My Resume

Embracing a fresh start, we trusted the signs life placed on our path and took a leap of faith. We didn’t always know where we were headed, but we were confident that we could build a beautiful life together as long as we had each other. 

 

Back in 2000, my husband and I made a bold decision to leave Key West and start a new life in Gainesville. At the time, our daughter, Emily, was just 1. My husband worked in law enforcement, and I was a nurse. Aside from attending college in Miami, I had only ever known island life. Hurricanes proved to be the final determining factor in our decision to leave. In our respective lines of work, every hurricane required us to serve our community, leaving our daughter with our parents. Not being together through those scary times planted the seed for us to move. 

We embarked on a vacation, and it was during this time that my husband, who collected police patches, stopped by a police station in Gainesville to add to his collection. Little did we know that this impromptu visit would change our lives forever. He walked out an hour later, telling me that he had been offered a job. It was unexpected, but we saw it as a sign that it was time for a fresh start.

 

My husband made a deal with me: if I could find a job within a day, we would make the move. I walked into a hospital and asked if they were hiring. To my surprise, I got hired on the spot. What were the chances we would both find jobs in a town we loved? We took it as a sign and decided this was where our family was going to grow and create new roots. It was a whirlwind, but it was the beginning of a new chapter for us. 

 

We had our second daughter, Olivia, and found a true sense of home here. I worked as a labor and delivery nurse for years, but a back injury made me question my future. Being no stranger to new beginnings, I started exploring real estate. Truthfully, I knew nothing about the industry. But with determination and a year of learning and studying, I balanced both careers, working tirelessly for seven years before finally becoming a full-time REALTOR®.

No matter what has been going on in our lives, one constant remained – we are devoted parents to our two incredible daughters, Emily and Olivia. The love and dedication my husband and I poured into raising them has been a cornerstone of our lives.

 

From the moment they came into this world, we made a pact. We never sent them to daycare. Instead, we arranged our schedules so that one of us was always there with them, whether it was attending field trips or cheering them on during their traveling competitive sports. Our unwavering commitment often led us to rarely see one another, but we were willing to make that sacrifice for their benefit.

 

We pursued their dreams, supporting them every step of the way. And to our utmost joy, our efforts paid off when both of them secured scholarships for their respective sports. My older daughter, Emily, followed in my footsteps and ventured into nursing and is starting her career in Key West, just as I did. My younger daughter, Olivia, is an artist blessed with an extraordinary talent for mural painting. 

 While most of our lives have been defined by our commitment to care for our children, we have come to love our newfound freedom as my husband and I enjoy life as empty nesters. After retiring from the Police Force in 2022, my husband bought a custom closet franchise, giving us more time together. Embrace the change has been amazing! We love to go boating, dance and spend time with our girls. 
 
For five years, I built my real estate company to emulate my core beliefs that real estate should be conducted with honesty, care and integrity. I ran my company successfully before merging with Keller Williams, providing my team with even more resources and support to better serve our clients. We have also expanded our reach, now serving the Greater Central Florida area! It has been a dream come true to offer people a service I am truly proud of! 
 
When I could no longer continue in nursing, I found solace in helping people through one of their biggest life investments. I have a specialty in working with individuals in the service industry, particularly nurses, police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and military personnel. It is my goal to alleviate stress from the transaction, so you can prioritize the things that truly matter! I thrive on accomplishing tasks that others may consider impossible. I strongly believe that with effective communication and collaboration, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve success together. When the transaction is over, I will continue to serve as your REALTOR® for life, here for every chapter of your journey!

 

Sincerely, 
  
 
 
Tina Yakel 
Broker-Associate | LIC# BK3516543 
Cell 352-213-1084 
TinaYakelRealtor@gmail.com 
www.TYHomesforSale.com