One of the most remarkable things about the world of real estate is how it draws people from extremely different backgrounds and areas of expertise. Individuals who didn’t originally plan on getting into the field often become some of the most successful agents. 

Carolyn M. Maimone is a perfect example. The broker associate with Fierce Realty was recently recognized as 2024 REALTOR® of the Year by the REALTORS® Association of Lake and Sumter Counties (RALSC).

Just to be nominated is an honor, but being chosen as REALTOR®   of the Year adds gravitas to the winner’s resumé. The recipient is chosen by a panel and the award announced at the RALSC annual awards gala in January.

“It’s an honor celebrated at the local, state and national levels within the REALTOR® community. Success breeds success and this accolade reflects a member’s hard work, passion and perseverance,” says RALSC CEO Steve McDonald.

“This prestigious honor recognizes Carolyn’s dedication, professionalism and passion for serving clients and colleagues alike. This recognition is well-deserved, and I celebrate her remarkable achievements,” he adds.

Carolyn has consistently been one of the area’s top producers since becoming a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Club in 2016. She was also voted 2024 Best of the Best REALTOR® by Lake and Sumter Style readers.

Carolyn holds the following designations: GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute); ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative); SRS (Seller Representative Specialist); AHWD (At Home with Diversity); C2Ex (Commitment to Excellence); and CMLx (Certified Multiple Listing Executive).

Home grown

Carolyn has called Lake County home her entire life and lives in Eustis. She’s certainly made her mark in real estate, but she didn’t start out dreaming of that career.

She studied graphic design at Lake-Sumter State College after graduating from Eustis High School and found a job as a graphic designer but soon switched her focus to accounting. Carolyn spent the next two decades working in accounting and information technology as a software programmer, database administrator, software troubleshooter and IT manager.

After 22 years, she realized that if she was going to work such long hours, she might as well do it for herself, so in 2007, she opened her own business doing bookkeeping and web design for small local businesses.

Her business had been up and running for a year when her mom, Loretta Maimone, proposed a new direction for her skills. 

“In 2008, she hired me to be the office manager of her real estate firm,” recalls Carolyn.

That was her introduction to the world of real estate. In short time, she realized it only made sense to get her own license so she could help show properties. When Loretta closed her brokerage, Carolyn went out on her own as a REALTOR®. 

From 2012 to 2015, she took a job in another aspect of the housing world when she worked as CEO of the Home Builders Association of Lake-Sumter (HBA-LS).

As much as she enjoyed that position, Carolyn missed working in real estate and went back to it full time. She got her broker’s license in 2019, and she’s worked with Sean DeCoster of Fierce Realty ever since. Her office is in Eustis and serves Lake and Sumter counties, while the home office is located in Kissimmee.

Carolyn found that her skills in the technology field transferred seamlessly to real estate when it came to marketing and promoting properties.

But the driving force behind her career as a REALTOR® has always been the opportunity to use her expertise to help others.

“I am a doer and a fixer, so it really jazzes me up to be able to find a house for somebody, answer their questions and help them find what they don’t even know they need,” she says. “Ninety percent of my business has been referral and people don’t refer you unless they’re happy with their experience with you.”

Carolyn has specialized in waterfront homes—and with good reason. It’s been an integral part of her own life.

“I’ve lived on the water a long time and boated on the Chain of Lakes since childhood,” she says. “When someone wants to live on the water, I can guide them to which lake and area is best for what they want to do. Whether you’re a fisherman, or just boating for entertaining or skiing, whatever your reason for wanting to live on the water, I can help you navigate to find that perfect lake for your lifestyle.”

Community involvement

Steve McDonald points out that the application for REALTOR® of the Year seeks to highlight nominees’ involvement at the local, state and national association levels, demonstrate their commitment to professional development and showcase their dedication to community service.

Carolyn believes that being active in her community is non-negotiable. She can’t imagine not being involved and giving back to the place she calls home.

She is a member of both the Eustis and Tavares Chambers of Commerce and served on the Tavares chamber board of directors. She served 10 years on the Board of Trustees for the Lake County Water Authority, which was an elected position at that time. She serves on several non-profit boards, including the board of directors for the Lake County Museum of Art.

Carolyn volunteers regularly for the Amazing Race for Charity. She’s also volunteered with Leadership Lake County, New Vision for Independence, LEASH, Lake County Animal Services, and enjoys being a member of the Eustis Elks Club.

“I feel like when you give, you always get something back in return, I don’t do it for the accolades. I do it for the joy of volunteering,” says Carolyn, who recently organized her 40th high school reunion.

“I think giving back to your community is very important and there are so many ways you can do it,” she says. “Pick something you like to do and go volunteer. Getting out and meeting people is never a bad thing. When people know and trust you, they will want to do business with you.”

Practical advice

With her own success and years of experience, Carolyn has solid advice for anyone contemplating a career in real estate.

“Get a very good mentor,” she advises, adding that her first mentor was her mom. “You want to work side by side with someone who is successful and knows how to navigate all the craziness that is real estate. No two transactions are alike, even if you have the same customers, each time will be different.”

She also urges anyone getting into the field to take advantage of the many educational, mentoring and networking opportunities at their local REALTORS® Association.

“Get on a committee or get involved in some way; it’s invaluable,” she suggests. “I’ve always felt you should get involved and donate some of your time to whatever industry in which you work.”

Carolyn takes her own advice to heart. She served on the board of RALSC for six years and was president of the association in 2023. She has served on and chaired the Public Policy Committee for over 10 years, as well as serving on the Finance and Grievance Committee several times. She also serves on the Stellar MLS board of directors.

Moving forward

Times have certainly changed since Carolyn first dipped her toes into the world of real estate.

“When I got my license, it was short sales and foreclosures,” she remembers. “Then we moved into the boom market and now we’re where the market is leveling off to normal. Interest rates are still an issue for some people. If they come down a couple points, I predict the market will probably start going crazy again.”

Carolyn is a widow now. Her late husband, David Hatmaker, a local home inspector who was well known and loved in the community, passed in October 2022.

This year she entered into a new chapter of life when she was hired as Chief Deputy for the Lake County Property Appraiser.

“With all the experience I have with IT, accounting, leadership, politics and networking, plus having lived here all my life, it’s a perfect fit,” she says.

Her peers in the local real estate world wish Carolyn success in her new role but would consider it a blessing should she ever put on her REALTOR® hat again.

Photos: Nicole Hamel