From the outset she recognized the unique aspects and free-spirited nature of the area, and so associated herself with independent owned and operated firms like ONE Sotheby's International Realty that had the flexibility and imagination to meet the challenges of providing top-notch services for such a community and its consumers. The result of this personal business plan has consistently placed Irene among the top five producers in the county. Her marketing skills have put her services and her properties at the top of nearly everyone's list, and her talent for turning a phrase and bringing descriptions to vibrant life has taken print advertising to the level of art. Not one to take without giving back, Irene is generous with her community service. She provides the Council on Aging with pro-bono representation on a regular basis. From time to time she acts as Realtor for the City of St Augustine as well. She is also Secretary for the St Johns Housing Partnership. In addition, she pens the popular Downtown Neighbors column for the St Augustine Record. Irene has been chosen by her community Realtor of the Year three times, and her proudest achievement remains the O.E. Barnes Humanitarian Service Award presented by her peers. Irene has the distinct honor of being chosen ten times by the residents of St. Augustine as a “Five Star Real Estate Professional.” Respondents were asked to consider real estate agents they knew through personal experience and to evaluate them based on the following criteria: Customer service, direct and honest communication, finding the "perfect" home, integrity, effective negotiation skills, marketing efforts, industry and market knowledge, dedication and overall satisfaction. These are, in fact, the suite of skills that Irene has become widely known for commanding. The daughter of a former ballerina with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and of a journalist with El Dia in Mexico City, Irene has spent much of her life immersed in music, dance, poetry and prose. Married to a musician and songwriter, she also acts as his agent and creative muse.
