REAL Exclusive Magazine

Judy Kepecz-Hays

Success is Earned

By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa

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Throughout the course of her storied real estate career, Judy Kepecz-Hays has worked with generations of clients, navigated extreme market changes, and triumphed over personal adversity. The challenges of change, she says, are part of what she loves about the industry. But what has remained steadfast is her impeccable approach to professionalism, and the dedication with which she represents her clients.

Born in Budapest, Judy relocated to the United States before her sixth birthday. Her parents, respected professionals who enjoyed a good quality of life in their native land, sacrificed the comforts of home in order to provide their children with the opportunities associated with the coveted American Dream. “They left behind family, friends, and their lifestyle,” says Judy. “All so that my siblings and I would have access to a better world.”

Early on, Judy learned the benefits of real estate. Her parents, she notes, “dabbled in real estate” in Chicago, where she was raised. She quips, “In Europe, they take land away from you. In America, they don’t.” That systemic shift allowed the family to cultivate financial growth, and planted seeds that would eventually flourish among the Kepez children.

Judy launched her career in Sarasota after she and her husband relocated from California. “The market was exploding, and we were able to sell our home for significantly more than what we had purchased it for,” she recalls. Florida had long been a vacation favorite for the duo, so they moved to Sarasota. After earning her license, Judy wasted no time in establishing herself as a top-producing agent within her office.

With a passion for water, Judy has found her niche in high-end properties throughout Sarasota and the Gulf Coast islands. “I’ve found that my knowledge of the area is particularly helpful to buyers looking at waterfront homes,” she remarks.

Her client-centric approach has earned Judy a thriving base of repeat and referral business. She’s diligent in her work, striving to consistently provide an exceptional experience that addresses each client’s unique needs. “I do my best to expedite answers, and to provide information and resources throughout the process.” Education, she adds, is an invaluable component of her business. “My clients know what’s happening throughout every step of a sale or purchase,” says Judy. “This allows them to feel confident in their decisions.”

A consummate professional, Judy revels in the variety and scope of her work. “There are challenges every day,” she muses. “From marketing, to handling contracts, negotiating to meeting with clients, I’m always involved in something different. And of course, I’m fortunate to work with great people who make things interesting!”

Her commitment to her clients has also kept Judy going through tough times. She reveals that though she battled cancer in 2014, she maintained a productive work schedule. “I didn’t let it stop me or get me,” she says proudly. “I remained positive and survived it, all the while taking care of my clients.”

Judy’s professional success grew exponentially when she teamed up with her brother Gabe Kepecz and her nephew Charles Buky. The trio’s luxury property expertise has allowed them to garner client accolades, along with a spot as one of the area’s top teams. Judy reports that the Kepecz-Hays Buky Team counts over $72 million in closed sales and over $81 million in closed and pending for 2015.

There’s a genuine sense of gratitude as Judy reflects on the course of her career. “I’m fortunate to be in a business I love, working with great people and enjoying so much that Sarasota has to offer,” she says. “I look forward to continuing to helping my clients achieve their goals.”

Judy Kepecz-Hays
(941) 587.1700
Kepecz@JudyHays.com
www.LongboatKeyLuxury.com
Coldwell Banker Previews
201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 1
Longboat Key, FL 34228

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