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Townebank Mortgage NMLS: #512138.