Lisa Menton, Co-Founder of The Menton & Ballou Real Estate Group

Lisa Menton is a Co-founder of the Menton and Ballou Real Estate Group and one of the most successful Real Estate Agents in Northern St. Johns. 

​
Why do you do what you do?
Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant transactions, both financially and emotionally, that a family will make.  I am so honored to offer my experience to ensure that process goes well from start to finish.  The opportunity to meet so many incredible people and to positively influence this important event makes me so grateful to be able to do what I do.

What is your background?
I spent 2 decades in the Financial Industry (Merrill Lynch) prior to becoming a realtor.  My experience servicing a wide variety of customers and clients, managing multiple operations organizations and mitigating risk translated seamlessly to Real Estate.  I apply the same client focus, operational and risk management disciplines one customer and transaction at a time.
 
Was there a certain experience that helped you become a Realtor?
This probably won’t be a surprise, but it was my own experience relocating to the area and buying a home that inspired me to be a Realtor.  My family relocated to Northeast Florida from Toronto and what a change that was!!!  The warm climate was not the only big transition in our lives as I was pregnant with our daughter Cahlie.  We toured over 20 homes in Duval and St. John’s county before making the decision to purchase a home in a new development (16 years ago!) called St. John’s Golf and Country Club (SJGCC).  As fate would have it, our next door neighbor, Bob Bullock was a site agent with SJGCC.  He was the one that encouraged me to obtain my Real Estate license.  Thanks Bob! 

All these years later, I still rely on my experience relocating to Northeast Florida as the basis for every customer I help.  I remember how overwhelming it can be.  Being there for my customers, whenever they need me remains a priority whether buying or selling a home.  They are not in this alone!  Finding or selling a home is a unique experience for each family and my team and I strive to deliver a personalized experience to find the right home or bring the right buyer for every customer.

What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most?
My team and I get to help families with one of the most important transactions they will ever make.  For some, it’s realizing the dream of becoming a home owner.  For others, it is helping them sell their home so they can move on to a new chapter in their lives.  To be part of that experience is such a privilege. 

I love the analytics we have at our disposal.   Leveraging that data, I can discuss with home sellers how the value of their home fits into the current real estate landscape.  I love the marketing we get to do for sellers.  Negotiations are always exciting and I enjoy combining my experience as well as the tools and influence of Watson Realty to give my clients the edge.  

Did you have a mentor?
I have had several pivotal people help me along the way, when I was new I had a business partner, Ruth Stigall, we worked together for a few years until she retired and moved north to be with family. One of my first Brokers, Mary Ann Bongiorno, was also instrumental in helping  me grow into my role as a Real Estate Agent. My Broker for several years, Mark Rosener, was always a great resource, he was recently promoted up to the Regional role and I now have a new Broker, Joe Saber, who is a seasoned veteran and whom I already feel will be a great ally as we continue to grow our team into all it can be. 

How has being a Realtor changed your life?
This job is incredibly challenging, when I take a moment and think back over my career in real estate so far, I am deeply grateful for the success I have found. In every way it is attributable to each customer I have met and helped. For all those customers who trusted in me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, we worked together and accomplished something! Whether selling or buying, each deal has its own nuances, its own twists and turns, its always exciting and very rewarding both financially and from a personal growth perspective.
​
I was here during the most difficult time to sell a house, the real estate market plummeted, short sales and foreclosures were prevalent. I have had the opportunity to help sellers/families steer themselves through challenging situations, coming out the otherside better, whether surviving a short sale or making money on the sale of a home. I have helped buyers get excellent value for home purchases, I have had the pleasure of seeing great profits made that, if not for the downturn in the market, people would never have been able to achieve. I can’t think of another job that would allow me this kind of opportunity.

What is the key ingredient for success?
Treat each customer as you would want to be treated, listen and know their needs, keep an eye on the landscape for innovative ways to sell homes, stay current with regard to inventory and buyer options.

What do you love about St. Johns?
St. Johns county continues to grow and evolve, offering so many options to different tastes. Whether it’s golf course communities, retail, restaurants, wa­ter parks, tennis courts, blue lagoons, quiet houses on quiet streets, the ocean…there is something for everyone here.  It’s where we have proudly called home for the past 16 years and hope to for many more!

For more information about Lisa please visit ​ https://mentonandballougroup.com/